Daily Trainer #1: Barnhart Hits 'Most-Watched' List
8/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Mike Kramer knows exactly what position he gets the most questions about during the course of any season.
It's not quarterback. It's not even cornerback, or linebacker.
"The tight end," Kramer says with a hearty laugh. "Everyone in Bobcat Nation thinks they're an expert on how we should use the tight end, and everyone wants to know who is going to replace our All-America tight end, Blake Wolf."
The answer, Kramer says, is easy. "Several people."
From a group of five players, each with solid and varied physical attributes, Elliott Barnhart emerges as the leader. The most experienced and complete player in the group, Barnhart saw action as MSU's second tight end behind Wolf last fall as a true freshman. The Broadus native caught one pass last year, but says the experience made all the difference.
"It was a great experience," he said. "Everyone welcomed me. But on the field it was a lot different than (high school ball in) Broadus."
According to Kramer, Barnhart's experience on the defensive side of the ball in high school gives him a more complete understanding of what the Bobcat offensive scheme tries to accomplish. "Elliott has a good understanding of the game of football," Kramer said. "He's a two-time all-state defensive player, and that really is to his benefit. His academic standing is very equivalent to Blake (who was an four-time Academic All-Big Sky performer), so he is a smart kid and a smart player."
Barnhart agrees that his defensive experience helps as a tight end. "Playing linebacker, it's read and react, because you don't know what the offense is going to do," he said. "That's a lot like it is at tight end."
Barnhart is far from Kramer's only weapon at tight end. Freshman Nick Parker (Missoula Loyola), who redshirted last year, brings up-field speed to the position, while sophomore Ty McDonald (Geyser) is an outstanding athlete. In addition, Billings West recruit Joe Schreibeis, like Barnhart, is a big target at tight end with the athleticism and speed to make him a pass-catching threat.
"These guys all bring multiple skills to the position," Kramer says.
And Barnhart is excited about one other shared trait.
"We're all Montana guys," he says with a smile. "That's pretty neat."
BUMPS 'N' BRUISES: After a spring practice session when injuries cascaded the Bobcat football program, the first three days of fall camp has been uneventful.
Mike Kramer and his staff will wait out three-fall injuries. Center Zach Wolf recovers from knee surgery, and his return is unknown, and nose tackle Andy Matakis is expected to return sometime in late October from spring knee surgery, as well. Both suffered knee injuries in spring ball. Epikopo King has missed the early portion of camp with an infected tooth and a leg injury, while Chris Davis injured a knee during summer workouts and Brandon Bostick suffered a broken toe on his summer job. All three could be out until late August.
Two Bobcat newcomers continue to await medical clearance. Irregularities turned up in standard physicals for freshmen defensive backs Arnold Briggs and Brian Waldon.
POSITION PONDERINGS: The Bobcat coaching staff made only one position switch of significance during the early days of fall camp. Jason Gathing moved from running back, where he played as a reserve last year, to linebacker. He is listed as Nick Marudas' backup at the Rover spot in MSU's new 3-4 alignment. Grant Elliott, who moved to linebacker from fullback this summer, is listed as Mac Mollohan's backup at Will while Epikopo King recovers from his ailments.
SEEING RED SHIRTS: As the Bobcats prepared to don shoulder pads for the first time Friday, Mike Kramer declared that only kicker Eric Fisher among MSU's class of true freshmen is currently considered likely not to redshirt. "It looks like, barring something unforeseen, we'll be able to redshirt all those guys in this freshman class, which will really benefit us in the long run."
-msu-
It's not quarterback. It's not even cornerback, or linebacker.
"The tight end," Kramer says with a hearty laugh. "Everyone in Bobcat Nation thinks they're an expert on how we should use the tight end, and everyone wants to know who is going to replace our All-America tight end, Blake Wolf."
The answer, Kramer says, is easy. "Several people."
From a group of five players, each with solid and varied physical attributes, Elliott Barnhart emerges as the leader. The most experienced and complete player in the group, Barnhart saw action as MSU's second tight end behind Wolf last fall as a true freshman. The Broadus native caught one pass last year, but says the experience made all the difference.
"It was a great experience," he said. "Everyone welcomed me. But on the field it was a lot different than (high school ball in) Broadus."
According to Kramer, Barnhart's experience on the defensive side of the ball in high school gives him a more complete understanding of what the Bobcat offensive scheme tries to accomplish. "Elliott has a good understanding of the game of football," Kramer said. "He's a two-time all-state defensive player, and that really is to his benefit. His academic standing is very equivalent to Blake (who was an four-time Academic All-Big Sky performer), so he is a smart kid and a smart player."
Barnhart agrees that his defensive experience helps as a tight end. "Playing linebacker, it's read and react, because you don't know what the offense is going to do," he said. "That's a lot like it is at tight end."
Barnhart is far from Kramer's only weapon at tight end. Freshman Nick Parker (Missoula Loyola), who redshirted last year, brings up-field speed to the position, while sophomore Ty McDonald (Geyser) is an outstanding athlete. In addition, Billings West recruit Joe Schreibeis, like Barnhart, is a big target at tight end with the athleticism and speed to make him a pass-catching threat.
"These guys all bring multiple skills to the position," Kramer says.
And Barnhart is excited about one other shared trait.
"We're all Montana guys," he says with a smile. "That's pretty neat."
BUMPS 'N' BRUISES: After a spring practice session when injuries cascaded the Bobcat football program, the first three days of fall camp has been uneventful.
Mike Kramer and his staff will wait out three-fall injuries. Center Zach Wolf recovers from knee surgery, and his return is unknown, and nose tackle Andy Matakis is expected to return sometime in late October from spring knee surgery, as well. Both suffered knee injuries in spring ball. Epikopo King has missed the early portion of camp with an infected tooth and a leg injury, while Chris Davis injured a knee during summer workouts and Brandon Bostick suffered a broken toe on his summer job. All three could be out until late August.
Two Bobcat newcomers continue to await medical clearance. Irregularities turned up in standard physicals for freshmen defensive backs Arnold Briggs and Brian Waldon.
POSITION PONDERINGS: The Bobcat coaching staff made only one position switch of significance during the early days of fall camp. Jason Gathing moved from running back, where he played as a reserve last year, to linebacker. He is listed as Nick Marudas' backup at the Rover spot in MSU's new 3-4 alignment. Grant Elliott, who moved to linebacker from fullback this summer, is listed as Mac Mollohan's backup at Will while Epikopo King recovers from his ailments.
SEEING RED SHIRTS: As the Bobcats prepared to don shoulder pads for the first time Friday, Mike Kramer declared that only kicker Eric Fisher among MSU's class of true freshmen is currently considered likely not to redshirt. "It looks like, barring something unforeseen, we'll be able to redshirt all those guys in this freshman class, which will really benefit us in the long run."
-msu-
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