Two of the top players in Oregon that have yet to receive an offer are from the Southern part of the state, and eager to play college football. Jack Singler (6-3 170 Sr QB) and Matt Retzlaff (5-11 195 Sr WR/S) put up ridiculous numbers over the 2011 season and dominated most opponents. The Panthers finished the year (9-2) being ranked #3 in the state for the better part of the season by NEI.
Retzlaff went off his senior year leading the state in multiple regular season categories. He accounted for 1118 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns on 56 receptions offensively, while being one of the state leaders in interceptions from his safety position (6). He was a one man wrecking crew at times bouncing off defenders for a score, and then picking off the opposing QB. Matt was a first team all league athlete both ways and was one of only three 6a players to be named first team all state by NEI on both sides of the ball. The Oregonian just recognized him as a honorable mention all state receiver and a first team all state defensive back.
Matt’s a kid that’s not going to blow anyone away with his testing, but will kill you with his overall athleticism and natural football instincts. He understands that he might have to prove himself on the field at the next level ,” If you have a dream you have to stay committed because things don’t always go the way you want them to, and nothing can replace hard work”.
Someone in a similar situation is quarterback Jack Singler who we all know well by his famous last name. It was an outstanding season for the senior captain who threw 34 Td’s to 10 Ints for 2,437 yards. He lead the school to an 8-0 start and a #3 ranking before falling to league rival Roseburg in the second round of the playoffs.
“Its not always easy to live up to what some of the people in my family have done, but it pushes me to work harder and for that I am grateful”. We all know the success his brother and cousins have had in football and basketball, but Jack has a level head and understands what he needs to do. ” Its been a dream season getting to play for my dad, and I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to work my up to a D1 level school”.
Singler has been waying his options and looking at the JC route, because it could give him a good look at some of the best competition. Many JC kids possess D1 ability and don’t qualify academically, or are in unique situations much like Jack where they just need time to grow. Regardless no one questions the level of talent at the Junior College level.
Our own Taylor Barton won a national championship at San Francisco City Junior College in between his stops as the Quarterback for Colorado and the University of Washington.
As reported earlier in the week South Medford will bring back a very talented group in 2012, but these are two kids that would unquestionably make college football programs better. Retzlaff has been hearing from Portland St and likes what they have to offer. It would be a big pickup for the Vikings as he is as underrated as they come.
Coach Bill Singler is a guy everyone wants to play for, and these are two examples of what type of athlete can be missed in the northwest. We will continue to update you on the progress of both of these fine student/athletes, and look forward to seeing all the Panthers on the NEI/Barton Combine Tour when we visit Southern Oregon. Its a great community rich in talent and we are proud to work with high character kids like Retzlaff and Singler.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/694213/matt-retzlaff Matt Retzlaff Highlights
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/760323/jack-singler Jack Singler Highlights
