Nevada offensive lineman Tyler Roemer has all the tools for college success
The word prototypical is often overused in the world of football but is needed when describing Fernley High School offensive lineman Tyler Roemer. Roemer is a physical specimen that passed the eye test when first meeting the Class of 2016 talent. At 6’7”, 275 pounds, Roemer has the frame to be a prototypical tackle at the collegiate level.
The junior to-be talked about his opportunity to showcase his skills at the EFN camp stating, “Loved it. Probably the funnest thing I have done in a long time. Helped me with everything I’ve done in the past 2-3 years with football, absolutely loved it. The techniques and the drills, loved the drills, really good for the footwork. The coaches know what they are doing. I really liked that all the coaches had college and NFL experience.”
The Vaqueros had a tough 2013 season finishing .500 on the season. The difficult season and being a sophomore could lend credence to why college coaches have overlooked a potential Division-I offensive lineman.
Roemer projects as an offensive tackle at the next level, should he continue to add weight to his massive frame, but plays offensive guard in Fernley’s triple-option attack. When asked if there is a challenge or weakness when blocking defenders Roemer, humbly, is up for the challenge. “I don’t feel like have any big problems. I use my athletic talent to do what is needed. “
When asked about what he can improve upon as a player, an age old weak spot with all maturing football players surfaces. “I feel like I took a few plays off that I shouldn’t have. My goal next season is to be 100 percent every play. I want to be the best player on the field on the line. I don’t want anyone to hold me back from getting that Division-I scholarship.”
Goals are important for success and a sign of dedication. Roemer’s are simple yet difficult, a task he is up to accomplish. “I want us to make state, its every team’s goal. For me I don’t want to allow a sack on offense.”
The Fernley coaching staff started Roemer on the offensive line from game one as a sophomore then inserted him along the defensive line roughly half way through the season. To prepare for 2013 the gifted lineman went outside normal football workouts for better results on the field. “I do a lot of swimming for endurance. Swimming has helped me with better stamina on the field. Deep into the game I’m not trying to catch my breath like the other guys on the field.”
With Roemer expected to play ironman football in 2014, defensive goals are a must. “I’d like to score another defensive touchdown and get as many sacks as possible.”
Another example of talent finding a way the make a play on the field, Roemer explained the play in detail. “I scored a touchdown in the final game of season on fumble recovery. One our guys smoked the ball carrier, the ball popped right into my hands and I ran it back 30 yards.
The talents of the Nevada native paint a bigger picture of next level potential. In five games Roemer compiled 22 tackles. Still wondering how much talent the young man possesses? As a freshman he was a kicker on the team. When asked to explain Roemer can’t. “Not sure how I know how to kick? I was great at onside kicks. The coach would point where he wanted it and I could place it on the spot.”
2014 looks to be a promising season per Roemer, “We have a good amount of big seniors returning and the junior class has a lot of athletes. If we practice as hard as we can, learn the offense as well as we can and be the phenomenal athletes that we are we should be great this season.”
When asked to name a couple of Vaqueros players fans should look for in 2014 the names kept coming. “Brian Reyes, he’s a fullback, senior to-be. He’s the kind of player that is not afraid of any challenge. Kevin Montgomery plays quarterback and cornerback on the team. He’s a great senior leader. He can run and throw with the best of them. We have two other strong ball carriers in Eddie Salone and junior to-be Carlos McIntire.”
Football touches lives in different ways. One can quickly understand how important football is for Roemer. When asked to talk about his love for the game Roemer does not hold back, “The game, running out on the field, the feeling running through the tunnel, the whole city there for the team. Love making that big tackle or that big hit, laying that kid out. One of my favorite parts of the game.”
Roemer continues, “The relationships with players on the team, going against them on the line or on the boards, proving you can play. I don’t think I would be anybody without football.
Baltimore Ravens lineman Michael Oher serves as a professional role model for the Fernley star but a family member is the reason Roemer suited up as a youngster. “My uncle Matt passed away in 2008 from a motorcycle accident. He played for University of Nevada wearing No. 74 and that is the reason I am No. 74 today. I always looked up to him since I was six, my whole football dreams started in the first grade and my uncle Matt was a huge inspiration for that.”
With two years left of high school football the future is wide open for the talented two-way starter from Fernley, Nevada. Roemer has the athletic ability and the mental dedication to be the best player he can be on the field. Time will tell where that talent will lead him.
Photo credit: ncsasports.org; No. 74 Tyler Roemer