Montana St. Starts Spring Ball 03/08/09

[GOKATS]

The Bobcats kick off spring ball on Sunday in the stadium on the FieldTurf installed last summer. This is the earliest I ever remember spring ball getting starting (by several weeks) due to Bozemans weather (it's been snowing the last three days), but the turf makes all the difference.

Practice Schedule:

Mar 8
Mar9
Mar 11
Spring Break
Mar 23
Mar 25
Mar 27
Mar 29- scrimmage
Apr 1
Apr 3
Apr 4
Apr 8
Apr 10
Apr 11- scrimmage
Apr 15
Apr 18- Triangle Classic in Great Falls

QUICK LOOK at ‘09
Starters Returning O/D/ST .................6/7/2
Lettermen Returning O/D/ST ..........18/21/3
Lettermen Lost O/D/ST.......................9/6/0
Returning All-America .........................1/0/0
Returning All-Big Sky First Team ........0/1/0

[Hansel]

with the weather we've had... they would be better off starting a couple of weeks ago

[GOKATS]

with the weather we've had... they would be better off starting a couple of weeks ago

Weather wise I'd agree, unfortunately once they start they only have 34 days not counting official days off (ala spring break) to get 15 practices in and the Triangle Classic on April 18th was set a long time ago. Looks like they basically counted backwards from that date. Obviously they could've delayed the start, but the Classic is like the fireworks on 4th of July.

[bpcats]

It looks like Oline has put on some weight since last fall. Our right tackle, left guard, and backup guards have all put on about 20lbs. We also get our starting left tackle back this year. The oline should average around 300 lbs and be fairly athletic.

It doesn't look like we will have much size along our dline as everybody will be playing around 265 lbs and be using their quickness to make plays. That will probably mean that incoming freshman Christian Kellii will have a decent shot of getting into the rotation as he will be one of the biggest and strongest players coming in.

The dline and linebackers should be one of the better front sevens in the conference again. Just need to plug some holes at the cb position.

This is the earliest that the receivers and qbs have been able to work on their route running due to the fieldturf. Our passing game needs all the help it can get.

It is too bad we still won't have an established qb coming back next year. We will have three qbs returning that all have a ton of stuff to work on.

[CrazyCat]

