Ryan Gunderson Verbals to Beavers

Ryan Gunderson

Quarterback

Central Catholic HS, Portland, OR

6-4, 215, 4.8

Ryan Gunderson's accuracy on short and long passes is one of many reasons the Beaver coaches envision him in their system.

Ryan Gunderson is the premier quarterback going into the 2002 Oregon High School football season. He has ample time to focus on the Central Catholic Rams upcoming season now that he’s solved his college football decision. Oregon State University and Ryan Gunderson have made a commitment to each other that embarks a new tradition.

Ryan is a 6-4, 215 pound passer with sufficient speed (4.8) and exceptional field presence. His verbal commitment to the Beavers is another endorsement for Dennis Erickson’s football program. Ryan recently visited several other high quality schools and worked out at their camps. Washington, Notre Dame, and Purdue are several Universities that he visited, but it was the Beaver coaches, Engineering School, University location, and opportunity to play that prompted him to choose Oregon State.

Rivals had an opportunity to watch him at the Nike Camp in Eugene. He was one of the top quarterbacks, and this has been a trend at many of the camps he's attended. Although college coaches could not attend the Nike Camp in Eugene, Ryan improved his reputation as a strong armed quarterback with downfield accuracy. He out-performed other talented passers, and we felt he was one of the Top 3 quarterbacks. His throwing motion features a quick, effortless release that gives his passes a tight flight. He also showed good footwork and can throw well when rolling out.

Ryan didn’t attend the Oregon State Team Camp in late June due to other camp conflicts, so he visited with his parents a few days after the conclusion of camp. Dennis Erickson and his staff have a great reputation with quarterbacks, and the Beaver football program made a strong impression. The relationship between the coaches and Ryan was positive from the beginning, and Ryan is additional proof that the Beavers are dedicated to bringing in the most talented in-state players.

Based in Portland, Ryan Gunderson is potentially the best college prospect in the state of Oregon.

During the visit he had time to inspect the campus and the football facilities. When he was ready to leave he was comfortable with his decision to attend Oregon State. Ryan’s family has ties to the University of Oregon and Oklahoma State University (who also offered), and his decision to become a Beaver initiates a new tradition. At one time it appeared Ryan might follow in Joey Harrington's footsteps (former Central Catholic Ram) and attend Oregon.

2001 Statistics

Passing: 157-251, 2385 yards

Touchdown to Interception Ratio: 27-4

Note: Ryan Gunderson is considered one of the featured players in the Rivals Top 250. Currently we have him in a tie as the best quarterback prospect in the Northwest, and he will qualify academically for OSU.