MSU Lands 21 Future Bobcats, 11 from Montana, on Signing Day
2/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State head football coach Rob Ash had two different wish lists for his program during the 2009 recruiting season. He wanted his Bobcats to build depth at receiver and in the defensive line while adding quality players, and he wanted to target the right player at other positions.
Ash feels his 2009 recruiting class accomplished both goals.
“We had to address two positions for numbers, wide receiver and defensive line, and we did that,” Ash said. “Then, we were looking for quality rather than quantity at the other positions. We didn’t have a lot of wiggle room in terms of scholarships available, so we were very selective. I think we filled our depth at the two positions where we needed depth, and we were able to attract quality players at the other positions.”
Montana State added 21 players on Wednesday, the first day players could make official and binding their commitments to NCAA institutions, in addition to receiver Elvis Akpla, who transferred to MSU from the University of Oregon in January. Akpla was the only transfer in MSU’s recruiting class, and of the 21 high school signees 11 hail from Montana. The Bobcats landed six student-athletes from Texas, and also grabbed players from Arizona, Hawai’i, and Oregon.
Other numbers pleased Ash, as well. “The academic quality of the class is outstanding. The average GPA is just over 3.0, the average SAT score is just about 990, the average ACT score is 22. It’s a very strong academic class.”
Ash also feels good about the general level of athlete MSU attracted. “We had to win some recruiting battles on most of these guys. Most of them had other options, and we’re excited that we were able to win those battles. I also like the breakdown geographically, starting with the strong core of Montana kids.”
JANUARY TRANSFERS:
Elvis Akpla, WR
6-2, 185, So, Portland, OR -- Lincoln/Oregon
Player Notes: Transferred to MSU for the second semester... redshirted at Oregon in 2007 and didn’t see action in 2008... a former Oregon State Champion in the long jump (23-1 1/4) and triple jump (47-8)... lettered three times in basketball and twice in football at Lincoln High in Portland.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Elvis is extremely explosive and athletic. He has excellent speed, and we expect him to give us a deep threat in the passing game.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES:
David Abercrombie, OT
6-4, 255, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall
Player Notes: A Region II All-District choice in the Texas 4A classification... earned second team all-district honors as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “David Abercrombie is a very aggressive, physical offensive lineman. He has excellent feet. We really like the way he consistently finishes blocks.”
Andy Austin, OL
6-4, 250, Fr, Billings, MT -- West
Player Notes: A big offensive line prospect... noted for his frame and potential.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “We really like Andy’s excellent size. He has a great frame, and when he gets in the weight room we think he’ll develop into an excellent player.”
Travis Bertelsen, RB
5-11, 180, Fr, Wibaux, MT -- Wibaux
Player Notes: An all-conference, all-state, and Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection as a senior... chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... carried 510 times for 3,989 yards and 79 touchdowns in his career, catching 138 passes for 2,677 yards and 35 TDs... an all-state linebacker as a junior, when he recorded 313 tackles... a three-time all-conference basketball player, earning district MVP honors all three years... all-state in basketball as a junior and senior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Travis is an intriguing player. He had phenomenal numbers playing in Class C. He’s a tough, durable, versatile offensive threat.”
Tanner Bleskin, WR
6-3, 190, Fr, Great Falls, MT -- CM Russell
Player Notes: Moved to receiver from quarterback as a senior, earning Great Falls Tribune Superstate honors... also an all-state and all-conference choice, chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... team MVP... caught 64 passes for 1,049 yards and nine TDs... averaged 16.4 yards a catch and 87.4 yards a game... presently a team captain in basketball and CMR’s team MVP as a junior... academic all-state choice.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Tanner has a great future, we think, as a receiver. He only played receiver for one season, but showed great ball skills and sophisticated route-running for someone who hasn’t played the position for long.”
Gianni Carter, WR
6-2, 196, Fr, Eugene, OR -- Marist
Player Notes: A two-way all-conference choice as a senior, earning all-state honors as a receiver... caught 60 passes for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns... also picked off three passes and registered 80 tackles... caught 60 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, earning team defensive MVP honors and helping his team to a state championship.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Gianni is an all-around athlete and a tremendous receiver. His hallmark is his outstanding ball skills, and he runs terrific routes.”
Brad Daly, LB
6-1, 198, Fr, Helena, MT -- Capital
Player Notes: Montana’s Class AA Defensive MVP in 2008... a Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection, earning all-conference and all-state honors, as well... registered 110 tackles as a senior with 15 sacks and 28 tackles for loss... team defensive MVP... first team all-state choice as a junior, when he registered 10 sacks... his father J. and brother Bobby each played at MSU.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Brad Daly is a tough, versatile, mobile defensive player. He is very hard-nosed. We’ll play him at linebacker, and we expect him to develop into an outstanding player.”