2009 Spring Depth Chart

Offense
LEFT TACKLE
74 Jeff Miller* 6-7 294 Jr&
66 Clint Mentzel 6-5 280 Fr&
67 Todd Brandt 6-4 246 Fr&
LEFT GUARD
68 Conrad Burbank* 6-4 300 So&
53 Matt Bernard 6-3 305 Fr&
CENTER
73 Alex Terrien* (TARE-ee-uhn) 6-4 280 So&
64 Casey Dennehy 6-1 267 So&
56 Shaun Sampson 6-2 225 Fr&
RIGHT GUARD
76 Jeff Hansen*** 6-4 297 Sr&
62 Ben Tauanuu 6-4 308 Fr&
71 Jesse Hoffmann** 6-4 285 Jr&
RIGHT TACKLE
72 Mike Person** 6-5 292 Jr&
79 Michael Erickson 6-3 285 Fr&
55 Andrew Verlanic 6-4 263 Fr&
QUARTERBACK
11 Mark Desin** (like dressin’) 5-11 194 Jr&
12 Cody Kempt* 6-2 216 Jr&+ (injured)
16 Mark Iddins* 6-2 204 Sr+ (injured)
17 Byron Campbell 6-4 205 Fr&
19 Rick Haluszka 6-4 205 Fr&
RUNNING BACK
38 CJ Palmer 6-0 226 So
33 Blayde Becksted* 5-10 200 Jr&
36 Ricky Evans 6-1 177 Fr&
3 Aaron Mason** 5-10 186 Sr (injured)
W RECEIVER
85 Michael Chopp 6-0 188 Fr&
7 Mike Gallagher 5-11 174 Fr&
86 DeSean Thomas* 6-1 176 So (injured)
X RECEIVER
1 Elvis Akpla 6-2 181 So+
87 Dan Malison 6-3 193 Fr&
14 Kellen Kessler 6-1 185 Fr&
84 Tyler Ward 5-9 164 Fr&
Z RECEIVER
80 Derek Green*** 6-3 189 Sr&
83 Reil Cornelius 6-4 192 Fr&
6 Kruiz Siewing 6-0 181 Fr&
TIGHT END
91 Joe Schriebeis* (SHRY-bice) 6-4 233 Sr&
81 Kyle Begger* 6-2 244 Jr&
88 Shane Robison* 6-5 245 So&
89 Steven Foster 6-5 246 Fr&
95 Kevin Steiner 6-4 227 Fr&
*-indicates number of letters earned
&-player has used redshirt year
+-indicates player is a transfer
Kickers
PLACEMENTS
15 Jason Cunningham 6-1 182 So
KICKOFF/PUNT
39 Eric Fisher 6-1 200 Sr&
Defense
BANDIT
47 Dane Fletcher*** 6-2 245 Sr&
48 Dustin O’Connell* 6-2 239 Jr&
49 Caleb Schreibeis 6-3 237 Fr&
98 Derek DeJong 6-3 246 Fr&
TACKLE
93 Dan Ogden* 6-0 261 Jr
58 Ryan Cerise* (sir-EESE) 6-3 265 Sr&
NOSE
94 Leo Davis* 6-4 265 So&
45 Jsaon D’Alba (dee-ALL-buh) 6-2 280 So&+
67 Andrew Garaventa 6-0 274 Fr&
END
92 Brad Smith 6-5 237 So&
50 John Laidet (luh-DETT) 6-5 240 So&+
99 Brian Bignell 6-2 224 Fr&
SAM
31 Chase Gazzerro*** (guh-ZARE-oh) 5-10 219 Sr&
23 Jody Owens 6-1 213 Fr&
40 Trenton Thelen 6-1 217 Fr&
MIKE
42 Clay Bignell 6-2 236 Fr&
44 Matt Harris* 6-0 224 Sr+
32 Jared Rohrback 6-1 211 Fr&
46 Ryan D’Agostino 6-2 226 Fr&
35 Tyler Volkman 6-0 238 Fr&
WILL
34 Jeff Price** 6-0 222 Jr&
29 Jimmy Ekumah 5-11 216 Fr&
59 Tanner Ripley* 5-10 216 Jr&
51 Josiah Lusby** 6-0 226 Jr&
LEFT CORNER
28 Cory Nicol (like nickle) 5-9 175 Sr+
6 Heath Howard 5-10 180 Fr&
3 Kazz Siewing 5-11 178 Fr&
FREE SAFETY
27 Kevin Retoriano* (ruh-tore-ee-AW-no) 5-9 187 Sr^
22 Michael Rider** 5-11 199 Jr&
ROVER
26 Arnold Briggs* 5-10 187 Jr&
7 Jordan Craney* 6-1 205 Jr
43 Beau Watkins* 6-2 200 Jr&
RIGHT CORNER
24 James Andrews* 6-1 184 So
41 Zach Coleman 5-10 180 Fr&
*-indicates number of letters earned &-player has used redshirt year
+-indicates player is a transfer
^-Grayshirt

[GOKATS]

From MSU-

MSU Football Opens Spring Drills Sunday
MSU Bobcats Bobcat Football News : 2009-03-07 : Bozeman, MT
PDF Version Available
By MSU Sports Information


The earliest opening to Montana State's spring football session begins just hours after turning the clocks ahead on Sunday morning...


Rob Ash takes an even bigger spring forward than most of Montana on Sunday morning, when Montana State's third-year head football welcomes 13 returning starters and 41 returning lettermen to the opening of spring practice just hours into Daylight Savings Time.

While Ash is pleased with the return of five offensive linemen who have starting experience and the core of a defense that allowed the fewest yards in the Big Sky last spring, he knows there are three returning starters who will draw the most attention.

