MISSOULA – The Montana football team is undergoing changes in the safety group as they say goodbye to a trio of key players and their position coach.
Stepping in is experienced coach Tim Hauck, who brings 13 years of NFL playing experience, two decades of coaching in college and the pros, and a recent Super Bowl win as an assistant. A UM alum, he will lead the safeties after working as a defensive analyst with the group last year.
“He was heavily involved with those guys last year,” said Griz head coach Bobby Hauck. “It’s a position he’s coached throughout his career, so the transition should be smooth.”
Senior safeties Ryder Meyer and Jaxon Lee worked with Tim Hauck last year and had their best seasons. They praised his focus on technique, attention to detail, and care for them as individuals.
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Meyer said, “He cares about us as people, not just football players, which gives us confidence on game days.”
“His focus on technique and individual improvement translated well to team success last season, and we expect it to continue this year,” Lee added.
Tim Hauck will also serve as co-defensive coordinator alongside linebackers coach Roger Cooper, taking over from Ronnie Bradford, who now coaches in the NFL after one year as UM’s defensive coordinator.
“The offseason transition was smooth, and the coordinators have been working together for over a year, understanding each other’s approach,” Bobby Hauck commented. “The defense has evolved, and everyone is on the same page, which is promising.”
Who’s back
Senior Ryder Meyer from Fairfield is the sole returning starter among the Grizzlies’ safety group. He had an impressive 2023 season with 91 tackles, three tackles for loss, five passes defended, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
“Ryder’s tackling and execution were exemplary,” Bobby Hauck praised. “He learned a lot in his first year as a starter and applied it effectively on the field.”
Senior Jaxon Lee of Philipsburg played backup safety last season and started once in the semifinal against North Dakota State. He’s amassed 49 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, three passes defended, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
Bobby Hauck commended Lee’s progress, stating, “Jaxon improved significantly in the latter half of last season and was one of the standouts in the back end.”
Junior TJ Rausch of Missoula has primarily contributed on special teams in his three years at UM but saw more action as a backup safety last season, with seven tackles and one pass defended.
Sophomore Tyson Rostad of Hamilton played eight games in 2023 and has seven tackles and one TFL to his name while serving as a backup in the secondary and on special teams.
Bobby Hauck praised Rostad’s progress, saying, “He’s embraced the demands of college football, had a strong spring practice, and is in contention for a significant role.”
Junior Padraig Lang of Bozeman returns after recovering from an injury last year and has one rush for nine yards in his two games with the Griz.
Junior Gabe Longin of Great Falls has played on special teams in two games over four years without recording any stats.
Sophomore Chase McGurran of Helena has not seen game time in his two seasons in Missoula.
Redshirt freshman Kade Boyd of Billings redshirted last season.
Who’s new
Chrishawn Gordon, a transfer from Fresno State with one year of eligibility left, joined the team before spring camp. He made 39 tackles, two pass breakups, and one sack in 28 games in the Mountain West Conference.
Hauck sees potential in Gordon but emphasizes the need for learning due to the complexity of the defensive scheme.
Meyer and Lee are optimistic about Gordon’s impact, with Meyer stating, “Chrishawn is going to make a strong impression this season.”
Junior Jace Klucewich moved from cornerback to safety in the spring after playing backup corner last year. He has 26 tackles, one TFL, and one pass defended in his 22 games at UM.
“Klucewich and Gordon have integrated well into the group and adapted to the defense,” Meyer noted. “The safety unit is poised for a successful season.”
Meyer, Lee, Gordon, Klucewich, Rausch, and Rostad have stood out early in camp.
“The starting lineup for the first game will likely feature three out of those six,” Bobby Hauck stated.
Sophomore Kade Cutler transferred from Montana State to Montana before spring camp and has three seasons of eligibility. He played in three games in 2023.
The Griz also welcomed three true freshmen: Kash Goicoechea, Owen Reynolds, and Dane Parker.
Who’s gone
Nash Fouch, TraJon Cotton, and Garrett Graves have completed their eligibility. They leave behind a legacy of solid performance and leadership in the safety room.
“While we’ll miss their presence and contributions, it’s an opportunity for others to step up,” Meyer reflected. “Jaxon and I have formed a strong bond that enhances our on-field communication and performance.”
Frank Gogola is the Senior Sports Reporter at the Missoulian and 406 MT Sports. Follow him on X @FrankGogola or email him at frank.gogola@406mtsports.com.
