Bobcat Football Fortifies the Troops
2/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Mike Kramer took a big step toward rebuilding Montana State’s 2006 offense by welcoming four transfer receivers to the Bobcat football program on Wednesday, but MSU’s seventh-year head coach kept his eyes firmly fixed on the future.
“Time will tell,” Kramer said on the first day most high school and junior college student-athletes are allowed to sign a binding National Letter-of-Intent with NCAA schools, “but I think this recruiting class will add considerable quality to our program, and on offense a lot of that help is immediate. We have assembled a group of experienced receivers, three of whom are already on campus learning our system and competing for playing time, along with a high school receiver that arrives in the fall. We added two quarterbacks that fit our profile well. We added a pair of impressive running backs, and two outstanding, young offensive linemen.”
While MSU’s offense stands to look drastically different this spring because of the infusion of new talent, the Bobcat defense added several key compeonents. “We gain some experience at all three areas on defense, the secondary, linebacker, and the line,” Kramer said. “We also brought in young players that enhance our speed and athleticism.”
Kramer is pleased with the balance of this year’s class. “We like to maintain good balance between transfers, high school recruits, and the hidden area of our recruiting class, walk-ons. We can’t discuss those players on signing day, but they are a crucial part of what our success. We just awarded full scholarships to four players that arrived two years ago, Brandon Bostick and Nick Parker at tight end, Jimmy Verlanic at center, and Bobby Daly at linebacker. That’s like going back in time and adding four outstanding players to that list of 2004 signees, and we think the group of kids that have committed to Montana State this year can have that same kind of impact.”
Kramer also indicated that stability in his coaching staff plays a crucial part of his program’s recruiting efforts. “Having Rob Christoff spend his seventh consecutive recruiting season in San Diego, having Don Bailey cultivate his contacts in Washington and Oregon, and having all of our signed and walk-on recruits in Montana hear the same message from one voice, Jason McEndoo, is a tremendous situation. Each of those guys do an outstanding job, as did the entire staff.” MSU’s 2006 recruits follow...
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU
Michael Beach, CB (6-0/186/Jr/San Pedro, CA)
Previous Schools: University of Arizona, Fremont HS
Transfers from Arizona... recorded one tackle and a pass breakup last fall, playing in four games... played against Oregon and Oregon State in ‘04... redshirted in ‘03... threw for 1,700 yards with 20 TDS and rushed for 350 yards and seven TDs as a senior at Fremont High... registered 80 tackles that year, as well... threw for 4,150 career yards and 38 TDs at Fremont, with 1,200 rushing yards and 12 TDs... an all-league choice as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael is a transfer who I expect to compete for the wide corner position next fall. He is a tall, lanky cornerback with smooth turns. He runs well, and is athletic.”
Will Claggett, LB (6-2/225/Jr/Marysville, CA)
Previous Schools: Butte JC, UC Davis, Marysville HS
Adds speed and experience to MSU’s linebacker corps... redshirted as a tight end at UC Davis in 2003 before transferring to Butte College in Oroville, Calif... three-year all-league choice at Marysville HS, earning conference and area defensive MVP honors as a senior... registered 134 tackles, a fumble return for a TD and two interceptions that year... also caught 34 passes for 867 yards... two-time team captain at both Marysville and Butte College... an all-league choice at Butte, as well. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “I expect Will to compete for departed All-Big Sky linebacker Nick Marudas’ spot. He has that same kind of speed. Will is a very mature workaholic with exceptional physical skills.”
Michael Jefferson, WR (6-3/185/Sr/El Paso, TX)
Previous Schools: University of Arizona, Parkland HS
Transfers to MSU from Arizona... caught four passes for 64 yards as a junior last fall... played in all 11 games... played in 10 games, starting three, in ‘04... caught 16 passes for 249 yards and three TDs... caught a 47-yarder vs. Arizona State... played in 11 games, starting three, in ‘03... caught 16 passes for 214 yards and two TDs, and returned three punts for 24 yards as a redshirt freshman... caught nine passes, the most by a Wildcat in ‘03, for 115 yards against Arizona State, including a 16-yard TD... was El Paso’s top-rated prep prospect in 2002 and the 55th-best in Texas as ranked by the Dallas Morning News... caught 29 passes for 954 yards and 11 TDs as a senior, with 60 tackles and two interceptions... registered over 2,000 receiving yards and 1,200 return yards at Parkland. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael has knock-your-socks-off speed and good size. He ran a 4.41 40 for our staff. I expect him to grab the starting job at X (receiver), replacing Tramaine Murray. He brings excellent speed and experience to our offense.”
