Pair of Veterans Leave Bobcat Squad
8/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State's defensive depth took a hit Monday with the retirement of linebacker Grant Elliott and cornerback Eddie Smith.
Elliott, a senior from Fort Benton, was expected to challenge at linebacker and continue his role as one of the Big Sky's top special teams players this fall. Smith battled injury during his two years at MSU after transferring from San Mateo Junior College. He was a highly-touted recruit who, if healthy, could have challenged for time in the Bobcat secondary this season.
Both players left the program with an eye on the future, Kramer said. "Grant's decision has to do with quality-of-life issues relating to on-going back injuries and his ability to function later in life. It's that simple. He just doesn't feel it's worth risking his future health, and I fully support his decision. He is a tough kid, and we'll miss him."
Smith, who earned his degree from MSU last spring, had planned to return and enroll in graduate school, Kramer said. "In the process of looking for a job this summer he was offered a permanent position (in the finance industry) that was simply too good to pass up," Kramer said. "I certainly wish him all the best. He is a success story for this program."
Kramer also indicated that incoming freshman linebacker Bubba Pugh, who signed a letter-of-intent last winter, will not join the Bobcat program this fall for academic reasons.
Bobcat players undergo a battery of tests, paperwork and physical examinations on Tuesday before hitting the practice field on Wednesday.
Elliott, a senior from Fort Benton, was expected to challenge at linebacker and continue his role as one of the Big Sky's top special teams players this fall. Smith battled injury during his two years at MSU after transferring from San Mateo Junior College. He was a highly-touted recruit who, if healthy, could have challenged for time in the Bobcat secondary this season.
Both players left the program with an eye on the future, Kramer said. "Grant's decision has to do with quality-of-life issues relating to on-going back injuries and his ability to function later in life. It's that simple. He just doesn't feel it's worth risking his future health, and I fully support his decision. He is a tough kid, and we'll miss him."
Smith, who earned his degree from MSU last spring, had planned to return and enroll in graduate school, Kramer said. "In the process of looking for a job this summer he was offered a permanent position (in the finance industry) that was simply too good to pass up," Kramer said. "I certainly wish him all the best. He is a success story for this program."
Kramer also indicated that incoming freshman linebacker Bubba Pugh, who signed a letter-of-intent last winter, will not join the Bobcat program this fall for academic reasons.
Bobcat players undergo a battery of tests, paperwork and physical examinations on Tuesday before hitting the practice field on Wednesday.
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