Butte, MT – Montana Tech head football coach Chuck Morrell announced the signing of four high school players and two transfers this week.

“We are excited about our first group of commitments,” announced coach Morrell. “These student-athletes fit the Tech mold in every sense of what it means to be an Oredigger. They also help address some immediate needs for us going into the 2012 season.”

Reno Ward, a 6'2” 225 pound running back and linebacker from Powel County High School in Deer Lodge, will play linebacker for the Orediggers.

“Reno gives us a very active inside linebacker that will complement our 3-4 scheme well,” noted coach Morrell.
Ward comes to Tech with a number of athletic accomplishments. He was named first team all-conference nose guard and left guard his sophomore and junior years and honorable mention as a freshman. Changing to middle linebacker as a senior, Ward made first team all-state. Ward picked up first team all-conference as a full back his senior season as well. He is also holds four school weight lifting records in the deadlift (660 lbs), squat (465 lbs), bench (345 lbs) and power clean (305 lbs).

Gage McCann, a 6'6” 295 pounds offensive and defensive lineman from Billings, will play offensive line for Montana Tech. McCann played for Billings West who finished second in the state championship this past season.

“Gage is a great addition to our offensive line as we work to continue to develop that spot, which has been a major priority,” commented coach Morrell.

McCann made second team all-state as a guard this past season and was nominated to the East West Shrine game. McCann wrestled for Billings West as well and made the state tournament twice so far in his career and won the AA Eastern Divisional Tournament last year. He will bring a 3.0 GPA to Montana Tech.

Chase Williams, a 6' 195 pound receiver and corner, will play defensive back for the Orediggers. Williams is from Helena and played for Helena High School. He was named first team all-conference and second team all-state two years in a row.

Joshua Haynes, a 6'2” 180 pound wide receiver and linebacker, will play wide receiver for the Orediggers. Haynes played for Stevensville High School. He was named first team all-state and all-conference as a wide receiver and linebacker. Haynes in an honor roll student and ran track for Stevensville placing 3rd in the long jump.

“Chase and Josh are two very good young players that will bring depth to the secondary and offensive skill positions,” commented coach Morrell. “Both of them will have a bright future in Digger Green.”

Coach Morrell also announced the signing of two transfers. Devonte Craig and Zack Kinney will be joining the Orediggers for the 2012 season.

Devonte Craig, a 5'10” 180 defensive back from Las Vegas, NV, comes to Tech from Victor Valley College in California. Craig was named first team all-state and all-conference while playing for Victor Valley.

“Devonte will allow us more versatility in our secondary with his ability to perform well with a variety of techniques,” noted Morrell.

Zack Kinney, a 6'1” 190 pound wide receiver and defensive back from Temecula, CA, is transferring to Tech from Shippenburg University in Pennsylvania. Kinney was an Academic Scholar Athlete for the Raiders. While playing at Great Oak High School in California, Kinney made first team all-conference and first team all-valley at receiver and second team all-conference as a defensive back. Kinney was voted Best Skill Player at Great Oak.

“Zach helps beef up our wide receiver core as a major perimeter threat,” said Morrell.

Montana Tech's first home game is Saturday September 1st against Eastern Oregon.