Dream come true for Fahning family

DeLaSalle offensive lineman Chad Fahning dreamed of putting on the maroon and gold one day. Fahning will watch that dream become a reality. The 2013 recruit tells GopherIllustrated.com more about a dream come true.

"I am accepting a walk on opportunity at the University of Minnesota," Fahning revealed. "All I can say is that I am more than excited to play football at the University of Minnesota. I believe it is a great fit and I can truly say I am proud to call myself a future Gopher. It's going to be a very special experience. Ski-U-Mah!"

The DeLaSalle offensive lineman informed the Gopher coaches of his decision on Thursday afternoon.

"They were very excited to hear it. I informed Coach Limegrover, and then received a call from Coach Kill sometime later," he added. "Coach Kill was happy to hear the news. He also said he was very happy for me. He knows how much I want to play for my home state and play for him. He quoted "living the dream" at one point and I agree with him."

Fahning talks about the factors that ultimately led to him choosing the maroon and gold.

"Minnesota's football program is on the right track. I see myself excelling under Coach Limegrover and Coach Kill. It's tough to turn down an opportunity to play in the Big Ten. I like that it's close to home and I'm kind of a city guy, while all the other schools I looked at are college towns. Academically, the U's political science program is globally ranked. The opportunity to play and eventually earn a scholarship is good. In the end, I couldn't see myself as anything other than a Gopher."

In 2012, Fahning lost is mother to a battle with cancer. Her dream was for her son to play football at the University of Minnesota. Chad explains what role that played in his decision to choose the Golden Gophers.

"It played a pretty large part. She always wanted me to be happy and pursue my dream. My dream since I was a kid has always been to be a Gopher. I remember listening to the Gophers on the radio on Saturday mornings in the car heading down to my mom's parents house and watching them on cold Minnesota fall days. I've always wanted to be a Gopher," Fahning said. "My mom always raised me to be competitive and earn what I get. I hope to earn a scholarship at the U now for her. What she did for me and what she taught me when she was alive is what pushes me everyday to get better and is what will push me when I am a Gopher."

Fahning will join the Gophers next year over offers from Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, South Dakota State, and others.