DEARBORN, Mo. — Most importantly, Parker Rotterman identifed a school that wanted him to play football.
North Platte’s senior linebacker signed a national letter of intent Tuesday, Feb. 7 to continue his career at Avila University — an NAIA school in Kansas City, Mo. Rotterman admits to being a bit of a “home body,” making the choice even easier.
Josh Rodriguez, North Platte’s second-year coach, said the school would be getting a steal.
A second-year starter, Rotterman didn’t receive any postseason honors after his senior year. North Platte went just 2-8 in Rodriguez’s second season, falling back after a breakout 5-7 campaign in 2015.
Rotterman ranked second on the Panthers in total tackles with 101 (one for loss), while tying for the team lead with two sacks from his outside linebacker spot. He added one interception, three fumbles recovered and two fumbles forced.
After missing his entire sophomore season with a broken leg, Rotterman started as a junior and made 81 tackles (three for loss). His career-best game this past season included nine tackles, one fumble forced and one fumble recovered in North Platte’s 26-20 win over West Platte.
Offensive duties for Rotterman as a senior included 44 carries for 255 yards and two touchdowns — both in a win over Princeton — and eight catches for 197 yards as a fullback.
“I really wanted to find a program that suited me well,” Rotterman said. “I felt like I connected with the coaches a lot there (at Avila). I really enjoyed the visit.
“I was really excited that I was going to be able to (play in college) because you can’t take anything for granted.”
Currently ranked No. 5 at 152 pounds in Class 1 according to missouriwrestling.com, Rotterman is finishing out wrestling season and will then be looking to add weight. He projects as a linebacker at Avila.