(Editor’s note: Montana Tech athletics release)
BUTTE — Montana Tech head football coach Chuck Morrell announced the 2019 Oredigger recruiting class today. The class of new student-athletes includes 26 products from inside Montana’s borders and 14 out-of-state signees.
“We have a tremendous group of out-of-state students joining what I feel is one of the best in-state classes that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said head coach Morrell.
Of the 14 out-of-state recruits, Idaho had the most with five signees. Four are coming to the Mining City from California, three from Washington and one from both Wyoming and Nevada.
“We were able to address several future needs with this class.”
The Orediggers addressed positions where depth is always a factor. The class contains six offensive lineman and five on the defensive side. The group also includes nine recruits listed at the athlete position.
In the Montana group, the recruiting class includes three Great Falls Tribune Super State selections, 15 chosen for the East-West Shrine Game, and 10 for the Badlands Bowl. The out-of-state signees add another three all-star game participants.
“Our coaching staff has done an outstanding job of building relationships around the state as well as several key areas outside of the Montana borders.”
In tune with the academic rigors of Montana Tech, the recruiting class contains number of valedictorians, 4.0 GPAs and academic awards.
“We are excited about this group of student-athletes joining the Oredigger family.”
Joshuea Ahrens, WR, 6-4, 185, Sheridan, Wyo., Sheridan HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Jeff Mowry at Sheridan HS. Selected first team All-Conference and first team All-State as a wide receiver. Member of the Silver Academic Club.
Personal: Joshuea, the son of Krystal Marie and Joshuea, is pursuing a degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Will Augustine, OL, 6-4, 240, Woodinville, Wash., Woodinville HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Wayne Maxwell at Woodinville HS. Selected second team All-Conference on offensive line. Helped lead Woodinville HS to state title runner-up as a junior and third as a senior.
Personal: Will, son of Teresa Born and Scott Augustine, is pursuing a degree in Pre-Professional Health.
Eric Bledsoe, OL, 6-2, 295, Roseville, Calif., Oakmont HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Tim Moore at Oakmont HS. Three-year varsity starter and senior captain. Selected second team All-Conference as a senior. Chosen to play in 2018 Hawaii Tiki Bowl and 2019 Optimist Bowl. Played in 2014 Shrine Bowl All-Star Game. Named 2018 Foothill Valley League Scholar Athlete.
Personal: Eric, son of Carolyn and Christopher, is pursuing a degree in Biology.
Riley Boese, LB, 6-0, 190, Helena, Mont. Capital HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Kyle Mihelish at Capital HS. Selected honorable mention All-Conference at outside linebacker. Montana High School Champion Powerlifter. Named Academic All-State ten different times.
Personal: Riley, son of Kristy and Todd, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Noah Bryant, QB, 6-2, 175, Meridian, Idaho, Mountain View HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Judd Benedick at Mountain View HS. Selected second team All-Conference at quarterback as a junior. Passed for more than 400 yards twice and more than 300 yards three times. Selected honorable mention All-Conference at quarterback and punter as a senior. Holds school records for Most Touchdown Passes in a Game (7) and Highest Completion Percentage.
Personal: Noah, son of Megan and John, is pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology and Business.
Bailey Burns, OL, 6-2, 280, Henderson, Nev., Green Valley HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Brian Castro at Green Valley HS. Selected second team All-Conference on offensive line. Named Scholar Athlete.
Personal: Bailey, son of Theresa and Thomas, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Brock Cantrell-Field, ATH, 6-2, 210, Missoula, Mont., Sentinel HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Dane Oliver at Sentinel HS. Selected second team All-State at fullback and defensive end. Named Academic All-State.
Personal: Brock, son of Jolene Cantrell-Field and Mark Field, is pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
Thomas Cooper, TE/LB, 6-2, 200, Billings, Mont., Billings Central Catholic HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Jim Stanton at Billings Central Catholic HS. Selected second team All-Conference at tight end. Varsity letter in wrestling. Named Academic All-Conference six times. Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Thomas, son of Susan and Zack, is pursuing a degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
Blake Counts, RB, 5-11, 205, Kalispell, Mont., Flathead HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Kyle Samson at Flathead HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at running back. Named the Montana State Offensive Player of the Year. Named the USA Today All-Montana Offensive Player of the Year. Set the all-class record for Montana for Most Rushing Yards in a Season (2,588). Named to the Great Falls Tribune Super State Team. Chosen to play in Badlands Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.