Shonquille Dorsey, DL
6-0, 250, Fr, Dallas, TX -- L.G. Pinkston
Player Notes: Earned first team all-district honors as a senior... registered 83 tackles, with 12 sacks, in 2008.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Shonquille Dorsey is a very athletic, explosive, quick defensive lineman. We really like his pursuit and his hustle in making plays all over the field.”
Killian Fitzpatrick, OL
6-8, 260, Fr, Beaverton, OR -- Beaverton
Player Notes: A preseason top 10 selection who helped lead his team to a state semifinal berth... earned second team all-conference honors... the son of former USC and NFL lineman James Fitzpatrick.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Killian has a tremendous frame. He is tall, and has the potential to be extremely big, but he has great feet. He’s a big guy who moves well, and was one of our top-rated linemen from the very beginning.”
Joel Fuller, DB
6-0, 176, Fr, Libby, MT -- Libby
Player Notes: One of the most prolific prep quarterbacks in Montana history, comes to MSU as a defensive back... Great Falls Tribune Superstate safety as a senior, earning selection to the Shrine (as safety) and Mon-Dak (quarterback) all-star games... threw for 6,399 yards (370-for-689) and 69 touchdowns in his career, rushing for 1,000 career yards, as well... finished fifth in passing yards and third in TD passes in Montana history among plays in all classifications.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Joel Fuller is an outstanding all-around athlete, regardless of what sport he’s playing. We project him as a safety. With his speed and skill and versatility he has a great future.”
Preston Gale, DE
6-3, 240, Fr, Forney, TX -- Forney
Player Notes: Helped lead Forney to a 9-1 regular season record as a senior... all-district selection in Region II of Class 4A... a two-year starter at Forney High School outside of Dallas... considered an outstanding pass rusher.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Preston is a defensive end who has outstanding speed for his size. He has a really good frame. He’s intriguing because he’s fast and can make plays, but he has a frame where he can get bigger and play a lot of different positions down the road.”
Everette Gilbert, WR
5-9, 175, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall-Heath Player Notes: Carried 118 times for 1,058 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior... rushed for 216 yards against Dallas Hillcrest and 193 against Sulphur Springs... also caught 54 passes for 755 yards and four TDs at Rockwall-Heath.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Everette Gilbert is incredibly explosive. He’s a big-play guy, a home run hitter. He is a very versatile guy who has played a lot of different positions, and we think he has the potential to make big plays and potentially play early.”
Aleksei Grosulak, LB
5-10, 200, Fr, Billings, MT -- Central
Player Notes: Earned first team all-state honors as a junior and senior, and was an all-conference selection, as well... Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice last fall... chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... four-time academic all-state choice.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Aleksei Grosulak is a terrific athlete. He is smart, tough, and hard-nosed. We like him as a linebacker, a lot.”
Darius Jones, CB
5-11, 170, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall-Heath Player Notes: Earned all-district honors at cornerback as a senior, and second team all-district honors as a junior... registered 54 tackles with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior... also a track standout.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Darius Jones is a tremendous cornerback with outstanding cover skills and great hips and feet. He is also an excellent return man.”
Christian Keli’i, DL
6-1, 290, Fr, Ewa Beach, HI -- Campbell
Player Notes: Earned Oia Division 2 first team all-state honors, and was a team captain, as a senior... earned all-state honorable mention and all-conference honors as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Christian is a big, agile, athletic inside player. He carries 290 pounds easily, and he’ll be powerful presence inside on our defensive line.”
Cody Kirk, RB
5-10, 184, Fr, Frenchtown, MT -- Frenchtown Player Notes: An all-conference choice at Frenchtown... rushed for 1,739 yards on 147 carries as a senior... the nephew of former Bobcat Tom Mahlum.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Cody Kirk is a tough, determined running back. He is very durable and versatile.”
Denarius McGhee, QB
6-0, 192, Fr, Euless, TX -- Trinity
Player Notes: Earned All-District 5-5A and honorable mention all-state honors as a senior... was team MVP and John Reddell Sportsmanship Award winner... also a standout in baseball, basketball and track... helped lead his basketball squad to a state title as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Denarius McGhee is a pure quarterback with great passing ability and good athleticism. What we especially like about Denarius is his unbelievable leadership ability. He is a winner.”
