Recruiting Report: David Roddy (2019)

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Sometimes it takes getting something taken away from you for you to appreciate it. When Breck quarterback <strong>David Roddy</strong> went down with an injury mid-way through the 2016 season, he didn&#39;t get down on himself. He used the time to get better physically but more importantly – mentally.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Breck&#39;s football season was not as successful as Roddy expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"It was a tough year," Roddy admitted. "I didn&#39;t expect it to turn out that way. I am very excited about this year. All the pieces are coming together."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Roddy feels the defense will be the strength of this year&#39;s team.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"We have a great core of linebackers and defensive backs. Everybody is solid on defense – it keeps improving."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Last season Roddy played both ways – until he went down with an injury.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"In the third game, I sprained my ACL. I was out for four games."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">All things considered, rehab was smooth.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"I was doing a lot of work with my hips," Roddy explained. "I was on the bike to keep my conditioning up. My dad and I would swim – paddling as hard as I could with just my feet. When I could, I did some weightlifting."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">In addition to overcoming his physical injuries, Roddy also had to deal with the mental side of not being out on the field.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"Mentally it was tough in the beginning, but I realized it is part of the game," Roddy said. "It taught me what hard work was. It taught me to work even more. After lifting with the team, I would study film. I learned I needed to call up my coaches and ask questions about next week&#39;s defense – just be the hardest worker out there."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"That was a learning moment for me," Roddy continued. "It made me grow as a person and as a player. It taught me what hard work and self-motivation were."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">After coming back for the final three games Roddy felt he was able to get back into a groove, but the wins didn&#39;t come with it. Even with a tough year on paper, the junior stayed positive.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"It was a great season. Even with the injury I had a great time and had a lot of fun."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">When healthy, Roddy feels his strengths are his size (he is 6&#39;5" and 245 pounds), being calm in the pocket, being able to step up in the pocket and his ability to throw on the run.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"I have a strong arm, am accurate and make strong reads," Roddy – who also plays the alto saxophone - told Northstarfootballnews.com.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">NFN&#39;s 3rd rated player from the Class of 2019 started three games at quarterback late in his freshman season before taking over full-time as a sophomore.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Before his injury, he would also spend some time in the defensive line rotation, but his primary position is in the shotgun running the team&#39;s spread offense.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">This offseason Roddy has been focusing on making better and quicker reads. I have been talking to (former Breck captains) to learn how to be a better leader. I have been working on my footwork and using my legs and hips when I am throwing."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Roddy played forward on Breck&#39;s basketball team and then for Howard Pulley. He already has offers from Northern Iowa and North Dakota to play basketball. With his basketball schedule, he didn&#39;t get to any camps. Even without the exposure, big-time programs are starting to line up for his services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"I am getting a lot of interest in football. Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa, and Wisconsin are interested."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Possibly playing Division I football is a concept Roddy has yet to grasp. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">"It is still a dream to me. Right now I can&#39;t even believe these big schools are recruiting me. I am trying to enjoy this moment because I will never have this moment again."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">An excellent all-around athlete, Roddy ran track and for the first time last season. He ran sprints and competed in the discus, and the shot put. With one year under his belt, the sophomore took 7th place in the Class A state track meet throwing the shot.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif">Roddy&#39;s physical tools have always been there, but when they were temporarily taken away from him, Roddy grew as an athlete and person – making him one of the most sought-after juniors in the state of Minnesota.</span></span></p>