Dallas QB commits to UNT, intends to go on two-year mission

BY BRETT VITTO, Denton Record Chronicle, http://www.dentonrc.com/sports/mean-green/2018/02/01/dallas-area-qb-commits-unt-intends-go-two-year-mission

North Texas was the first school to offer Dallas Woodrow Wilson quarterback Cade Fennegan a scholarship before his senior season.

That gesture paid dividends for the Mean Green, who picked up a commitment from 6-2, dual-threat prospect Thursday.

Fennegan is a member of the Mormon church and plans to go on a two-year mission following high school graduation and join the Mean Green in 2020.

“That meant a lot to me,” Fennegan said of UNT being the first school to offer him a scholarship. “I wasn’t on anyone’s radar. They gave me a chance.”

Fennegan said that UNT’s coaches are aware of his plans to go on a mission and support his decision. He will not be a member of UNT’s 2018 recruiting class but will sign a letter stating his intentions to continue his career with the Mean Green.

Fennegan said his signing will be more of a ceremonial gesture. He is confident that spending two years away from football won’t derail his career.

“There is always the worry that I will lose some of my skill set, but I plan on throwing and working out while I’m on my mission,” Fennegan said.

Fennegan is listed as a two-star prospect by 247Sports. The service ranks him No. 70 on its list of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the class of 2018. Southern Mississippi, New Mexico State and several schools that compete on the Football Championship Subdivision level also offered Fennegan scholarships.

Fennegan said he has little doubt that UNT is the best fit for a number of reasons, including the comfort level he found with coach Seth Littrell and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell and the proximity of Denton to his home in Dallas.

“UNT is where my heart is,” said Fennegan, who recently took an unofficial visit to the school.

Fennegan broke the record for wins by a Wilson quarterback when he picked up his 23rd in the Wildcats’ victory over Dallas Bryan Adams late last season. The previous record of 22 was set by Kevin Rusk, who graduated in 2006.

Fennegan threw for more than 6,900 yards and 99 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 800 yards and 18 touchdowns over the course of his career.

Fennegan attended one of UNT’s junior days over the summer, where he was considered to be one of the top quarterbacks in attendance.

Fennegan would miss the 2018 and 2019 seasons while on his mission, if he sticks to his stated schedule, and join the Mean Green the season after [current UNT quaterback Mason Fine] graduates.