Personal: Blake, son of Tika and Dana, is pursuing a degree in Construction Business Management.
Jace DeWalt, ATH, 5-11, 170, Missoula, Mont., Sentinel HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Dane Oliver at Sentinel HS. Selected first team All-Conference and second team All-State at defensive back. Selected second team All-Conference at wide receiver. Selected second team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State at kick returner. Named Academic All-State twice. Chosen to play in East-West Shrine Bowl.
Personal: Jace, the son of Marla & Jim Huggins and Patrick DeWalt, is pursuing a degree in Engineering.
Clay Fisher, ATH, 5-8, 155, Butte, Mont., Butte Central HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Don Peoples at Butte Central HS. As a junior, selected first team All-Conference and All-State at safety; selected second team All-Conference at running back. As a senior, selected first team All-Conference and All-State at running back; selected second team All-Conference at safety. Placed first at Western A Divisional and second at state tournament in wrestling as a sophomore. Placed second at Western A Divisional and fifth at state tournament as a junior. Named Academic All-State all four years of high school. Chosen to play in East-West Shrine Game.
Personal: Clay, son of Jaqueline and Michael Fisher, is pursuing a degree in Engineering.
Wesley Jameson, LB, 6-2, 200, Lewistown, Mont., Fergus HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Vic Feller at Fergus HS. Selected first team All-State at linebacker and running back. Selected first team All-Conference at running back twice and linebacker. Named conference Offensive and Defensive MVP as a senior. Selected second team All-Conference in basketball. Named Academic All-Conference eight different times. Member of the National Honors Society.
Personal: Wesley, son of Sherra and Mike, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering.
Seth Gardner, OL, 6-3, 300, Butte, Mont., Butte Central HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Don Peoples at Butte Central HS. Selected second team All-Conference at offensive line.
Personal: Seth, son of Lisa and Greg, is pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Science.
Max Graham, OL, 6-2, 250, Canyon Country, Calif., Canyon HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Richard Gutierrez at Canyon HS. Selected second team All-League. Named Scholar Athlete all four years.
Personal: Max, son of April, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Tucker Greenwell, DB, 6-0, 180, Great Falls, Mont., C.M. Russell HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Gary Lowry at C.M. Russell HS. Selected All-Conference and second team All-State at safety as a sophomore and junior. Selected All-Conference and second team All-State at kick returner as a sophomore. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at safety as a senior; first team All-State at special teams. Chosen to play in East-West Shrine Game and an alternate for the Badlands Bowl. Placed at state in high jump three time in track and field. Finished third place in 4x100m relay at state as a junior. Played on AA state championship basketball team as a junior. Named Academic All-State all four years.
Personal: Tucker, son of Kara and Brian, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering.
Alaric Greil, DL, 6-3, 240, Helena, Mont., Capital HS
High School: Played prep for head coach for Kyle Mihelish at Capital HS. Selected All-Conference and All-State at defensive end three times. Holds school record for Most Sacks in a Single Game. Chosen to play in East-West Shrine Game and alternate for Badlands Bowl.
Personal: Alaric, son of Heather and Jim, plans on pursuing a degree in Organismal Biology.
Jacob Howell, TE, 6-2, 245, East Helena, Mont., Helena HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Scott Evans at Helena HS. Selected first team All-Conference and second team All-State at tight end as a junior. Selected second team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State at tackle as a senior. Named Academic All-State four times.
Personal: Jacob, son of Angie and DJ, is pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management and Marketing.
Grant Kelly, ATH, 6-4, 210, Liberty Lake, Wash., Central Valley HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Ryan Butner at Central Valley HS. Team Captain in football and basketball.
Personal: Grant, son of Wendee and Merle Davis, is pursuing a degree in Applied Health.
Beau King, DB, 5-10, 160, Missoula, Mont., Sentinel HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Dane Oliver at Sentinel HS. Selected first team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State at defensive back. Selected All-State in wrestling. Played on 2017 American Legion Baseball State Championship team. Selected second team All-Conference in American Legion Baseball.
Personal: Beau, son of Megan and Lawrence, is pursuing a degree in Business.
Anthony Jones, WR, 6-2, 200, Hot Springs, Mont., Flathead HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Kyle Samson at Flathead HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at wide receiver junior and senior seasons. Selected first team All-State at punter. Named to the Great Falls Tribune Super State Team. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl and alternate for the Badlands Bowl.
