Deonte Flowers and the Bobcats head to Great Falls Saturday
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcats Head to Great Falls for Triangle Classic
4/10/2014 5:01:00 PM | Football
First major scrimmage of spring finds Bobcats thinned by injury
Regardless which Montana State football coach is asked what he hopes to see during Saturday's Triangle Classic Scrimmage in Great Falls, the team's first practice under game-like situation this spring, the initial answer is delivered with a nervous laugh.
"Health," smiles defensive coordinator Jamie Marshall. "Good weather," offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey offers. "Just to get through it," Bobcat head coach Rob Ash says.
While Montana State's annual trek to Great Falls is always a highlight of the spring, circumstances have interjected some caution and trepidation into this year's proceedings. The Cats have been plagued by injuries from the beginning of spring drills – some from last fall – which have led to creative personnel packages and altered expectations.
"The guys have adapted very well," Ash said. "We've made improvement and are making some good evaluations. Saturday's scrimmage won't be lengthy because we're just so thin at some spots, but we'll get some good work in."
Cramsey's eyes will be trained where everyone else's are – on the quarterbacks. Junior Jake Bleskin, from Great Falls, and Bozeman product Tanner Roderick are locked on a battle for starting honors with sophomore Dakota Prukop, and the next two Saturday's give Cramsey his last two scrimmage evaluations until August.
"I want to see continued improvement from the quarterbacks," Cramsey said. "I want them to continue to take what the defense is giving them. Jake and Dakota have each completed a very high percentage of their passes. I've been very impressed with all three of them this spring."
While Marshall continues to evaluate the situation at the cornerback position opposite Deonte Flowers and the nickel back spot, he hopes for more big-picture improvement on Saturday. "I hope to see better execution," he said. "I expect the execution to be better and I want the experienced guys battling for playing time to take another step up."
Kickoff Saturday is at 1:30 pm at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls. The cheer and football clinics on Saturday morning have been moved to Paris Gibson Middle School, and will likely be held in the gym. Friday's Triangle Classic Banquet, featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Emmert, President of the NCAA and a former MSU administrator, begins at 6 pm.
"Health," smiles defensive coordinator Jamie Marshall. "Good weather," offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey offers. "Just to get through it," Bobcat head coach Rob Ash says.
While Montana State's annual trek to Great Falls is always a highlight of the spring, circumstances have interjected some caution and trepidation into this year's proceedings. The Cats have been plagued by injuries from the beginning of spring drills – some from last fall – which have led to creative personnel packages and altered expectations.
"The guys have adapted very well," Ash said. "We've made improvement and are making some good evaluations. Saturday's scrimmage won't be lengthy because we're just so thin at some spots, but we'll get some good work in."
Cramsey's eyes will be trained where everyone else's are – on the quarterbacks. Junior Jake Bleskin, from Great Falls, and Bozeman product Tanner Roderick are locked on a battle for starting honors with sophomore Dakota Prukop, and the next two Saturday's give Cramsey his last two scrimmage evaluations until August.
"I want to see continued improvement from the quarterbacks," Cramsey said. "I want them to continue to take what the defense is giving them. Jake and Dakota have each completed a very high percentage of their passes. I've been very impressed with all three of them this spring."
While Marshall continues to evaluate the situation at the cornerback position opposite Deonte Flowers and the nickel back spot, he hopes for more big-picture improvement on Saturday. "I hope to see better execution," he said. "I expect the execution to be better and I want the experienced guys battling for playing time to take another step up."
Kickoff Saturday is at 1:30 pm at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls. The cheer and football clinics on Saturday morning have been moved to Paris Gibson Middle School, and will likely be held in the gym. Friday's Triangle Classic Banquet, featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Emmert, President of the NCAA and a former MSU administrator, begins at 6 pm.
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