Jack Rolovich, QB (6-3/215/Jr/Novato, CA)
Previous Schools: University of Hawai’i, San Marin HS
Transfers after three seasons at Hawai’i, one as a redshirt... a highly-rated prep quarterback, he threw for 543 yards in one game... passed for 1,500 yards and 19 TDs in a run-orienced offense. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jack has solid quarterback skills. He languished on the bench at Hawaii, but he comes highly recommended to us by (Hawaii assistant coach and former Bobcat) Jerry Glanville. He’s just looking for a chance to play, and he wants to contribute however possible. He had a very productive high school career.”
Deon Toliver, WR (6-3/180/So/Long Beach, CA)
Previous Schools: East LA College, Cabrillo HS
Played as a freshman receiver at East LA last fall... transfers to MSU as a rising sophomore... an honorable mention all-league choice at Cabrillo, where he was a three-year starter... caught 20 passes as a junior, 30 as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We are actually considering Deon a true freshman and not a transfer, even though he played a season of junior college ball last fall. We’d love to be able to redshirt him next season if possible. He had a nice start to his college career at East LA last fall, but I believe his best football is ahead of him and that his time is down the road.”
Donnell Wheaton, WR (5-11/178/Sr/Harbor City, CA)
Previous Schools: UNLV, Narbonne HS
Transfers to MSU from UNLV... caught 30 passes for 381 yards as a junior in ‘05, including nine for 137 yards against New Mexico... played in nine games last fall, starting seven, and served as team captain... also had seven catches at Utah State... grabbed four balls for 72 yards in 2004, playing in 10 games and starting one as a sophomore... played in 11 games in 2003 without stats. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “It’s not often that a team captain transfers into your program. He started games as a sophomore and junior at UNLV, but lost his starting position at the end ofthe 2005 season. I expect Donnell to capably replace Rick Gatewood at the slot position for us.”
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL
Paul Bartsch, DT (6-1/255/Jr/Huntington Beach, CA)
Previous Schools: Orange Coast College, Edison HS
A prep standout at Edison High, earning All-CIF and all-conference honors as a senior in 2001... a team captain that year, as well... second team all-league as a junior... a two-year starter at Orange Coast... registered 67 tackles, 18 assists, and five sacks. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Paul is a hard worker expected to contribute next fall. He’s a physical duplicate of Aaron Papich, and if he plays that way he will be a very productive player here.”
Jeff Brown, S (6-1/188/So/Harbor City, CA)
Previous Schools: UNLV, Narbonne HS
Transfers from UNLV next fall... played in six games last fall without stats... redshirted in 2004... named the 10th-best recruit in the Mountain West in ‘04 by Athlon... a top 50 cornerback by several prep recruiting analysts... an all-city choice in high school registering 96 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “I expect Jeff to compete for a starting safety position next fall. He has three years of eligibility left, and he is a much-needed fit in our secondary. We want to develop productivity at safety, and Jeff can help us do that.”
Josh Lewis, WR (5-11/160/Jr/Pittsburg, CA)
Previous Schools: Los Medanos JC, Antioch
A speedy receiver who recorded 1,500 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns last fall at Los Medanos... four of his scores came on punt or kick returns... earned California State JC Special Teams Player of the Week honors once last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Josh Lewis has phenomenal athletic ability... he recorded a 4.39 40 time at the California Juco Combine. He is an excellent punt returner who I expect to push into the starting lineup early in his career.”
Bryant Matthews, LB (5-11/203/Jr/New Orleans, LA)
Previous Schools: Bakersfield JC, Geo. Washington Carver HS
Earned All-Metro and All-Conference honors as a senior at George Washington Carver High in New Orleans as a senior... was a first team All-Western State Conference choice at Bakersfield. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “A transfer linebacker who we expect to compete for playing time right away. Bryant will help us offset the loss of Mac Mollohan at inside linebacker, but with his speed he could find himself at outside linebacker.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Kevin Ah-Hi, LB (5-11/194/Couer d’Alene, ID -- Couer d’Alene HS)
Two-time all-league running back, earning Inland Empire Conference Offensive MVP kudos as a senior last fall... 2004 Inalnd Empire RB of the Year... school career rushing record-holder with over 3,300 yards... a national-caliber rugby player, and a member of the U.S. National Team. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Kevin is an excellent tailback that we’ve recruited to play linebacker. He had an excellent high school career running the ball, but the fact that he’s a nationally-ranked rugby player speaks to his toughness and tenacity. He reminds me a lot of (current Bobcat linebacker) Epikopo King.”