Jase Muri, WR
5-11, 172, Fr, Billings, MT -- West
Player Notes: First team all-conference choice, and Eastern AA offensive MVP... second team all-state quarterback, and Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection... three-time academic all-state choice... all-state in track, with best marks of 10.7 in the 100 m and 22-1 in the long jump... his father Jeff and uncle Ron played football for the Bobcats.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jase Muri brings a lot to the table. He has speed and great ball skills, he is versatile and smart. He understands the game, and I think he’ll be an excellent wide receiver for us.”
Zach Minter, DL
6-1, 250, Fr, Glendale, AZ -- Cactus
Player Notes: Registered 60 tackles and 15 sacks for Cactus as a senior... All-West Valley Region selection, West Valley Defensive Player of the Year, and first team All-State... also an outstanding point guard for the Cactus basketball team... played at the high school of Bobcat receivers coach Jonathan Beasley.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Zach Minter is an excellent interior defensive lineman with outstanding athletic ability. He can run, he can jump, he’s strong. He’s going to grow into the position and be an extremely athletic inside player.”
Mackey Nolan, P
6-0, 183, Fr, Columbia Falls, MT -- Columbia Falls Player Notes: An all-conference player as a fullback, linebacker, kicker and punter who comes to MSU as a punter... two-time team captain... team’s most valuable defensive player.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “We evaluated a lot of punters, and thought he had the best leg and the best potential. We project that he’ll apprentice under Eric Fisher for a year then compete for the job after that.”
Jordan Rohrich, Ath
6-0, 191, Fr, St. Ignatius, MT -- St. Ignatius
Player Notes: Earned all-state honors at running back, and all-conference kudos as a linebacker and kick returner.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jordan Rohrich is a true athlete who played a lot of different positions. We’re not sure where we’re going to play him, but that’s a good thing because his best asset right now is his versatility.”
Chris Wilson, DB
6-0, 170, Fr, Great Falls, MT -- CM Russell
Player Notes: A speedy defensive back... earned all-conference honors as a senior... earned all-state honors in track as a state champion (10.82) in the 100 m... AA state record-holder in the 100, school record-holder in 100 and 200.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Chris Wilson has excellent speed and size. We have him at cornerback right now, but he could possibly play safety. I think a lot of people thought of him as a track guy playing football, but we had him in camp and think his football skills are going to develop and be terrific.”
Ash feels his 2009 recruiting class accomplished both goals.
“We had to address two positions for numbers, wide receiver and defensive line, and we did that,” Ash said. “Then, we were looking for quality rather than quantity at the other positions. We didn’t have a lot of wiggle room in terms of scholarships available, so we were very selective. I think we filled our depth at the two positions where we needed depth, and we were able to attract quality players at the other positions.”
Montana State added 21 players on Wednesday, the first day players could make official and binding their commitments to NCAA institutions, in addition to receiver Elvis Akpla, who transferred to MSU from the University of Oregon in January. Akpla was the only transfer in MSU’s recruiting class, and of the 21 high school signees 11 hail from Montana. The Bobcats landed six student-athletes from Texas, and also grabbed players from Arizona, Hawai’i, and Oregon.
Other numbers pleased Ash, as well. “The academic quality of the class is outstanding. The average GPA is just over 3.0, the average SAT score is just about 990, the average ACT score is 22. It’s a very strong academic class.”
Ash also feels good about the general level of athlete MSU attracted. “We had to win some recruiting battles on most of these guys. Most of them had other options, and we’re excited that we were able to win those battles. I also like the breakdown geographically, starting with the strong core of Montana kids.”
JANUARY TRANSFERS:
Elvis Akpla, WR
6-2, 185, So, Portland, OR -- Lincoln/Oregon
Player Notes: Transferred to MSU for the second semester... redshirted at Oregon in 2007 and didn’t see action in 2008... a former Oregon State Champion in the long jump (23-1 1/4) and triple jump (47-8)... lettered three times in basketball and twice in football at Lincoln High in Portland.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Elvis is extremely explosive and athletic. He has excellent speed, and we expect him to give us a deep threat in the passing game.”
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES:
David Abercrombie, OT
6-4, 255, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall
Player Notes: A Region II All-District choice in the Texas 4A classification... earned second team all-district honors as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “David Abercrombie is a very aggressive, physical offensive lineman. He has excellent feet. We really like the way he consistently finishes blocks.”
Andy Austin, OL
6-4, 250, Fr, Billings, MT -- West
Player Notes: A big offensive line prospect... noted for his frame and potential.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “We really like Andy’s excellent size. He has a great frame, and when he gets in the weight room we think he’ll develop into an excellent player.”
