Gunderson speaks of decision

Last week the Oregon State Beavers landed one of the top three quarterbacks in the Northwest when Ryan Gunderson (6-4, 215, 4.8) from Portland (Ore.) Central Catholic said yes to Dennis Erickson and staff.

Landing Gunderson is a positive statement about the direction the Beaver program is headed under Erickson’s regime.

“I chose Oregon State because it’s a good situation for me,” Gunderson said. “I will have an opportunity three years and start my red shirt sophomore year if everything works out alright.”

“I started talking about the pros and cons of the school,” Gunderson said. “I took an unofficial visit to the campus and talked to head coach (Dennis) Erickson and quarterback coach Lappano for about an hour each. I toured the facilities and liked what I saw.”

“Coach (Dennis) Erickson was one of the main reasons I chose Oregon State and another reason is the campus is close to home,” said Gunderson. “All I have to do is hop on the freeway and I’ll be home for birthdays and holidays. I plan to major in engineering and Oregon State has a great engineering school.”

“I didn’t make an early decision just to get it out of the way,” Gunderson said. “I just felt that Oregon State was the best place for me.”

Gunderson is a strong armed signal caller poised with the intangibles you love to see in a big time quarterback prospect. He has great size, makes all the throws, is agile enough to avoid the rush and is a good leader.

An added plus is Central Catholic does many of the same things offensively that the Beavers do.

If Portland Central Catholic sounds familiar to you Pac10 fans that’s because former Oregon Duck great and future Detroit Lion Joey Harrington also played his high school ball there.

Gunderson threw for 2,385 yards, 27 touchdowns and four picks as a junior.

Great get for the Beavers…