FAIRMONT — When Caden Baarts broke several bones in his foot during the summer of 2017, Fairmont head coach Mat Mahoney thought the Cardinal sophomore’s future in football was over.

“It’s difficult to rehab from an injury of that nature, so naturally I didn’t think he’d ever play again,” Mahoney reflected. “I’m grateful that doctors were able to get him on the path to recovery.

“He demonstrated to us (coaching staff) during his rehab that he’s a hard worker and willing to put in the time to get better.”

And improve beyond Mahoney’s expectations, Baarts did.

In fact, the 2019 South Central Silver District football player of the year and Minnesota South All-Star selection signed a national letter of intent on Wednesday to hit the gridiron for the Concordia University, St. Paul, Golden Bears this fall.

“I chose Concordia because one, I liked the size of the college (5,000 undergraduate enrollment), and two, it’s located in the (Twin) Cities, so there’s always something to do,” said Baarts, a two-time Sentinel All-Area football selection who earned tri-player of the year honors from the daily newspaper last fall. “Three, I believe Concordia’s football program has a lot of potential to improve.

“Coach (Shannon) Currier returned to the school for the second time in his career a couple of years ago, and has started to turn the program back around.”

Currier and the Golden Bears compiled a 6-5 record in 2019 — his fourth season during his second coaching stint — after inheriting a team that posted a 1-10 mark during the 2015 campaign.

Currier plans to incorporate the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Baarts into Concordia’s defensive secondary after watching Fairmont’s sure-handed speedster combine for seven interceptions and 107 tackles during his junior and senior gridiron days.

“Caden has good height and size in his favor, and his ability to close on the ball was second to none this fall,” said Mahoney. “With his strength and quickness, he’s able to play through the block and get to the ball carrier, and defends both the run and pass well.”

After helping guide Fairmont to a state runner-up showing in the 2018 Class AAA Prep Bowl, the two-year defensive starter received the opportunity to be a two-way impact player in 2019, and once again, exceeded his Cardinal coaches’ expectations.

“He’s a true playmaker on offense. He can catch the ball as a receiver and demonstrated he’s an outstanding runner out of the backfield, too,” said Mahoney.

Baarts made 21 receptions for 371 yards and six touchdowns in 2019, while carrying the football 48 times for 494 yards, 10 TDs and an incredible 10.3 yards per tote.

“When he gets to the next level, if he continues to work hard, he’ll probably get the chance to play special teams, too,” said Mahoney. “He’s physical and has great closing speed on defense.”

Baarts, who’s currently a key member of the Fairmont Cardinals basketball team, will utilize his speed on the track during the upcoming spring campaign.

“I’ll run the 100 (-meter dash), 200 and wherever coach (Bob) Bonk needs me in a relay or two this spring,” said Baarts.

Baarts plans to major in business at the NCAA Division II school that competes in football in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.