Travis Bertelsen, RB
5-11, 180, Fr, Wibaux, MT -- Wibaux
Player Notes: An all-conference, all-state, and Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection as a senior... chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... carried 510 times for 3,989 yards and 79 touchdowns in his career, catching 138 passes for 2,677 yards and 35 TDs... an all-state linebacker as a junior, when he recorded 313 tackles... a three-time all-conference basketball player, earning district MVP honors all three years... all-state in basketball as a junior and senior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Travis is an intriguing player. He had phenomenal numbers playing in Class C. He’s a tough, durable, versatile offensive threat.”
Tanner Bleskin, WR
6-3, 190, Fr, Great Falls, MT -- CM Russell
Player Notes: Moved to receiver from quarterback as a senior, earning Great Falls Tribune Superstate honors... also an all-state and all-conference choice, chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... team MVP... caught 64 passes for 1,049 yards and nine TDs... averaged 16.4 yards a catch and 87.4 yards a game... presently a team captain in basketball and CMR’s team MVP as a junior... academic all-state choice.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Tanner has a great future, we think, as a receiver. He only played receiver for one season, but showed great ball skills and sophisticated route-running for someone who hasn’t played the position for long.”
Gianni Carter, WR
6-2, 196, Fr, Eugene, OR -- Marist
Player Notes: A two-way all-conference choice as a senior, earning all-state honors as a receiver... caught 60 passes for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns... also picked off three passes and registered 80 tackles... caught 60 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, earning team defensive MVP honors and helping his team to a state championship.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Gianni is an all-around athlete and a tremendous receiver. His hallmark is his outstanding ball skills, and he runs terrific routes.”
Brad Daly, LB
6-1, 198, Fr, Helena, MT -- Capital
Player Notes: Montana’s Class AA Defensive MVP in 2008... a Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection, earning all-conference and all-state honors, as well... registered 110 tackles as a senior with 15 sacks and 28 tackles for loss... team defensive MVP... first team all-state choice as a junior, when he registered 10 sacks... his father J. and brother Bobby each played at MSU.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Brad Daly is a tough, versatile, mobile defensive player. He is very hard-nosed. We’ll play him at linebacker, and we expect him to develop into an outstanding player.”
Shonquille Dorsey, DL
6-0, 250, Fr, Dallas, TX -- L.G. Pinkston
Player Notes: Earned first team all-district honors as a senior... registered 83 tackles, with 12 sacks, in 2008.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Shonquille Dorsey is a very athletic, explosive, quick defensive lineman. We really like his pursuit and his hustle in making plays all over the field.”
Killian Fitzpatrick, OL
6-8, 260, Fr, Beaverton, OR -- Beaverton
Player Notes: A preseason top 10 selection who helped lead his team to a state semifinal berth... earned second team all-conference honors... the son of former USC and NFL lineman James Fitzpatrick.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Killian has a tremendous frame. He is tall, and has the potential to be extremely big, but he has great feet. He’s a big guy who moves well, and was one of our top-rated linemen from the very beginning.”
Joel Fuller, DB
6-0, 176, Fr, Libby, MT -- Libby
Player Notes: One of the most prolific prep quarterbacks in Montana history, comes to MSU as a defensive back... Great Falls Tribune Superstate safety as a senior, earning selection to the Shrine (as safety) and Mon-Dak (quarterback) all-star games... threw for 6,399 yards (370-for-689) and 69 touchdowns in his career, rushing for 1,000 career yards, as well... finished fifth in passing yards and third in TD passes in Montana history among plays in all classifications.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Joel Fuller is an outstanding all-around athlete, regardless of what sport he’s playing. We project him as a safety. With his speed and skill and versatility he has a great future.”
Preston Gale, DE
6-3, 240, Fr, Forney, TX -- Forney
Player Notes: Helped lead Forney to a 9-1 regular season record as a senior... all-district selection in Region II of Class 4A... a two-year starter at Forney High School outside of Dallas... considered an outstanding pass rusher.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Preston is a defensive end who has outstanding speed for his size. He has a really good frame. He’s intriguing because he’s fast and can make plays, but he has a frame where he can get bigger and play a lot of different positions down the road.”
Everette Gilbert, WR
5-9, 175, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall-Heath Player Notes: Carried 118 times for 1,058 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior... rushed for 216 yards against Dallas Hillcrest and 193 against Sulphur Springs... also caught 54 passes for 755 yards and four TDs at Rockwall-Heath.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Everette Gilbert is incredibly explosive. He’s a big-play guy, a home run hitter. He is a very versatile guy who has played a lot of different positions, and we think he has the potential to make big plays and potentially play early.”