Personal: Anthony, son of Patty and Larry, is pursuing a degree in Construction Business Management.
Grady Koenig, ATH, 5-11, 190, Clancy, Mont., Helena HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Scott Evans at Helena HS. Selected honorable mention All-Conference at fullback as a junior. Selected second team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State at running back as a senior. Selected All-Conference in American Legion baseball. Member of National Honor Society. Honored by the Helena Exchange Club.
Personal: Grady, son of Sandie and Brad, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering.
Ryan Lowry, K, 6-0, 195, Pasco, Wash., Chiawana HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Steve Graff at Chiawana HS. Selected second team All-Conference as a sophomore; first team All-Conference as a junior and senior. Selected honorable mention All-State as a senior. Three-time DECA State qualifier.
Personal: Ryan, son of Kami and Pete, is pursuing a degree in Business.
Jaden MacNeil, ATH, 5-8, 160, Kalispell, Mont., Flathead HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Kyle Samson at Flathead HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at safety as a junior. Selected All-Conference and second team All-State at punt and kick return. Selected first team All-Conference at quarterback as a senior. Selected first team All-State at Athlete. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game and Badlands Bowl. Placed second at state tournament in wrestling as a junior. Named Academic All-State nine times.
Personal: Jaden is the son of Gina.
Kale McCarthy, DB, 6-2, 160 Butte, Mont., Butte HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Arie Grey at Butte HS. Selected second team All-Conference at defensive back twice. Selected honorable mention All-State. Chosen as an alternate for the East-West Shrine Game. Football and basketball team captain junior and senior years. Named Academic All-State. Member of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society.
Personal: Kale, son of Mikelyn and Shane, is pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Ty McGurran, ATH, 5-11, 175, Clancy, Mont., Helena HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Scott Evans at Helena HS. Selected second team All-Conference at quarterback and second team All-State at athlete. Chosen as an alternate for the East-West Shrine Game. Selected All-Conference at outfielder in American Legion baseball. Named Academic All-State. Member of National Honor Society. Named Valedictorian.
Personal: Ty, son of Jackie and Mark, plans on pursuing a degree in Engineering.
Michael Nehring, LB, 6-2, 200, Manhattan, Mont., Manhattan HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Chris Grabowska at Manhattan HS. Selected first team All-Conference at linebacker three times. Selected first team All-State at linebacker as a senior. Selected second team All-Conference at wide receiver as a junior. Selected first team All-Conference at athlete as a senior. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game and an alternate for the Badlands Bowl. Selected first team All-Conference in baseball two times and first team All-State once. Named Academic State four times. Member of the National Honors Society. Participated in Business Professionals of American and placed in state competition.
Personal: Michael, the son of Heather and Jeff, is pursuing a degree in Engineering.
Mitchell Norslien, QB, 6-2, 183, Lewistown, Mont., Fergus HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Victor Feller at Fergus HS. Selected second team All-Conference at quarterback as a sophomore and first team as a junior. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State as a senior. Named the Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Set the all-time record for Most Passing Yards and Total Touchdowns. Chosen to play in the Badlands Bowl. Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Mitchell, son of Andrea and Erik, is pursuing a degree in Pre-Professional Health.
Grant O’Rourke, DL, 6-1, 230, Fromberg, Mont., Joliet HS
High School: Played prep for head coach George Warburton at Joliet HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State on offensive and defensive lines as a junior and senior. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State on offensive line and at linebacker as a senior. Chosen to play in Cleverly Class C All-Star Game.
Personal: Grant, son of Rachel Grandfield and Ryan & Amber O’Rourke, is pursuing a degree in Business.
Spencer Schumacher, DL, 6-5, 235, Greencreek, Idaho, Prairie HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Ryan Hasselstrom at Prairie HS. Selected first team All-League at defensive end three times and All-State once. Selected first team All-League at quarterback. Helped lead Prairie HS to Idaho State Title as a junior. Named the 1A Division I Player of the Year as a junior.
Personal: Spencer, son of Kim and Tony, is pursuing a degree in Engineering.
JR Seewald, LB, 6-1, 190, Cut Bank, Mont., Cut Bank HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Dylan Johnston at Cut Bank HS. Selected second team All-Conference at linebacker and All-Conference and All-State at athlete as a junior. Selected first team All-Conference at linebacker and second team All-Conference at kick return as a senior. Selected first team All-Conference and first team All-State at athlete. Named Offensive Player of the Year two times. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game. State participant in wrestling three times finishing in fifth place as a junior.
