Nevada 2016 OT Tyler Roemer Talks SDSU Commitment over Louisville

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Recruiting is a finicky process always sure to amaze and even at times leaves some to wonder. Chalk up the recruiting scenario for Fernley High School offensive lineman/defensive end Tyler Roemer as one of the more confusing scenarios in the 2016 class.

Roemer used his God given size and strength to earn first team All-State Defense, second team All-State offense, and first team All-Region for both offense and defense at the end of his junior season. The 6’7”, 304 pound, talent was bypassed for similar first team honors in 2015, another confusing scenario, but was still a second team All-State selection and earned Lineman of the Year for the Northern Division in the state of Nevada.

One would think a ton of offers would have come in, but somehow Roemer slipped through the cracks. Two great offers did come through, from San Diego State and Louisville. Oddly enough, backyard programs like UNLV and Nevada snubbed the all-state talent perhaps fearing the lure of the ACC and another Mountain West program was too much to overcome?

Roemer took his official visit to SDSU on Dec. 11-13. All the marbles were riding on his Dec. 23 weekend visit to Louisville. Will he choose a Power Five Conference with potential ESPN highlight clip glory or pick a great regional Group of Six team allowing Roemer to continue a thread of normalcy going forward?

On Sunday night, as soon as he got back from his trip to Louisville, Roemer’s decision had been made and all that was needed was a phone call to the Aztecs’ coaching staff to cement his position.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Roemer after he made his decision public on Monday to get the inside scoop on how his final decision between SDSU and Louisville played out.

Interview

Tyler, first, congratulations on your commitment to SDSU?

“Thank you.”

It has been a little while since the two of us have conducted an on the record interview. Just to kind of catch-up, how did your senior season go for you on the field? Were you pleased with your play?

“Yes I was. I was very pleased with how I personally played. I feel like I had a tremendous season. I could not have asked for much more and made it through the season with no injuries.”

You’ve had a lot of in-state honors and selections. I know you had offers from Louisville and SDSU. Did you get an offer from University of Nevada or UNLV?

“No.”

Interesting. Alright, moving along. You got back from your Louisville visit on Sunday. How did that trip go for you?

“It was alright. When I went there this summer for camp, I liked it but I had not seen what it is all about. I didn‘t feel the team chemistry there. They have nice facilities, but that’s not what it is all about for me when picking a school. I’m there to play football and get an education not the fame and glory.”

You took your official visit to SDSU the weekend of Dec. 12. If you can remember back, what still stands out in your mind from that visit?

“Everything. I’m serious. The coaches were so involved. The team has a family feel to it not a program feel and not a business mentality. I’m here for two goals, a degree and football. I really admired that. And, the weather, the weather, the weather…”

San Diego’s weather is great. So, what influenced you to commit to the Aztecs over Louisville?

“I committed last night (Sunday). I felt as if Louisville was not the place to be for me. It is far from home. My family played a big role in my athletics over the years, especially with football. It would be hard for me to not go up to my mom after a game to give her a hug, tell her I love her, and ask her how I played.”

I like that. Great answer. I’m assuming you called one of the SDSU coaches to commit. Who did you call?

“I called Coach (Jeff) Horton (offensive coordinator/running backs coach). He had just gotten off the plane in Dallas.”

What was his response when you told me you were committing?

“He was quite excited. I felt like he was thinking that I was going to choose Louisville because they play in a bigger conference.”

Just before you made that phone call, what was going through your mind? What were you feeling?

“I felt like it was a good choice. I felt like it was where I needed to be and wanted to go but I was nervous. I was about to push the call button, I looked at my mom and was like “oh man.” Even after, I was still like this is not real. Then it finally sunk in, I’m committed to play college ball at SDSU.”

Did you guys do anything to celebrate your commitment to SDSU?

“Honestly, I was still experiencing jetlag. I put it out there on social media and I let friends and family know. I called my head coach and athletic director and then I went to sleep.”

You play basketball for Fernley right?

“Yes.”

How is the season going so far? How does the team look?

“We have a pretty stacked team this year. I imagine we will make it far in state tournament.”

Are you starting for the Vaqueros?

(Laughs) “No. Basketball is not the sport I excel in playing.”

(Laughing) I appreciate your honesty. With basketball going on are you still getting time in with the weights to prepare for next season?

“Yes. I go and lift every day of the week.”

What is your bench press and squat max up to now?

“325 on bench and 500 on squat.”

Jeez, you’re going to be a monster at the next level. Okay Tyler, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment to SDSU.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Roemer family; Tyler with San Diego State OC Jeff Horton.

Photo credit: Roemer family; Tyler takes promotional shots at SDSU.