Jamelle Banks, WR (6-0/166/Oakland, CA--Tech)
Second team All-East Bay and second team All-Oakland Area at recemver. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We initially recruited Jamelle as a cornerback, but we transitioned him to offense when we saw how good he is with the ball in his hands. He is smoot, athletic, a good leaper, and has excellent balance.”
Conroy Black, CB (6-0/161/Pembroke Pines, FL--Everglades)
Second team All-Broward County last fall... Sun-Sentinel All-Area Honorable Mention... 21 tackles last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Conroy is a tough, physical, productive corner at one of Fort Lauderdale’s newest high schools. He reminds me a lot of Jay Hackett, who was an excellent player for us.”
Mark Desin, QB (5-10/172/Billings, MT--Senior)
Threw for the most passing yards, over 9,500, in Montana history... completed 62% of his passes, threw 65 touchdown passes and ran for 27 more... Co-Offensive Player of the Year in AA last fall, team offensive MVP last two years... All-State as a junior and senior, Great Falls Tribune Superstate as a senior... Montana’s Old Spice Player of the Year... chosen for Shrine and MonDak All-Star games... basketball team captain, has scored over 1,000 points and leads the state in scoring (21.8), assists (7.8), and steals (4.3). MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Mark is simply the most productive quarterback in Montana high school history. He will get an opportunity to play quarterback for us, but we will make early use of his considerable athletic skills.”
Brandon Grimsley, RB (5-8/180/San Diego, CA--Madison)
Central League Offensive MVP last fall... San Diego County All-CIF, two-time first team all-conference... rushed for 1,743 yards with 19 TDs last year, 1,365 yards and 10 TDs in only nine games as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brandon is one of the top two running backs on our board, along with Aaron Mason. He is a pure running back, compact, resolute, with very good feet.”
Aaron Mason, RB (5-10/181/Vista, CA--Mar Vista)
All-South Bay Second Team as a junior... rushed for 768 yards in only four games with eight TDs before an ankle injury... returned three kickoffs for TD, and had a long run from scrimmage of 85 yards. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Our other top choice at running back, Aaron gained nearly 800 yards in four games before he injured his ankle. He’s fully recovered, and is a fast, strong, explosive home-run hitter at running back.”
Mike McCracken, LB (6-0/225/Whitefish, MT--Whitefish)
First Team All-State as offensive and defensive lineman as a senior, and a three-year starter... chosen for Shrine Game... team MVP in basketball as junior, and currently leads team in scoring and rebounds. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Mike was a savvy, smart two-way player at Whitefish. He led his team in tackles, and I like his desire and commitment to be a good player. That is an impressive part of this kid’s package as a football player.”
Jeff Miller, OL (6-5/264/Fr/Pocatello, ID--Highland)
First team all-conference as a senior, earning second team all-state kudos... offensive player of the week twice as a senior... offensive line MVP at Boise State football camp last summer... helped lead Highland to state championship game last year, and the Rams are currently 12-1 in basketball... throws the shot and discus... chosen for the Idaho All-Star Game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “A classic left tackle. Jeff has great balance and flexibility, extra long arms, and the kind of consistent attitude that great players possess. He’s part of the next generation of offensive line dominance at Montana State, and has the physical ability and strength to be a three- or four-year starter.”
Dustin O’Connell, LB (6-2/207/Fr/Helena, MT--Capital)
Class AA Defensive Co-MVP last fall, earning all-state honors at linebacker (first team) and guard (2nd team)... team’s Defensive MVP as a junior and senior... chosen for the Shrine and MonDak games... second team all-conference in basketball and team defensive MVP as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dustin had an outstanding high school career. He has shown great leadership and has been a very productive player. We want to continue to make in-roads in Helena, where for a long time we had a hard time recruiting.”
