Elvis Akpla and MSU's receivers have done much more than just catch passes this year
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcat Receivers Play Role in Rushing Success
11/11/2011 9:27:00 AM | Football
Not often noticed as blockers, MSU pass-catchers nonetheless draw praise
Bobcat fans know the names that power Montana State's productive 2011 ground game.
Cody Kirk. Tray Robinson. Even names of the big guys up front come easily – Alex Terrien and Conrad Burbank, Casey Dennehy and Shaun Sampson, Leo Davis and Stephen Memory.
But listen closer, and you might be surprised.
“Tanner (Bleskin), he mauls people,” says Bobcat tight end Steven Foster, himself a heralded blocker.
"That was a big hit," says Foster's tellow tight end Shane Robison of a block by Elvis Akpla on a Weber State linebacker last week. Robison, like Akpla, Bleskin and Foster, has become an outstanding contributor in the run game with his willingness to block.
MSU's tailback tandem of Kirk and Robinson has piled up impressive numbers. Kirk has gained 1,188 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, while Robinson has gained 571 yards. Montana State's 2,371 rushing yards this season is 42 yards from posting the best rushing season in school history since blocking rules changed to open up the passing game in the late '70s. The 1988 Bobcats gained 2,412 yards on the ground, but that team ran the option.
“I've always been a coach that wants to have balance, and part of that is running the ball effectively,” said Bobcat coach Rob Ash. That was certainly part of the plan entering 2011, but when returning starter Orenzo Davis lost his eligibility – he is using his redshirt year and is enrolled at MSU – the nature and potential effectiveness of the Bobcat ground game became a hot topic in Bozeman.
“I thought we would have a more powerful running game this year,” Ash said of the configuration that includes Kirk and Robinson. “But there was some uncertainty because Cody and Tray hadn't been in the featured back role in Division I before.”
Those concerns vanished quickly. After finding limited success against Utah Kirk exploded for 155 yards against UC Davis, with Robinson adding 37 yards. At least one of the two gained over 100 yards against six of MSU's eight FCS opponents, and the Bobcats gained at least 150 yards on the ground in each outing after the opener.
Robinson and Kirk effusively praise their offensive line, but everyone involved has taken time to honor the receivers as unsung heroes in making the ground game work. “It's great to see those guys down the field making blocks,” Kirk said. “The receivers and the tight ends are a big part (of the running game).”
Ash credits the intensity brought by senior Elvis Akpla, MSU's leading receiver with 827 yards and 10 touchdown catches this season. “We really noticed during fall camp that Elvis had really taken his leadership role to heart,” Ash said. “A lot of it goes to (offensive coordinator) Brian Wright and (receivers coach) Brian Von Bergen, but Elvis has really done a great job setting the tone, and when a player as good as Elvis is doing that then the rest of the players will, too.”
While Bleskin brought great blocking skills and a physical presence to the program, Ash is proud of the willingness his entire receiving corps has shown in participating in the ground game. “Everett (Gilbert) has developed as a blocker, John Ellis is a willing blocker. Those guys have really taken pride in that role.”
Cody Kirk. Tray Robinson. Even names of the big guys up front come easily – Alex Terrien and Conrad Burbank, Casey Dennehy and Shaun Sampson, Leo Davis and Stephen Memory.
But listen closer, and you might be surprised.
“Tanner (Bleskin), he mauls people,” says Bobcat tight end Steven Foster, himself a heralded blocker.
"That was a big hit," says Foster's tellow tight end Shane Robison of a block by Elvis Akpla on a Weber State linebacker last week. Robison, like Akpla, Bleskin and Foster, has become an outstanding contributor in the run game with his willingness to block.
MSU's tailback tandem of Kirk and Robinson has piled up impressive numbers. Kirk has gained 1,188 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, while Robinson has gained 571 yards. Montana State's 2,371 rushing yards this season is 42 yards from posting the best rushing season in school history since blocking rules changed to open up the passing game in the late '70s. The 1988 Bobcats gained 2,412 yards on the ground, but that team ran the option.
“I've always been a coach that wants to have balance, and part of that is running the ball effectively,” said Bobcat coach Rob Ash. That was certainly part of the plan entering 2011, but when returning starter Orenzo Davis lost his eligibility – he is using his redshirt year and is enrolled at MSU – the nature and potential effectiveness of the Bobcat ground game became a hot topic in Bozeman.
“I thought we would have a more powerful running game this year,” Ash said of the configuration that includes Kirk and Robinson. “But there was some uncertainty because Cody and Tray hadn't been in the featured back role in Division I before.”
Those concerns vanished quickly. After finding limited success against Utah Kirk exploded for 155 yards against UC Davis, with Robinson adding 37 yards. At least one of the two gained over 100 yards against six of MSU's eight FCS opponents, and the Bobcats gained at least 150 yards on the ground in each outing after the opener.
Robinson and Kirk effusively praise their offensive line, but everyone involved has taken time to honor the receivers as unsung heroes in making the ground game work. “It's great to see those guys down the field making blocks,” Kirk said. “The receivers and the tight ends are a big part (of the running game).”
Ash credits the intensity brought by senior Elvis Akpla, MSU's leading receiver with 827 yards and 10 touchdown catches this season. “We really noticed during fall camp that Elvis had really taken his leadership role to heart,” Ash said. “A lot of it goes to (offensive coordinator) Brian Wright and (receivers coach) Brian Von Bergen, but Elvis has really done a great job setting the tone, and when a player as good as Elvis is doing that then the rest of the players will, too.”
While Bleskin brought great blocking skills and a physical presence to the program, Ash is proud of the willingness his entire receiving corps has shown in participating in the ground game. “Everett (Gilbert) has developed as a blocker, John Ellis is a willing blocker. Those guys have really taken pride in that role.”
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