CATS IN CAMP #5: Full Pads Bring Extra Out of Bobcats Monday

Photo by: Andrew Pedersen

CATS IN CAMP #5: Full Pads Bring Extra Out of Bobcats Monday

8/7/2017 3:20:00 PM | Football

The sounds of pads popping on the campus of Montana State University couldn’t be missed for those outside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse Monday as MSU football complete Fall Camp Practice No. 5

By: Andrew Pedersen

The sounds of pads popping on the campus of Montana State University couldn't be missed for those outside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

A quick warmup and right away the first full pads practice for MSU football this Fall Camp commenced with the added energy that comes with full contact between the offensive and defensive units. After some early positional drills, the Bobcat coaching staff lined up the natural grass fields – in the distance from Bobcat Stadium – with what's dubbed as the Bobcat Drill. The offense worked on its blocking and the defensive battled to shed them as the ball carrier barreled towards them for the goal line.

"That was awesome, they came out a little amped up," Montana State head coach Jeff Choate said. "We got them warmed up a little bit, did the Bobcat drill and had some good contact and had some good pop there. (It was) night and day from a year ago in terms of the level of intensity and contact."

The rest of the morning featured more repetitions on specific position techniques, along with two-minute drill work for the offense and defense. It included some big plays for both sides before the 'Cats went over to Bobcat Stadium for situational work.

Overall, it was a day Choate said he was pleased to see a give and take between both sides of the ball.

"I always try to pay attention to what is the level of competition, is one side consistently dominant over the other," Choate said. "I really don't feel that right now, I think we have got some good players on both sides of the ball. It's going to be fun."

Position Battles: A number of positions have been featured during the Fall Camp and they continue to show intrigue as MSU made its way into its first full pads session. On the offensive side, Choate highlighted the running backs, offensive line and secondary as positions to continue to keep an eye on.

Running Backs Stepping Up: Choate noted the necessity to have a number of options at the running back position because of the hits they take on each play. Players such as Troy Andersen and Tyrel Burgess have stood out because of the depth that is needed in the backfield. "They've probably made more progress in the first five days than anybody because they were starting on the ground floor," Choate said of the group. "You see some maturity in the group every day in terms of learning the offense better and understanding how to finish."

Receivers Hitting Their Stride: The wide receiver core has left an impression on coach Choate through the opening Fall Camp practices. MSU's head coach pointed out guys like Jabarri Johnson, Kevin Kassis, Justin Paige and Lance McCutcheon that have been solid out on the flank for the Bobcats so far. He's also seen his senior captain, Mitchell Herbert, play a big role to this point. "Mitch I think has really taken the next step," Choate said. "I think he's more physical and he's fighting for those 50/50 balls more."

Depth on the Interior: The open positions on the Bobcat offensive line have been a focal point and depth is certainly a must as the 2017 season rolls by. While a first-team unit has stayed consistent through five practices, several players give Choate's offense options in multiple spots. Taylor Tuisasosopo, Connor Wood, Lewis Kidd and Zach Redd are guys that have started to emerge whether it's in a specific position or moving along the line to take the spot of another.

Thunder Cats Out to Play: While there is plenty of experience in the secondary at the safety position, the guys left on an island at cornerback have been spotlighted. Choate referred to Bryce Alley and Damien Washington as the wily veterans with the most experience at the position now. Jalen Cole and Tyrel Thomas, as Choate refers to them as the Thunder Cats, have emerged in the position battle because of their determination. Junior college transfer JoJo Henderson has also seen practice reps at multiple secondary slots which will see plenty of faces at the position. "I think we're getting some depth there that we're going to need," Choate said. "They have some good competition that only makes them better."

Up Next: The Bobcats are scheduled to participate in their sixth practice of their Fall Camp at approximately 11 a.m.