Greg Palmer, CB (5-10/165/Ft Lauderdale, FL--Dillard)
Two-sport star, earning all-conference and all-state honors at defensive end and tight end... caught 17 passes for 214 yards and two TDs... named to the Shrine and Mon-Dak games... all-conference at TE and DE as a junior... honors student... outstanding student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Greg is a stopper at corner from one of Florida’s top high school programs. He has outstanding cover skills and good speed. He is a pure cover corner.”
Mike Person, OL (6-4/250/Glendive, MT--Dawson Co.)
Three-time all-league choice, earning Class A All-State honors as a junior and senior... team MVP as a senior, and two-time offensive lineman of the year... Great Falls Tribune Superstate Selecion... chosen for Shrine and MonDak games... two-time team captain... state discus champion as a junior, two-year letterman in basketball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Obviously, Mike has a great pedigree since his father was an All-America at Montana Tech in the 1970s. He is a very emotional, tough-minded player who can play all five spots on the offensive line.”
Bubba Pugh, LB (6-0/198/Vista, CA--Rancho Buena Vista)
First team all-conference quarterback last fall, earning conference MVP honors... gained 1,300 yards rushing and threw for 600 more... two-time all-conference choice... was a two-time county wrestling champion. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Bubba is an astounding player in terms of mental toughness and awareness. He played last season as an option quarterback with a broken wrist, and his mindset makes him a perfect fit for our program.”
Jordan Rasmussen, QB (6-4/201/Univ. Place, WA--Curtis)
First team all-conference quarterback as a senior, throwing for 1,610 yards and 16 touchdowns... led his team to an 8-3 record... threw for 839 yards and 12 TDs as a junior, with his season ending prematurely due to a broken leg... all-conference pitcher. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jordan Rasmussen is a classic drop-back quarterback and an all-around athlete. We like his delivery ,his release, his decision-making skills, and the care with which he throws the ball. I’m very familiar with his high school program, which has produced a bevy of Division I talent. Don Bailey really knows what attributes he’s looking for in a quarterback”
(Please note that information on Josh Lewis is included above, but not on the attached PDF file)
“Time will tell,” Kramer said on the first day most high school and junior college student-athletes are allowed to sign a binding National Letter-of-Intent with NCAA schools, “but I think this recruiting class will add considerable quality to our program, and on offense a lot of that help is immediate. We have assembled a group of experienced receivers, three of whom are already on campus learning our system and competing for playing time, along with a high school receiver that arrives in the fall. We added two quarterbacks that fit our profile well. We added a pair of impressive running backs, and two outstanding, young offensive linemen.”
While MSU’s offense stands to look drastically different this spring because of the infusion of new talent, the Bobcat defense added several key compeonents. “We gain some experience at all three areas on defense, the secondary, linebacker, and the line,” Kramer said. “We also brought in young players that enhance our speed and athleticism.”
Kramer is pleased with the balance of this year’s class. “We like to maintain good balance between transfers, high school recruits, and the hidden area of our recruiting class, walk-ons. We can’t discuss those players on signing day, but they are a crucial part of what our success. We just awarded full scholarships to four players that arrived two years ago, Brandon Bostick and Nick Parker at tight end, Jimmy Verlanic at center, and Bobby Daly at linebacker. That’s like going back in time and adding four outstanding players to that list of 2004 signees, and we think the group of kids that have committed to Montana State this year can have that same kind of impact.”
Kramer also indicated that stability in his coaching staff plays a crucial part of his program’s recruiting efforts. “Having Rob Christoff spend his seventh consecutive recruiting season in San Diego, having Don Bailey cultivate his contacts in Washington and Oregon, and having all of our signed and walk-on recruits in Montana hear the same message from one voice, Jason McEndoo, is a tremendous situation. Each of those guys do an outstanding job, as did the entire staff.” MSU’s 2006 recruits follow...
TRANSFERS ENROLLED AT MSU
Michael Beach, CB (6-0/186/Jr/San Pedro, CA)
Previous Schools: University of Arizona, Fremont HS
Transfers from Arizona... recorded one tackle and a pass breakup last fall, playing in four games... played against Oregon and Oregon State in ‘04... redshirted in ‘03... threw for 1,700 yards with 20 TDS and rushed for 350 yards and seven TDs as a senior at Fremont High... registered 80 tackles that year, as well... threw for 4,150 career yards and 38 TDs at Fremont, with 1,200 rushing yards and 12 TDs... an all-league choice as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael is a transfer who I expect to compete for the wide corner position next fall. He is a tall, lanky cornerback with smooth turns. He runs well, and is athletic.”
