Sports

Former Bozeman High star Roderick picks Cats

Posted: Jan 6, 2013 9:27 PM by MTN Sports
Updated: Jan 6, 2013 10:54 PM

BOZEMAN - Tanner Roderick is coming home.

The former Bozeman High prep star picked Montana State over Montana Sunday night as his transfer destination after choosing to leave the University of Nevada-Reno. Tanner's father Steve Roderick confirmed the signing to MTN Sports earlier this evening.

Roderick was named the Montana Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2010 after leading his Hawks to a perfect 13-0 season and their first state championship since 1917. During his senior season, the dual-threat QB led Class AA in passing and rushing, as he threw for 2,457 yards and 28 touchdowns, and ran for 1,913 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Roderick was one of six QB's on Nevada's roster this past season. Sophomore Cody Fajardo earned All-Mountain West honors in his second year as the starter. Roderick never took a snap in his Wolfpack career.

Roderick said he chose Nevada over Montana State, Montana, and Washington State out of high school because of head coach Chris Ault's famed Pistol offense. Ault retired December 28 after 28 seasons at Nevada.

The 6'0", 200-lb QB will be able to play immedaitely, and will have three years of eligibility left. Roderick indicated he will likely play wide receiver his first season, and then challenge for the starting QB job in 2014 after Denarius McGhee has graduated.