Personal: JR, son of Hapi and Jim, is pursuing a degree in Business.
Ryan Shields, DB, 6-5, 170, Meridian, Idaho, Rocky Mountain HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Chris Culig at Rocky Mountain HS. Played on the 2018 5A Idaho State Championship team.
Personal: Ryan, son of Chauntain and Gordon, is pursuing a degree in Business Accounting.
Landers Smith, ATH, 6-0, 198, Charlo, Mont., Charlo HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Mike Krahn at Charlo HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State as a sophomore and junior. Named conference Offense and Defensive Player of the Year. Chosen to play in the Cleverly Class C All-Star Game. Named Academic All-State all four year. Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Landers, son of Sarah and Shawn, is pursuing a degree in Business Management.
Jake Standlee, QB, 6-4, 185, Boise, Idaho, Borah HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Jason Burton at Borah HS. Set career record in Total Yards (5,113), Passing Yards (5,196), Passing TDs (46), Total TDs (52), and Completions (393). Set record for Most Passing Yards in a Game (488), Most Passing TDs in a Game (5), Most Completions in a Game (34), and Most Completions in a Season (178). Selected first team All-League as a junior. Selected second team All-League as a senior. Selected first team All-League as a short stop in baseball as a junior.
Personal: Jake, the son of Jodi and Tim, is pursuing a degree in Business.
Riley Stark, DL, 6-3, 270, Meridian, Idaho, Mountain View HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Judd Benedick at Mountain View HS.
Personal: Riley, son of Dorothea and Ricky, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Kyle Torgerson, WR, 5-10, 155, Great Falls, Mont., Great Falls HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Mark Samson at Great Falls HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at wide receiver. Selected first team All-State at defensive back. Named to the Great Falls Tribune Super State Team. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the Badlands Bowl. Selected honorable mention All-Conference at point guard in basketball as a junior. Named Academic State all four years. Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Kyle, son of Tammy and Brion, is pursuing a degree in IAS.
Cooper Waters, WR, 6-4, 180, Missoula, Mont., Loyola Sacred Heart
High School: Played prep for head coach Todd Hughes at Loyola Sacred Heart HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at wide receiver. Selected first team All-Conference at return specialist. Selected to play in the East-West Shrine game and an alternate for the Badlands Bowl. Member of National Honors Society.
Personal: Cooper, son of Bambi Douma and Troy Waters, is pursuing a degree in Engineering.
Kade Wilcox, ATH, 5-11, 175, Billings, Mont., Billings West HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Rob Stanton at Billings West HS. Selected first team All-Conference and All-State at linebacker. Selected honorable mention All-State on special teams. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the Badlands Bowl. Named Academic All-Conference three times.
Personal: Kade, son of Amanda Wilcox and Chris Wilcox, is pursuing a degree in Applied Health Science.
Cade Wyant, QB, 6-2, 200, Rocklin, Calif., Rocklin HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Greg Benzel and Jason Adams. Selected second team All-Sierra Foothill League and Sacramento Bee All-Metro Team as a junior. Selected first team All-League, Sacramento Bee All-=Metro Team, All-San Joaquin Section Team as a senior. Two-time Sacramento Bee Player of the Week. Chosen to play in the Optimist All-Star Game. Battle Prep West Top Quarterback Prospect in Northern California. Invited to the Nike Western Regional Elite 11 Quarterback Competition. Participated in basketball and golf. Named Scholar Athlete all four years.
Personal: Cade, son of Lana and Drew, is pursuing a degree in Geological Engineering.
Cole Wyant, LB/LS, 6-1, 210, Rocklin, Calif., Rocklin HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Greg Benzel Jason Adams. Selected All-Sierra Foothill League and Sacramento Bee All-Metro Team. Chosen to play in the Optimist All-Star Game. Participated in basketball and golf. Named Scholar Athlete all four years.
Personal: Cole, son of Lana and Drew, is pursuing degree in Geological Engineering.
Nathan Zard, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Melstone, Mont., Melstone HS
High School: Played prep for head coach Dana Quenzer at Roundup HS. Selected first team All-Conference at linebacker and offensive line as a junior. Selected first team All-Conference at defensive tackle and offensive line as a senior. Chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game. Two-year team captain in football and basketball. Named Academic All-State in football, basketball, and golf. Three-year member of Academic Olympics Team. Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Nathan, son of Tara and Kyle Anderson, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.