Will Claggett, LB (6-2/225/Jr/Marysville, CA)
Previous Schools: Butte JC, UC Davis, Marysville HS
Adds speed and experience to MSU’s linebacker corps... redshirted as a tight end at UC Davis in 2003 before transferring to Butte College in Oroville, Calif... three-year all-league choice at Marysville HS, earning conference and area defensive MVP honors as a senior... registered 134 tackles, a fumble return for a TD and two interceptions that year... also caught 34 passes for 867 yards... two-time team captain at both Marysville and Butte College... an all-league choice at Butte, as well. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “I expect Will to compete for departed All-Big Sky linebacker Nick Marudas’ spot. He has that same kind of speed. Will is a very mature workaholic with exceptional physical skills.”
Michael Jefferson, WR (6-3/185/Sr/El Paso, TX)
Previous Schools: University of Arizona, Parkland HS
Transfers to MSU from Arizona... caught four passes for 64 yards as a junior last fall... played in all 11 games... played in 10 games, starting three, in ‘04... caught 16 passes for 249 yards and three TDs... caught a 47-yarder vs. Arizona State... played in 11 games, starting three, in ‘03... caught 16 passes for 214 yards and two TDs, and returned three punts for 24 yards as a redshirt freshman... caught nine passes, the most by a Wildcat in ‘03, for 115 yards against Arizona State, including a 16-yard TD... was El Paso’s top-rated prep prospect in 2002 and the 55th-best in Texas as ranked by the Dallas Morning News... caught 29 passes for 954 yards and 11 TDs as a senior, with 60 tackles and two interceptions... registered over 2,000 receiving yards and 1,200 return yards at Parkland. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Michael has knock-your-socks-off speed and good size. He ran a 4.41 40 for our staff. I expect him to grab the starting job at X (receiver), replacing Tramaine Murray. He brings excellent speed and experience to our offense.”
Jack Rolovich, QB (6-3/215/Jr/Novato, CA)
Previous Schools: University of Hawai’i, San Marin HS
Transfers after three seasons at Hawai’i, one as a redshirt... a highly-rated prep quarterback, he threw for 543 yards in one game... passed for 1,500 yards and 19 TDs in a run-orienced offense. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jack has solid quarterback skills. He languished on the bench at Hawaii, but he comes highly recommended to us by (Hawaii assistant coach and former Bobcat) Jerry Glanville. He’s just looking for a chance to play, and he wants to contribute however possible. He had a very productive high school career.”
Deon Toliver, WR (6-3/180/So/Long Beach, CA)
Previous Schools: East LA College, Cabrillo HS
Played as a freshman receiver at East LA last fall... transfers to MSU as a rising sophomore... an honorable mention all-league choice at Cabrillo, where he was a three-year starter... caught 20 passes as a junior, 30 as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We are actually considering Deon a true freshman and not a transfer, even though he played a season of junior college ball last fall. We’d love to be able to redshirt him next season if possible. He had a nice start to his college career at East LA last fall, but I believe his best football is ahead of him and that his time is down the road.”
Donnell Wheaton, WR (5-11/178/Sr/Harbor City, CA)
Previous Schools: UNLV, Narbonne HS
Transfers to MSU from UNLV... caught 30 passes for 381 yards as a junior in ‘05, including nine for 137 yards against New Mexico... played in nine games last fall, starting seven, and served as team captain... also had seven catches at Utah State... grabbed four balls for 72 yards in 2004, playing in 10 games and starting one as a sophomore... played in 11 games in 2003 without stats. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “It’s not often that a team captain transfers into your program. He started games as a sophomore and junior at UNLV, but lost his starting position at the end ofthe 2005 season. I expect Donnell to capably replace Rick Gatewood at the slot position for us.”
TRANSFERS TO ENROLL AT MSU NEXT FALL
Paul Bartsch, DT (6-1/255/Jr/Huntington Beach, CA)
Previous Schools: Orange Coast College, Edison HS
A prep standout at Edison High, earning All-CIF and all-conference honors as a senior in 2001... a team captain that year, as well... second team all-league as a junior... a two-year starter at Orange Coast... registered 67 tackles, 18 assists, and five sacks. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Paul is a hard worker expected to contribute next fall. He’s a physical duplicate of Aaron Papich, and if he plays that way he will be a very productive player here.”
