(Editor’s note: Montana Western media release)
Dillon, Mont. – The Montana Western Football team has signed 13 recruits during the early signing period. The Bulldogs stayed local with ten recruits hailing from the treasure state four of whom reside in southwestern Montana.
“This first group of new Dawgs really highlights where we are at as a program,” head coach Ryan Nourse said. “We are a young team, two-thirds of our roster is made up of freshman and sophomores, and we return 10 starters on offense and eight on defense, we are in a position where we are adding talent to an already very talented pool.”
The Bulldogs have added size, speed, and athleticism at running back, linebackers and offensive and defensive line during the early signing period of the class of 2019.
“The line of scrimmage is of obvious importance to a program’s success and adding four guys who can compete at a high level this early is very positive for the future,” Nourse added, “We are reaching our recruiting goals by adding talent at running back, defensive back and linebacker early on in the process. We are very excited about how this class is shaping up.”
Cole Crosby LB/TE 6-1 205 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS
Cole is a two-way player from Glacier High School. He has amassed 258 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass break-ups, one sack, two rushing touchdowns, and three receiving scores. He was named second-team All-State linebacker, honorable mention All-State punter as a junior. First-Team All-Conference tight end and Second-Team All-Conference as a linebacker and punter as a senior. Crosby is a four-sport athlete and the son of Kristina Pagel and Jeff Crosby and plans on majoring in biology.
Caden Friis OL 6-6 275 Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho / Coeur d’ Alene HS
Caden is a three-year starter on the offensive line and 2018 team captain. Caden is a three-sport athlete and the son of Brandon and Corey Friis. He plans on majoring in environmental science.
Jaren Gum OLB/TE 6-1 165 Stevensville, Mont. / Stevensville HS
Jaren is a tackling machine who has a knack for creating turnovers. He was among the state leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Conference in 2017 and second-team All-Conference in 2018 as well as 2018 team MVP. Jaren is two-time Academic All-State selection and the son of Brain and Chanda Gum. He will major in health and human performance.
Kellen Jones NG/LT 6-3 290 Stevensville, Mont. / Stevensville HS
Kellen brings size and athleticism to the trenches on both sides of the ball. As a junior he was named second-team All-Conference defense with 28 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. His senior first-team All-Conference defense with 60 tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and forced fumble. He was also named second-team All-Conference offense. The three-sport athlete is the son of Brian and Jesica Jones and plans to major in business management.
Sawyer Keener ILB/RB 5-9 185 Whitehall, Mont. / Whitehall HS
Sawyer is a three-time All-Conference selection as a linebacker. He has amassed 292 tackles, 15 sacks, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception. He carried the ball 215 times for 1271 yards and five scores. He also has 35 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns. Sawyer is the son of James Kenner and Leslie Clark, he is an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society and Boy’s State Delegate. He plans on majoring in physical education K-12.
Garrett Lally Tackle 6-4 260 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS
Garret is a two-year starter and brings size to the Bulldog offensive line. He was named first-team All-Conference and second-team All-State in 2018. The Academic All-State selection plans major in music and is the son of Tim and Jane Lally.
Brayden Oberg RB/LB 6-1 205 Ennis, Mont. / Ennis HS
Brayden brings speed and agility to the backfield. He has totaled over 2500 all-purpose yards as a junior and senior and scored 35 total touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he averaged 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss a game. He is a two-time All-State selection and first-team All-Conference selection. He lettered in track and was on the honor roll twice. Brayden is the son of Chad and Britanya Oberg and plans to major in business.
Aaron Olmos RB/MLB 5-11 225 Graham, Wash. / Graham-Kapowsin HS
Aaron was named second-team All-State as a running back in 2018. He totaled 1014 yards on 141 carries for 15 touchdowns. On defense he has 50 total tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Aaron is the son of Ronnie and Christy Olmos and plans to major in education.
Colten McPhee RB 5-8 190 Columbia Falls, Mont. / Columbia Falls HS
As a senior Colton rushed for an impressive 2019 yards and scored 38 total touchdowns. As a junior he was named offensive MVP and All-Conference running back. His senior year he was named team offensive and defensive MVP, as well as All-Conference linebacker and All-State running back. Colton is the son of Mike Rondell and plans to major in physical education.
Greydon Nicholson WR/QB 5-11 175 Deer Lodge, Mont. / Powell County HS
Greydon is five-sport athlete who was named first-team all-conference wide receiver and second-team all-conference defensive back. Greydon is the son of Jereme and Jennifer Nicholson the Honor Roll student plans to major in elementary education.
Sam Potoczny OL/DL 6-2 240 Great Falls, Mont. / Great Falls HS
Sam can play on both sides of the ball. He is and All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention for offense and defense. He has 47 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. Sam is the son of Jon and Amy Konen and Joe and Lea Potoczny, he is an Honor Roll student and is planning to major in business.
Derek Rauch-Edwards WR/RB 6-1 Moscow, Idaho / Moscow HS
Derek is a two-time First-Team and All-Inland Empire selection. He averages 11.7 yards per catch, 6.4 yards per carry and scored 10 total touchdowns. He also averages 21.1 yards per kick return. Derek is the son of Cody Edwards and Lacey Frei and plans on majoring on business administration.
Kameron Rauser WR/DB 5-11 170 Townsend, Mont. / Broadwater HS
Kameron made All-Conference and All-State as a wide receiver, defensive back, and as a returner. His senior season he recorded 72 receptions for 1156 yards and 10 touchdowns. 185 tackles and six interceptions. He averaged 29.4 yards per kick return and two scores, and 15.6 yards per punt return with a score. Kameron is the son of Kurt and Tiffany Rauser and is undecided on a major.
