HELENA — The newest wave of recruits for Carroll College’s 2019 football signing class debuted on Feb. 15, including three Montanans and a quarterback from California.
For incoming quarterback Ryan Dagget, his ability to throw is just one of the things that made him stand out.
“He was just fun to watch throwing the ball, getting his shoulders turned around. Just looking at his athleticism, he’s a 300-meter hurdler, which is very impressive and anyone who’s going to jump over something and sprint 300 yards has a screw loose a little bit,” said first-year Carroll coach Troy Purcell with a chuckle. “Just a tremendous athlete, and it just shows me what kind of competitor he is.”
The three Montana products in this wave all line up on the outside flanks, one of which is Hamilton wide receiver and Class A touchdown-reception record-holder Camron Rothie.
“Watching what he can do on the special teams and catching the ball, he’s just a standout. You have to look for those kids that look different than the other kids, that have that little extra, because you know that they have a chance to play at the next level,” said Purcell. “Once you see that, it definitely raises a spark.”
Liang Liedle, a three-time captain for the Corvallis Blue Devils who played both wide receiver and quarterback, also has a certain spark about him, per Purcell.
“He’s got some fire to him. He’s got a 36-inch vertical, which is pretty impressive,” said Purcell. “He’s got a big smile on his face every time you see him, and I’m real excited to have him join the Saint program.”
Brooklyn Demars, a senior receiver who helped the Bozeman Hawks to a semifinal berth in the 2018 Class AA football playoffs, met Purcell prior to his venture as the Carroll College head coach.
“I think (Demars) was a freshman when I left (Bozeman High School),” said Purcell. “I’ve known Brooklyn for quite a while. I’m just excited about him loving Carroll College as much as he does, his opportunity and his athleticism to come along and help this program.”
