Bry Severe immediately noticed the familiarity.
A small farming town in Iowa which Severe said resembled many Idaho communities.
No need to glance at Northwestern College’s facilities. He said it felt like home.
Decision made.
Oakley’s do-it-all back Severe committed to NAIA powerhouse Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, Severe announced Saturday morning via X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Red Raiders reached the NAIA national championship three times since 2020 and won in 2022. They boast a 78-12 mark in the past seven seasons.
“I’ve gotta earn my way to playing time and it is going to be amazing,” Severe told the Times-News.
Severe said NWC offensive coordinator Josh Fakkema’s offense is identical to Oakley’s eight-man scheme and that it fits him well.
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“I think it is a testament to our program,” Oakley coach Brennan Jones told the Times-News.
Severe helped the Hornets to three straight 1A Division I state titles and grabbed First Team All-State honors as a running back and linebacker in 2023 as they finished runners-up to Butte County.
Forty-four Magic Valley athletes combined for 52 All-State football selections.
“I’m looking forward to the new scenery and my 150 teammates to which I will be spending time with,” he said. “Brand new family that is going to expect the best from me and I will continue to become better football-wise and as a person.”
Severe also claimed 2023 Snake River Conference MVP and finished with 1,438 yards and 21 touchdowns. He snagged three receiving scores and three kickoffs returned for touchdowns.
Oakley’s Brennan Jones claimed Coach of the Year, Valley’s Josh Hardy won Offensive Player of the Year and Murtaugh’s Oscar Aburto received Defensive Player of the Year.
“I believe that growing up in Oakley gave me the ability to be a good person as well as a good football player,” Severe said. “The football team expects excellence, and the coaches teach us to be great people on and off the field.”
He often wore opponents down with his bruising style of play, as he bounced off tackler after tackler toward the end zone.
“He is a rare blend of power and speed,” Jones said.
Severe earned double First Team All-Snake River Conference honors in 2021.
“They (Oakley coaches) have shaped much of my character through lessons they have taught,” Severe said. “They pushed me to get better everyday and that had brought me to where I am today.”