MSU begins looking to replace this trio of terror - Jody Owens, Caleb Schreibeis and Zach Minter - on Saturday
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcats Don Pads on Saturday
3/22/2013 9:25:00 PM | Football
Ash pleased with early returns from spring drills
Rob Ash has seen plenty to like and plenty to work on in Montana State's first week of football practice, as his team prepares for Saturday's first full-pad session of the spring (Saturday, 10:30 am, Bobcat Stadium).
“I like the energy and tempo,” Montana State's seventh-year head football coach says. “We got through scripts with time to spare in each period and the defense was quick and very solid, especially the ones. It's been a good start to the spring.”
While the Bobcats welcome back eight starters from an offense that was one of the most productive in school history, considerable attention still falls on what many refer to as MSU's 'new' offense. Coordinator Tim Cramsey arrives from New Hampshire, via Florida International, with an up-tempo pedigree and the stated emphasis of scoring points.
And while both Ash and Cramsey have emphasized that considerable effort has gone into integrating the new coordinator's concept into what has been a successful offensive system, Ash still carried some apprehension into the first week of drills. Concerns, though, were quickly allayed.
“Our offensive timing was excellent,” Ash said. “We had very few alignment errors or broken plays, and no procedure calls or muffed snaps. Those are excellent signs that the players are playing without having to think too much. We still have work to do in terms of getting a hat on a hat and refining reads in the passing game, but those things will come.”
While there is little drama on offense regarding position battles – sorting out who plays where on the offensive line, with left tackle John Weidenaar as the only certainty is the primary order of business – the story changes across the line of scrimmage. Coordinator Jamie Marshall, who has constructed the league's most consistently effective defense in his six seasons at MSU, seeks one new starter at defensive end and tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.
Saturday's contact practice begins the process of sorting those issues out. “The competition is good,” Ash said. “There are always thin spots at this level, but our program depth is good. But it's too early to start ranking players yet. We'll need to see them in pads.”
The Bobcats will hit the ground running physically on Saturday, Ash said. “We'll go pretty hard in our team segments to begin to see how we match up in the front lines. We'll be physical in the pass game in one-on-one and seven-on-seven drills. We want to continue to play fast.”
One area Ash plans to pay specific attention to this spring is the heart of his kicking game. Although kicker and punter Rory Perez returns, MSU loses its long snapper (Donny Tudahl transferred) and holder (Rick Haluszka graduates). Chris Houden and Nate Bignell are getting work at snapping, while several players, including Jake Bleskin and Tanner Roderick, have taken turns holding.
After Saturday's 10:30 am practice, MSU returns to the field Tuesday and Thursday next week, at 3:30 pm each day.
“I like the energy and tempo,” Montana State's seventh-year head football coach says. “We got through scripts with time to spare in each period and the defense was quick and very solid, especially the ones. It's been a good start to the spring.”
While the Bobcats welcome back eight starters from an offense that was one of the most productive in school history, considerable attention still falls on what many refer to as MSU's 'new' offense. Coordinator Tim Cramsey arrives from New Hampshire, via Florida International, with an up-tempo pedigree and the stated emphasis of scoring points.
And while both Ash and Cramsey have emphasized that considerable effort has gone into integrating the new coordinator's concept into what has been a successful offensive system, Ash still carried some apprehension into the first week of drills. Concerns, though, were quickly allayed.
“Our offensive timing was excellent,” Ash said. “We had very few alignment errors or broken plays, and no procedure calls or muffed snaps. Those are excellent signs that the players are playing without having to think too much. We still have work to do in terms of getting a hat on a hat and refining reads in the passing game, but those things will come.”
While there is little drama on offense regarding position battles – sorting out who plays where on the offensive line, with left tackle John Weidenaar as the only certainty is the primary order of business – the story changes across the line of scrimmage. Coordinator Jamie Marshall, who has constructed the league's most consistently effective defense in his six seasons at MSU, seeks one new starter at defensive end and tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.
Saturday's contact practice begins the process of sorting those issues out. “The competition is good,” Ash said. “There are always thin spots at this level, but our program depth is good. But it's too early to start ranking players yet. We'll need to see them in pads.”
The Bobcats will hit the ground running physically on Saturday, Ash said. “We'll go pretty hard in our team segments to begin to see how we match up in the front lines. We'll be physical in the pass game in one-on-one and seven-on-seven drills. We want to continue to play fast.”
One area Ash plans to pay specific attention to this spring is the heart of his kicking game. Although kicker and punter Rory Perez returns, MSU loses its long snapper (Donny Tudahl transferred) and holder (Rick Haluszka graduates). Chris Houden and Nate Bignell are getting work at snapping, while several players, including Jake Bleskin and Tanner Roderick, have taken turns holding.
After Saturday's 10:30 am practice, MSU returns to the field Tuesday and Thursday next week, at 3:30 pm each day.
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