"We know people are following the quarterback situation," Ash says of MSU's spring quarterback competition - or lack of same. Three Bobcats started games at quarterback last fall, a first at MSU since 1991, with sophomore Mark Desin finishing the season off after Cody Kempt and Mark Iddins were felled in early November.

"Cody (Kempt) and Mark (Iddins) will both be very limited during the spring," Ash said, "but the positive in that is that it allows us to fully evaluate Mark Desin, and that our two young guys, Byron Campbell and Rick Haluszka, will get a lot of reps."

While the quarterback situation is likely to remain unsettled into fall camp, and MSU is faced with replacing 1,000-yard rusher Demetrius Crawford and four of the program's top five receivers, the Bobcats begin the spring with a sound foundation up front. "We feel like we're strong and experienced up front, especially in the middle," Ash said. "Alex Terrien saw some meaningful action at center, and both guards Jeff Hansen and Conrad Burbank) return. That is a good place to start." Add in tackles Mike Person, who has started every game since he's been at MSU, and Jeff Miller, who started in 2007, and the offensive line could be a major strength.

MSU loses its marquee defensive player, two-time All-America middle linebacker Bobby Daly, and considerable girth up front in tackle Chris Kolone and end Dylan Kinkelaar. But, the Bobcats return considerable experience and a wealth of talent at every position group.

Buchanan Award candidate Dane Fletcher, a one-man wrecking crew until suffering a knee injury at NAU last fall, returns to terrorize Big Sky defenses, and is complemented by ends Dustin O'Connell and Brad Smith, and productive tackle Dan Ogden. Chase Gazzerro and Jeff Price proved invaluable as playmakers flanking Daly last fall, and their return alleviates pressure from new middle linebacker Clay Bignell. Three playmakers return in the secondary - cornerback Cory Nicol and safeties Kevin Retoriano and Arnold Briggs.

Ash said the presence of the artificial surface in Bobcat Stadium allows a scheduling certainty no previous MSU team has enjoyed during the spring. "We're very fortunate that, barring weather conditions that really limit visibility or are just unplayable, we'll be able to get through spring ball without worrying about the field. Our facilities crew has done an awesome job keeping it clear, and we're looking forward to practicing on Sunday."

[ncbears]

Probably should have just put it on bobcatnation. No one cares.
xthumbsupx

[GOKATS]

Probably should have just put it on bobcatnation. No one cares.
xthumbsupx

A lot more care about the Bobcats than care about UNC, in fact I think you might be the only one who cares about the Bears.xnodxxsmiley_wix

[jmufan999]

Probably should have just put it on bobcatnation. No one cares.
xthumbsupx

true, perhaps.

but what else is there to talk about at this point in the year?

[catbob]

Yea, posting FCS information on an FCS board, what were you thinking GOKATS? :)

[CatFan22]

Since BN is down, I'll ask this on here. Does anyone know why Coach Woz isn't listed on the new roster?

[ncbears]

Since BN is down, I'll ask this on here. Does anyone know why Coach Woz isn't listed on the new roster?

He didn't want to coach at MSU.

[bpcats]

Don't know. He is still listed on the msubobcats website under the coaches tab. Hopefully he is still with us. Our special teams were actually a highpoint last year. We blocked more punts and fg attempts than any year I can remember.

[CrazyCat]

Since BN is down, I'll ask this on here. Does anyone know why Coach Woz isn't listed on the new roster?

Check your email

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Noticed a lot of underclassmen on the O-line??? Transfers or not many o-linemen recruited.

Bison had injuries on the O-line last year......poor year.

Healthy O-line = success

Just wondering!

[bpcats]

A couple of years ago we had a lot of injuries and lost players to graduation. Both our RG and RT have been starting for a number of years. Our LG started all of last year after redshirting. Our Center started a few games last due to injuries and was the primary backup along the whole oline. We never lost a beat. We lost a very talented LT to graduation but replace him with our 2007 starter at left tackle, so we shouldn't miss a beat.

