Warrior follows brother to Bemidji State

WASILLA — Last year Tim Orr watched as his older brother, Zach, mailed game tapes, sifted through letters of interest and worked his way toward finding a university and college football program that would be the right fit for him. Ultimately, Zach Orr decided to attend Bemidji State University.

This year when it came time for Tim Orr to mail game tapes, sift through letters of interest and work his way toward finding the right college and football program, Zach Orr urged his younger brother to take his own path.

And as it turns out, that path is leading Tim Orr to the same place as Zach — Bemidji State.

On Wednesday, the Wasilla High School senior signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the Minnesota school and play collegiately for the Division II program.

“For a while, I wasn’t going to go to the place where Zach went, but it ended up working out really well for me,” Orr said after inking his intent during a small gathering that included coaches, friends and family. “Everything from the offense to the academics fit me perfectly.”

Orr considered a handful of schools before settling on Bemidji. Valley City State and Minot State, a pair of North Dakota schools which both lured a pair of Wasilla players during the 2008 signing period, were on the list. Southwestern Minnesota State was also a possibility, he said.

But in the end, Bemidji State had everything he wanted in a school.

“It fit me perfectly,” Orr said.

Now is hoping to find his fit in the Bemidji State offense. For the last two seasons of his prep career, Orr was the top target in the Wasilla passing game. He was a threat playing on the line of scrimmage or split out at the flanker position, but on the next level, Orr is hoping to make his impact at tight end.

Orr, a first-team all-state selection in 2008, stands at 6-foot-5, but he hopes to put on about 30 pounds, he said.

“My goal is to get there and try to put on the weight,” Orr said. “The lifting program, my brother said, is pretty intense.”

With the extra bulk, Orr said hopes to transition into a tight end who can not only catch the ball, but block for the Beaver offense.

“Once I get into the weight room and get a taste of what it’s like, I think I’ll be ok,” Orr said.

Orr said having his older brother around will certainly be an advantage, basically an instant support system for the incoming freshman.

“He can show me the ropes in college,” Orr said.

Not only will Orr join Zach, who will be a redshirt freshman offensive tackle next season, but the Beavers’ include seven other Alaskans. The group includes former Colony standout George Percak-Dennett, a former Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.