Aleksei Grosulak, LB
5-10, 200, Fr, Billings, MT -- Central
Player Notes: Earned first team all-state honors as a junior and senior, and was an all-conference selection, as well... Great Falls Tribune Superstate choice last fall... chosen for the Shrine and Mon-Dak all-star games... four-time academic all-state choice.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Aleksei Grosulak is a terrific athlete. He is smart, tough, and hard-nosed. We like him as a linebacker, a lot.”
Darius Jones, CB
5-11, 170, Fr, Rockwall, TX -- Rockwall-Heath Player Notes: Earned all-district honors at cornerback as a senior, and second team all-district honors as a junior... registered 54 tackles with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior... also a track standout.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Darius Jones is a tremendous cornerback with outstanding cover skills and great hips and feet. He is also an excellent return man.”
Christian Keli’i, DL
6-1, 290, Fr, Ewa Beach, HI -- Campbell
Player Notes: Earned Oia Division 2 first team all-state honors, and was a team captain, as a senior... earned all-state honorable mention and all-conference honors as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Christian is a big, agile, athletic inside player. He carries 290 pounds easily, and he’ll be powerful presence inside on our defensive line.”
Cody Kirk, RB
5-10, 184, Fr, Frenchtown, MT -- Frenchtown Player Notes: An all-conference choice at Frenchtown... rushed for 1,739 yards on 147 carries as a senior... the nephew of former Bobcat Tom Mahlum.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Cody Kirk is a tough, determined running back. He is very durable and versatile.”
Denarius McGhee, QB
6-0, 192, Fr, Euless, TX -- Trinity
Player Notes: Earned All-District 5-5A and honorable mention all-state honors as a senior... was team MVP and John Reddell Sportsmanship Award winner... also a standout in baseball, basketball and track... helped lead his basketball squad to a state title as a junior.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Denarius McGhee is a pure quarterback with great passing ability and good athleticism. What we especially like about Denarius is his unbelievable leadership ability. He is a winner.”
Jase Muri, WR
5-11, 172, Fr, Billings, MT -- West
Player Notes: First team all-conference choice, and Eastern AA offensive MVP... second team all-state quarterback, and Great Falls Tribune Superstate selection... three-time academic all-state choice... all-state in track, with best marks of 10.7 in the 100 m and 22-1 in the long jump... his father Jeff and uncle Ron played football for the Bobcats.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jase Muri brings a lot to the table. He has speed and great ball skills, he is versatile and smart. He understands the game, and I think he’ll be an excellent wide receiver for us.”
Zach Minter, DL
6-1, 250, Fr, Glendale, AZ -- Cactus
Player Notes: Registered 60 tackles and 15 sacks for Cactus as a senior... All-West Valley Region selection, West Valley Defensive Player of the Year, and first team All-State... also an outstanding point guard for the Cactus basketball team... played at the high school of Bobcat receivers coach Jonathan Beasley.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Zach Minter is an excellent interior defensive lineman with outstanding athletic ability. He can run, he can jump, he’s strong. He’s going to grow into the position and be an extremely athletic inside player.”
Mackey Nolan, P
6-0, 183, Fr, Columbia Falls, MT -- Columbia Falls Player Notes: An all-conference player as a fullback, linebacker, kicker and punter who comes to MSU as a punter... two-time team captain... team’s most valuable defensive player.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “We evaluated a lot of punters, and thought he had the best leg and the best potential. We project that he’ll apprentice under Eric Fisher for a year then compete for the job after that.”
Jordan Rohrich, Ath
6-0, 191, Fr, St. Ignatius, MT -- St. Ignatius
Player Notes: Earned all-state honors at running back, and all-conference kudos as a linebacker and kick returner.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Jordan Rohrich is a true athlete who played a lot of different positions. We’re not sure where we’re going to play him, but that’s a good thing because his best asset right now is his versatility.”
Chris Wilson, DB
6-0, 170, Fr, Great Falls, MT -- CM Russell
Player Notes: A speedy defensive back... earned all-conference honors as a senior... earned all-state honors in track as a state champion (10.82) in the 100 m... AA state record-holder in the 100, school record-holder in 100 and 200.
From MSU Coach Rob Ash: “Chris Wilson has excellent speed and size. We have him at cornerback right now, but he could possibly play safety. I think a lot of people thought of him as a track guy playing football, but we had him in camp and think his football skills are going to develop and be terrific.”
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