It is not too often a brand-new football program can add a three-time conference champion and two-time regional champion at a skill position.

Luckily for the Calvin Knights, this happened after receiving a commitment from Reed City running back Zach Erickson. The senior standout announced his commitment to the program on February 29 via social media.

“I'm ready to get back on the field and get back to work playing the sport I love,” Erickson said. “I'm also ready to pursue my education and get a healthy job that I can rely on.”

Erickson rushed for over 660 yards last year with 12 touchdowns, including a 137-yard, four touchdown performance against Hart in the District title game. He received All-Pioneer and All-CSAA 1^st team honors this past season.

“It's been a pleasure to be a part of the team, city, and program growing up,” Erickson said. “Ever since flag football, it has been amazing being with the teammates and coaches I have had. I could not have asked for anymore.”

When asked what made him choose Calvin, Erickson said his visit made him feel at home.

“The location is super ideal and they were super welcoming. They are starting a new program, which is super exciting. Their chemistry is unique and the players were very welcoming to me.”

The three-sport athlete also competed on Reed City’s district runner-up basketball team but saw limited action due to rehab from a football injury. He also had his best season of baseball on the diamond this past spring.

“Football felt like my thing,” Erickson said. “I have always felt the most knowledge towards the sport, the most confident in the sport, and the most competitive in the sport. I am obviously competitive in all three but football is where I find it the most.”

Erickson will join Coach Trent Figg and the one-year-old Knight football program this fall for its inaugural season. Calvin will be competing against Oberlin College on Saturday, Sep. 7 for its first game in school history. The Knights will be a part of the MIAA conference, which includes fellow Michigan teams like Alma, Adrian, Olivet, Hope, Albion, and Kalamazoo College.

The standout tailback said he liked the small school feel and plans to study business at Calvin.

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*Graphic provided by Zach Erickson.