Jeff Brown, S (6-1/188/So/Harbor City, CA)
Previous Schools: UNLV, Narbonne HS
Transfers from UNLV next fall... played in six games last fall without stats... redshirted in 2004... named the 10th-best recruit in the Mountain West in ‘04 by Athlon... a top 50 cornerback by several prep recruiting analysts... an all-city choice in high school registering 96 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “I expect Jeff to compete for a starting safety position next fall. He has three years of eligibility left, and he is a much-needed fit in our secondary. We want to develop productivity at safety, and Jeff can help us do that.”
Josh Lewis, WR (5-11/160/Jr/Pittsburg, CA)
Previous Schools: Los Medanos JC, Antioch
A speedy receiver who recorded 1,500 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns last fall at Los Medanos... four of his scores came on punt or kick returns... earned California State JC Special Teams Player of the Week honors once last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Josh Lewis has phenomenal athletic ability... he recorded a 4.39 40 time at the California Juco Combine. He is an excellent punt returner who I expect to push into the starting lineup early in his career.”
Bryant Matthews, LB (5-11/203/Jr/New Orleans, LA)
Previous Schools: Bakersfield JC, Geo. Washington Carver HS
Earned All-Metro and All-Conference honors as a senior at George Washington Carver High in New Orleans as a senior... was a first team All-Western State Conference choice at Bakersfield. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “A transfer linebacker who we expect to compete for playing time right away. Bryant will help us offset the loss of Mac Mollohan at inside linebacker, but with his speed he could find himself at outside linebacker.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Kevin Ah-Hi, LB (5-11/194/Couer d’Alene, ID -- Couer d’Alene HS)
Two-time all-league running back, earning Inland Empire Conference Offensive MVP kudos as a senior last fall... 2004 Inalnd Empire RB of the Year... school career rushing record-holder with over 3,300 yards... a national-caliber rugby player, and a member of the U.S. National Team. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Kevin is an excellent tailback that we’ve recruited to play linebacker. He had an excellent high school career running the ball, but the fact that he’s a nationally-ranked rugby player speaks to his toughness and tenacity. He reminds me a lot of (current Bobcat linebacker) Epikopo King.”
Jamelle Banks, WR (6-0/166/Oakland, CA--Tech)
Second team All-East Bay and second team All-Oakland Area at recemver. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “We initially recruited Jamelle as a cornerback, but we transitioned him to offense when we saw how good he is with the ball in his hands. He is smoot, athletic, a good leaper, and has excellent balance.”
Conroy Black, CB (6-0/161/Pembroke Pines, FL--Everglades)
Second team All-Broward County last fall... Sun-Sentinel All-Area Honorable Mention... 21 tackles last fall. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Conroy is a tough, physical, productive corner at one of Fort Lauderdale’s newest high schools. He reminds me a lot of Jay Hackett, who was an excellent player for us.”
Mark Desin, QB (5-10/172/Billings, MT--Senior)
Threw for the most passing yards, over 9,500, in Montana history... completed 62% of his passes, threw 65 touchdown passes and ran for 27 more... Co-Offensive Player of the Year in AA last fall, team offensive MVP last two years... All-State as a junior and senior, Great Falls Tribune Superstate as a senior... Montana’s Old Spice Player of the Year... chosen for Shrine and MonDak All-Star games... basketball team captain, has scored over 1,000 points and leads the state in scoring (21.8), assists (7.8), and steals (4.3). MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Mark is simply the most productive quarterback in Montana high school history. He will get an opportunity to play quarterback for us, but we will make early use of his considerable athletic skills.”
Brandon Grimsley, RB (5-8/180/San Diego, CA--Madison)
Central League Offensive MVP last fall... San Diego County All-CIF, two-time first team all-conference... rushed for 1,743 yards with 19 TDs last year, 1,365 yards and 10 TDs in only nine games as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Brandon is one of the top two running backs on our board, along with Aaron Mason. He is a pure running back, compact, resolute, with very good feet.”
