Valley City State lures another Alaskan

Mike Weber may not have been the most recognized player on the Palmer High School football squad, but he was one of the most important players on a team that qualified for the 4A state playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

The standout on offense, defense and special teams saw his high school career come to an end in October, but his football career is about to take him to the college level. On Monday Weber signed a national letter of intent to join the Valley City State University football squad. Weber is the second Palmer player in as many years to sign with the North Dakota football team. Former Moose standout Ali Larijani just completed his first season with the Vikings.

"(Valley City State) will be a good fit for him," Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said. "He's a big play guy."

Weber was a three-year starter at defensive back for a Moose defense that has ranked at or near the top of the Northern Railbelt Conference in several statistical categories. He also was a crucial special teams player for Palmer, returning both punts and kickoffs. Weber was also an integral part of one of the most potent running games in the state. The wing back was among team leaders in touchdowns as a junior and senior and ran for over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons.

Weber was named first-team all-conference as a defensive back as a senior, and second-team all-conference as a running back after his junior campaign.

Weber said he also considered Northern Oklahoma State, but after talking with Larijani and Viking head coach Dennis McCullough, Valley City State became the obvious choice.

"(Ali) loves their program," Weber said. "The coaching is good, everything is good."

Weber, who plans to purse a degree in either chemistry or a pharmaceutical program, said he was also impressed the education he can receive at the university.

Defensive back will be Weber's position of choice when he joins the Valley City State squad. Christiansen feels Weber could be an impact player at the position for the Vikings.

"He's so tough, he doesn't shy away from contact," Christiansen said. "His quickness on the field, by his junior year he should be a starter."

It is unknown at this point how quickly Weber will see varsity action, but traditionally young players are given the opportunity to contribute early on the squad.

"I am guaranteed to play junior varsity," Weber said.

Weber's varsity playing time will depend on how quick he learns the Valley City State defensive packages and where he stands on the depth chart. Jon Rogers, a former Eielson standout, started at defensive back for the Vikings as a freshman last season.

Larijani and Rogers are part of a large group of Alaskan talent on the Valley City roster. Fifteen former Alaska prep players are currently on the Viking roster.

"It doesn't hurt to know people," Weber said. "I think I have played against every one of them that is down there."