McRae chooses Griz

By The Standard Staff - 05/24/2007

DILLON — Quarterback Zach McRae, who led Dillon to two state Class A championships in his three years as a starter, has verbally committed to play football for the University of Montana while attending the school.

The announcement was made Wednesday’s by McRae’s high school coach, Terry Thomas.

McRae quarterbacked the Beavers to back-to-back state Class A championships in 2005 -06, including an undefeated campaign his senior year. He was 28-4 as the Dillon QB during his high school career.

Thomas said that McRae “ranks as one of the top quarterbacks in state history.” McRae completed his prep career with 7,185 yards passing, including 70 touchdowns while completing 57 percent of his throws. He also ran for 847 yards, including 20 touchdowns.

“Zach has the rare combination of a strong and accurate, elusive running ability and a natural feel for the game,” Thomas said. “Zach has an excellent understanding of the passing game and reads coverages very well.

“He is a great leader and See McRAE, Page B4 McRae ...

knows how to win. We believe Zach has all the tools necessary to be a great college quarterback."

McRae completed 150 of 283 passes, 53.0 percent, for 2,047 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore, running for six touchdowns and 270 yards, too. Then, in 2005, he connected with his receivers on 205- of 364 attempts, 56.3 percent, for 2,762 yards and 26 TDs. He also ran for 302 yards and nine touchdowns. Then, his senior season, McRae scored five touchdowns while gaining 275 yards on keepers, and passed for 2,376 yards and 25 touchdowns while hitting on 62.5 percent of his throws — 172-for-275.

McRae was also a starter on the Dillon basketball team, capping his hardwood career with an undefeated state Calass A championship in that sport, too. He is a standout pitcher and shortstop on the Dillon Cubs American Legion baseball team.