VALDOSTA, GA – Justin Roper has been named quarterbacks coach for the Valdosta State football team, according to an announcement made by Blazer Head Football Coach David Dean Wednesday.
Roper joins the Blazers gridiron team after serving as the running back coach for fellow NCAA Division II member Findlay in 2013. In his one year at Findlay, Roper coached Daiquone Ford to All-America honors while helping the sophomore to 1,789 yards and a school record 24 rushing touchdowns.
Roper is no stranger to what it takes to succeed as a quarterback on the collegiate level as he played three seasons for Oregon before finishing his career at Montana. In his three seasons at Oregon, Roper played in 22 games and passed for 1,903 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 138 yards and two scores with the Ducks. During his red-shirt freshman season in 2007, Roper tied a Sun Bowl record as he threw for four touchdowns in a 56-21 win over South Florida.
Roper transferred to Montana as a senior and played in 11 games, during which he passed for 1,885 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 171-of-278 passes and rushed for 120 yards and two more scores.
“Justin brings a wealth of knowledge about the quarterback position after playing at both Oregon and Montana,” said Dean in making the announcement. “We are excited about the offensive perspective he can bring to the team after playing in the hurry-up offense that Oregon runs. That knowledge will be instrumental as we develop our young corps of quarterbacks in the coming year.”
Prior to joining the Oregon football team, Roper was a standout at Buford High School in Buford, Ga. As a senior at Buford, Roper was named All-Region and was ranked as one of the top 30 quarterbacks in the nation. He led the Wolves to a 12-1 record in his final season and passed for 1,423 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also started as a junior and led Buford to a 13-2 record.
“Being a native of Gwinnett County, Justin has a lot of connections in that area,” Dean concluded. “We have always had a strong contingent of Gwinnett County players on our roster and his presence on our coaching staff should help us increase our ability to get players out of that area, which consistently has some of the top talent in the state.
“We are excited about what Justin will bring to our team. He has already proven to be a quality coach after a great playing career.”
Source: Valdosta State University Athletics
