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Celina senior Kaden Murlin, seated center, will attend Concordia University in Michigan and play football for the Cardinals. Seated with Kaden are his parents Shawn and Lori Murlin. Standing are Celina athletic director Derek Wenning, Celina head coach Brennen Bader and Concordia co-defensive coordinator Matt Strzalkowski.
CELINA - The process going into Kaden Murlin committing to Concordia University was full of twists and turns.
But the Celina senior made it official to play football for the NAIA program located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Murlin initially committed to the school several weeks ago, but when concerns arose that the school might close due to financial issues, Murlin and other recruits were forced to open their recruitment process.
"It was a stressful couple of weeks," said Murlin. "A long process over the whole thing.
"I had a bunch of schools reach out to me and offer, which I am truly blessed for."
Then last week, the school announced it would stay open through the 2025 school year, allowing Murlin to officially sign with the program.
"I was just happy everything went good for Concordia and I was able to re-commit to Concordia," he said. "I'm excited for my future there."
Murlin liked Concordia right from the start.
"The family atmosphere, the culture they have there. That really stuck out to me," said Murlin, who will major in special education. "When I went there, it felt like home."
The Cardinals play in the Mid-States Football Association's Mideast League, which also features powers Saint Francis in Fort Wayne and Siena Heights, where Kaden's brother Kole was an All-American linebacker for the Saints. Concordia went 7-3 last season and 4-3 in the Mideast League.
Murlin started at guard on offense and end on defense for the Bulldogs. This past season, Murlin earned WBL Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and was a first-team selection on both sides of the ball.
Concordia is looking to keep Murlin on defense, where he recorded 71 tackles, four sacks and 17 pressures this season.
"Growing up here in Celina on a farm has shown me hard work and how to not quit. That's what led to my senior year, leading the guys into that 'not quit' mentality and keep fighting," said Murlin. "That's what I'm going to take to the NAIA."
