A offensive line appeared healthy and intact at MSU's first fall practice Monday.
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcats Open Fall Camp
8/9/2010 7:30:18 PM | Football
When Rob Ash watched his team during Montana State's first practice of fall camp on Monday, he was glad to see a vastly different team than the one that finished spring drills four months ago.
“It was just nice to have a full deck,” Ash said of the return of the 14 players from the two-deep who missed at least a chunk of spring drills. “When you think about just the offensive line, (Conrad) Burbank and Leo Davis and (Casey) Dennehy all being able to play at the same time, we've been decimated there for a long time. On (defense) Clay Bignell in the middle, it was awesome to have him back, and Darius Jones, and Briggs, too. It was just nice to have those guys back. It makes us better.”
The sum result is improved depth across the board, Ash said. “Our depth is better than any season than I've started here,” Ash said.
Ash also liked his team's attitude and work ethic on day one. “My first reaction is that we have tons of energy on this team,” MSU's fourth-year head coach said. “I thought they played with great enthusiasm and hustle, I thought the young guys picked things up very well.”
While praising the team's veterans, Ash also liked the look of his team's new players. “I thought they did a great job,” Ash said. “A lot of them have been here for a month or so, so they know the guys and they're familiar with the players. The players had taught them some of the schemes this summer, so I thought they were much further ahead than a normal group of freshmen might be. Physically they're pretty good, they're strong and capable and able to mix it up.”
Montana State's fall camp continues with the team's second practice Tuesday morning at 9:15.
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