Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Laconia High School's Christian Birt gave a verbal commitment to the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday night, according to Laconia head coach Craig Kozens.

Birt, a running back/defensive back, rushed for 1,171 yards last season, when he helped Laconia reach the Division IV championship game. He scored 24 touchdowns, 19 of which came on the ground.

Birt scored Laconia's only TD during its 14-7 loss to Plymouth in the Division IV championship game.

Birt also helped Laconia win the 2007 Division IV title. He rushed for 1,308 yards and 18 TDs on 150 carries as a junior, when Laconia capped an 11-0 season by beating Hanover, 35-14, in the Division IV championship game. He also intercepted six passes that season.

UMass competes in the Colonial Athletic Association's North Division, a league that includes the University of New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Football Report will have more on Birt's committment later this week.