MISSOULA — Two weeks ago Jerry Louie-McGee became tied for the career leader in punt return touchdowns at Montana. Last Saturday under the lights at Autzen Stadium, Louie-McGee added his name to the record books once again, becoming the all-time receptions leader at the University of Montana.
Louie-McGee has now totaled 196 catches during his career, surpassing Raul Pacheco's 1998 record of 192 catches.
"It’s pretty cool coming here as a walk-on, getting my shot and just hoping I’d be able to get some snaps or be able to help the team as best I can. Being able to have my name in a place like this that has some pretty awesome ... it’s Montana football. Living in Coeur d’Alene, you know about this place, the standards and what it holds," said Louie-McGee.
“There’s lots of things that are fun about coaching Jerry. He’s exciting to watch play. What you all don't see is how hard he works in the weight room and on the practice field,” said Griz head coach Bobby Hauck.
When Louie-McGee came to the University of Montana he joined a Bob Stitt program that heavily favored the passing game.
In an offense that saw tons of big pass plays, Louie-McGee was the workhorse.
"It's pretty tough catching all those bubbles for two years," Louie-McGee said while chuckling to Hauck.
Three seasons later, and he now stands alone in the Montana record books.
Since his freshman year, Louie-McGee has changed a lot about his game. He’s worked hard to become an all-around receiver, not just running bubble screens for short yardage.
“The thing that I’ve appreciated probably most about him is how much he’s improved his practice habits and how much he’s improved his game, in terms of the broad sense. It’s not just punt returning and catching the bubble screen. He’s become a way more complete football player. He’s bigger and stronger. I think he’s faster. Just the work he’s put in has made him an even better player,” said Hauck.
But when Louie-McGee is asked about his game expanding, he sticks to his Day 1 mentality of helping the team get a win on Saturdays.
“I’m here to do what I can for the team and put us in the best situation to win,” Louie-McGee said. “Wherever the coaches ask me or what they want from me, I’ll do the best I can. It’s pretty cool, but I’m just doing what I can."
JLM and the rest of the Griz take on Monmouth this Saturday for their second home game of 2019. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
