South Kitsap quarterback set to walk on for Cougars

Gordy Anderson long preferred to walk on at Washington State.

That became a reality Thursday night when wide-receivers coach Mike Levenseller called to offer the 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback a spot as an invited walk-on.

Anderson, who completed 103 of 180 passes for 1,859 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions to help South Kitsap to the Class 4A state playoffs in 2009, said throughout the fall that he planned to join the Cougars if he were to be invited. He said he also had walk-on opportunities at Central Washington, where South wide receiver Leon La Deaux signed, in addition to Eastern Washington.

Anderson also said that Southern Oregon University and Citrus College in California offered him partial scholarships, but he could not pass up the opportunity to compete for playing time in the Pac-10.

He also said he was comfortable with Levenseller, who recruits the Olympic Peninsula, and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Todd Sturdy after attending WSU’s camp the past two summers.

“I really liked the coaches and their style, the recruits and the kids on there team,” said Anderson, adding that he remained proactive in contacting coaches because he feels recruits on the Peninsula are overshadowed by those in more urban areas.

A two-year starter for the Wolves, Anderson said he wants to work on becoming stronger and developing a quicker release as a likely redshirt this fall for the Cougars, who finished 1-11 last year. WSU returns three signal-callers — junior Marshall Lobbestael, sophomore Jeff Tuel and redshirt freshman walk-on David Gilbertson — next season. WSU also signed quarterback Connor Halliday from Ferris High School in Spokane on Feb. 3.

With the possible exception of Rob Minnitti, who guided South to the 1997 state championship game, coach D.J. Sigurdson said he was hard-pressed to name a better quarterback during his tenure. He described Anderson as “accurate and efficient” as a passer, while noting that he had presence on the field.

Anderson, who wants to pursue a degree in business or communication, said he hopes to earn a scholarship. WSU coach Paul Wulff has awarded several scholarships to former walk-on players, including defensive back/linebacker Myron Beck, offensive lineman Brian Danaher and defensive lineman Casey Hamlett, the last two seasons.

“That’s my goal,” Anderson said. “I’ll try my hardest to show that I’m worthy of one.”

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.