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Dalton Daum changes verbal commitment to Grizzlies
Updated: January 11, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Dalton Daum has had a change of heart.
There’s also been a change of circumstances that led the star Butte High receiver to change his verbal commitment from Montana State University to the University of Montana. Daum informed new Grizzly coach Bob Stitt and MSU coach Rob Ash of the decision on Sunday.
“It was the toughest call I ever had to make,” Daum said of dialing up Ash to deliver the news.
On Nov. 30, Daum called Ash to verbally commit to the Bobcats and accept his full-scholarship offer. That was when the Grizzlies had a half scholarship on the table.
It was also before the Grizzlies hired Bob Stitt to replace retiring coach Mick Delaney. Stitt quickly reached out to Daum. Last week, Stitt officially offered Daum a full-ride scholarship to play for the Grizzlies.
“Once I had the opportunity I had to take it,” Daum said. “I always dreamed of playing for them.”
Daum’s father, Rich, said his son agonized over the decision before coming to the conclusion that he would play for the Grizzlies on Saturday.
“He just told coach Ash he’s following his heart,” Rich Daum said. “The Bobcats have been really good to him. Actually they have been looking at him since he was freshman. They were the first to offer him a full scholarship, and all the coaches are first class.”
Daum said Stitt, his offense and his style helped make the decision more apparent.
“I like him a lot,” Daum said of his new coach. “He reminds me of coach (Arie) Grey. He said he wants to win, but he also said he wants to have fun. That’s what I wanted to hear.”
Daum, an honors student, also had an offer to play football at Harvard University. He didn’t want to play that far from home, and he didn’t like the fact that Harvard doesn’t play in the post season.
So, Daum wills study physical therapy or business in Missoula.
First, Daum will focus on track at Butte High. Daum is the reigning Class AA state champion in the 100- and 200-meter races.
Daum started at receiver for three years for Grey’s Bulldogs. He was a key piece in the Bulldogs’ 2012 Class AA state championship run.
During his career at Butte High, Daum caught 196 passes for 2,997 yards and 32 touchdowns. He holds single-season school records for TD catches (16 in 2013), receiving yards (1,217 in 2013) and receptions (76 in 2013).
His numbers would have been even better had he not broken his right hand late in his senior season. He played the last two games with his hand in a cast. Daum, who was also a key member of Butte High’s defensive secondary, was routinely double and triple teamed by defenses throughout the season.
At UM, Daum will focus solely on the offensive side of the ball, and the receiver’s father said his new coach is thrilled.
“Stitt was really excited when Dalton told him the news,” Rich Daum said. “He said he feels like a mad scientist because of what he can do with that much speed at the ‘Z’ receiver.”
Stitt can’t comment on recruits until they official sign. National Signing Day is Wednesday, Feb. 4.
