Sep. 12—GRAND FORKS — UND transfer wide receiver Wesley Eliodor couldn't help but repeating the same word earlier this week at the Fighting Hawks' weekly press conference when asked about his new offense.

"It's fun," Eliodor said. "I hate to keep repeating 'fun' but that's what it is."

After transferring to Grand Forks following five seasons at South Dakota, Eliodor broke out last Saturday in UND's 37-22 win over Northern Arizona. Eliodor caught three balls for 56 yards including a 45-yard touchdown pass.

"I can describe (the offense) in one word — fun," said Eliodor, whose team will play at Boise State on Saturday at 11 a.m.. "Coach (Danny) Freund's offense is fun and that's why I wanted to be here. He does a great job getting his playmakers the ball."

Through two games, Eliodor has six catches for 92 yards and the touchdown. The 6-foot, 210-pound Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native came to UND with a proven background. He had 30 catches for 482 yards and six touchdowns — including one in Grand Forks — in 2022.

"That's why he's here — to help us and be a factor and affect the game," UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. "He got involved in different ways — on a tunnel screen, then he got behind the defense. One thing we shared with the team today was he had a really good day blocking. We want our receivers to buy into that mentality here. You're not just here to catch balls."

Against NAU, Eliodor sealed the edge on a 24-yard Luke Skokna swing pass.

"When my opportunity arises to receive the ball, I want to make the most of my opportunity," Eliodor said. "The team winning is more important. If you need me not to get the ball as much but help us win, then I'm satisfied.

"Coach Freund preaches be patient. You only maybe get one (catch) this game and the next game you might get eight. You have to wait for your opportunity."

UND's offense ranks No. 1 in the country in total offense at 548.5 yards per game. The only other team averaging more than 500 yards is Howard with 505.5. UND ranks second nationally in yards per play at 8.25. Only Idaho's 8.28 yards per play is better this season. The Hawks are scoring 45.0 points per game, which is second only to New Hampshire's 46.5.

UND quarterback Tommy Schuster is 43-for-56 (76.79 percent completion) for 521 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

"I think I knew about Tommy in the 2020 spring season," Eliodor said. "You watch the Valley teams, and you see he's a great quarterback. That was a guy I wanted to play with. He's a great leader, and I've built a rapport with him. He spreads the ball, and I like what I've got going with Tommy. Everyone is getting their share, and it's really fun."