Aaron Mason, RB (5-10/181/Vista, CA--Mar Vista)
All-South Bay Second Team as a junior... rushed for 768 yards in only four games with eight TDs before an ankle injury... returned three kickoffs for TD, and had a long run from scrimmage of 85 yards. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Our other top choice at running back, Aaron gained nearly 800 yards in four games before he injured his ankle. He’s fully recovered, and is a fast, strong, explosive home-run hitter at running back.”
Mike McCracken, LB (6-0/225/Whitefish, MT--Whitefish)
First Team All-State as offensive and defensive lineman as a senior, and a three-year starter... chosen for Shrine Game... team MVP in basketball as junior, and currently leads team in scoring and rebounds. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Mike was a savvy, smart two-way player at Whitefish. He led his team in tackles, and I like his desire and commitment to be a good player. That is an impressive part of this kid’s package as a football player.”
Jeff Miller, OL (6-5/264/Fr/Pocatello, ID--Highland)
First team all-conference as a senior, earning second team all-state kudos... offensive player of the week twice as a senior... offensive line MVP at Boise State football camp last summer... helped lead Highland to state championship game last year, and the Rams are currently 12-1 in basketball... throws the shot and discus... chosen for the Idaho All-Star Game. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “A classic left tackle. Jeff has great balance and flexibility, extra long arms, and the kind of consistent attitude that great players possess. He’s part of the next generation of offensive line dominance at Montana State, and has the physical ability and strength to be a three- or four-year starter.”
Dustin O’Connell, LB (6-2/207/Fr/Helena, MT--Capital)
Class AA Defensive Co-MVP last fall, earning all-state honors at linebacker (first team) and guard (2nd team)... team’s Defensive MVP as a junior and senior... chosen for the Shrine and MonDak games... second team all-conference in basketball and team defensive MVP as a junior. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Dustin had an outstanding high school career. He has shown great leadership and has been a very productive player. We want to continue to make in-roads in Helena, where for a long time we had a hard time recruiting.”
Greg Palmer, CB (5-10/165/Ft Lauderdale, FL--Dillard)
Two-sport star, earning all-conference and all-state honors at defensive end and tight end... caught 17 passes for 214 yards and two TDs... named to the Shrine and Mon-Dak games... all-conference at TE and DE as a junior... honors student... outstanding student. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Greg is a stopper at corner from one of Florida’s top high school programs. He has outstanding cover skills and good speed. He is a pure cover corner.”
Mike Person, OL (6-4/250/Glendive, MT--Dawson Co.)
Three-time all-league choice, earning Class A All-State honors as a junior and senior... team MVP as a senior, and two-time offensive lineman of the year... Great Falls Tribune Superstate Selecion... chosen for Shrine and MonDak games... two-time team captain... state discus champion as a junior, two-year letterman in basketball. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Obviously, Mike has a great pedigree since his father was an All-America at Montana Tech in the 1970s. He is a very emotional, tough-minded player who can play all five spots on the offensive line.”
Bubba Pugh, LB (6-0/198/Vista, CA--Rancho Buena Vista)
First team all-conference quarterback last fall, earning conference MVP honors... gained 1,300 yards rushing and threw for 600 more... two-time all-conference choice... was a two-time county wrestling champion. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Bubba is an astounding player in terms of mental toughness and awareness. He played last season as an option quarterback with a broken wrist, and his mindset makes him a perfect fit for our program.”
Jordan Rasmussen, QB (6-4/201/Univ. Place, WA--Curtis)
First team all-conference quarterback as a senior, throwing for 1,610 yards and 16 touchdowns... led his team to an 8-3 record... threw for 839 yards and 12 TDs as a junior, with his season ending prematurely due to a broken leg... all-conference pitcher. MSU Coach Mike Kramer: “Jordan Rasmussen is a classic drop-back quarterback and an all-around athlete. We like his delivery ,his release, his decision-making skills, and the care with which he throws the ball. I’m very familiar with his high school program, which has produced a bevy of Division I talent. Don Bailey really knows what attributes he’s looking for in a quarterback”
(Please note that information on Josh Lewis is included above, but not on the attached PDF file)
Justine Lamontagne Interview
Wednesday, June 10
WBB - Montana State vs Portland - Behind the Mic
Friday, March 27
2025 Code of a Champion
Monday, March 23
Spring Football Preview Press Conference
Friday, March 13