Our team has had a lack of depth along the oline for a number of years that we are just now replacing. The good news is that we have very talented oline coach who really does a great job of getting these guys to play up to their potential.

They shouldn't give up many sacks as they are all pretty athletic. We were second in conference in rushing but a lot of big plays were made by our graduating running back using a lot of cutbacks and making a lot out of nothing.

The oline should be solid.

[CopperCat]

He didn't want to coach at MSU.

I'd take Bozeman over Greeley any day for one simple reason: it doesn't smell like cow **** EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.

Kind of a metaphor for UNC football you could say.xrotatehx

[ncbears]

I'd take Bozeman over Greeley any day for one simple reason: it doesn't smell like cow **** EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.

Kind of a metaphor for UNC football you could say.xrotatehx

What do you know about Greeley? (BTW, I hate Greeley)

[GOKATS]

From the Friday depth chart- pre spring ball................


QUARTERBACK
11 Mark Desin** (like dressin’) 5-11 194 Jr&
12 Cody Kempt* 6-2 216 Jr&+ (injured)
16 Mark Iddins* 6-2 204 Sr+ (injured)
17 Byron Campbell 6-4 205 Fr&
19 Rick Haluszka 6-4 205 Fr&

Mark Iddins (rehabbing shoulder surgery) was expected to see limited action along with Cody Kempt (rehabbing knee surgery). Iddins was given a full release yesterday to participate in spring ball and is now #1 on the depth chart.

[CrazyCat]

From the Friday depth chart- pre spring ball................



Mark Iddins (rehabbing shoulder surgery) was expected to see limited action along with Cody Kempt (rehabbing knee surgery). Iddins was given a full release yesterday to participate in spring ball and is now #1 on the depth chart.


That is very good news xthumbsupx

[GOKATS]

Since BN is down, I'll ask this on here. Does anyone know why Coach Woz isn't listed on the new roster?

Although word has leaked out, I got the answer a few days ago, the release has been made that Wozniak accepted the wide receiver coach job at FBS Louisiana- Monroe. It's a good career move with a significant increase in pay. He's a good coach and will be missed- wish him the best.

[CopperCat]

Looking at the weather forecast for Bozeman, it's pretty ridiculous what the team has to go through every year in spring drills. MSU NEEDS the indoor stadium to get around the weather issues. While other teams are getting full practices in outside on the practice field, MSU is in the fieldhouse running agility drills instead of running the offense on the field like they need to be.

[CrazyCat]

Looking at the weather forecast for Bozeman, it's pretty ridiculous what the team has to go through every year in spring drills. MSU NEEDS the indoor stadium to get around the weather issues. While other teams are getting full practices in outside on the practice field, MSU is in the fieldhouse running agility drills instead of running the offense on the field like they need to be.

An indoor practice facility would be great but they are practicing at the stadium on the turf.

[GOKATS]

An indoor practice facility would be great but they are practicing at the stadium on the turf.

Like CC said, the FieldTurf is cleared of snow and they're practicing in the stadium, not the fieldhouse- those days are over. They've kept the field cleared the last couple months and the captains have been taking the players out for pass drills, fundamentals, workouts, etc.

[CrazyCat]

article on Oregon transfer WR Elvis Akpla



His speed and quickness are as good as advertised,” said offensive coordinator/running backs coach Dale Ploessl

“He has what I like to call ‘gear two,’” Beasley said on signing day. “A lot of guys have ‘gear one;’ they can catch the ball and make plays. But ‘gear two’ guys give you opportunities to take it to the house.”

“I’ve been happy the way he’s caught the ball in some tough conditions these first few days,” Ash said. “He has no idea about our offense. It’s all so new to him. So you have all these factors n the new offense, the fact that he’s sick and the tough conditions n and he’s still making some difficult catches pretty effortlessly.”




http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/03/12/bobcats/football/000akpla.txt