Competition remains intense in MSU's fall camp
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
CATS IN CAMP NOTEBOOK: Day #11
8/21/2015 4:50:00 PM | Football
MSU preps for final major scrimmage of camp
There's one simple word that sums up the competitive nature of Montana State's depth chart as fall camp draws to a close this weekend.
Or.
That word appears a dozen times on the defensive side of the team's depth chart and eight times on the offensive side the day before MSU's final scrimmage of the fall, signifying that either starting or backup spots – or both – at those positions remain contested. Ninth-year head coach Rob Ash said that adds a different dimension to his evaluation of Saturday's scrimmage, which begins at around 10 am in Bobcat Stadium.
"We've got probably more personnel battles that are unsettled at this time than usual – and that's not a bad thing," Ash said. "That means we have more depth, that things aren't as clear. We have two or three corners fighting for one spot, we have four safeties for two spots, we have four linebackers for two inside 'backer positions, a bunch of defensive ends and a ton of wide receivers that all need to be evaluated. So I think we'll concentrate more on trying to settle some of those personnel battles."
While Montana State's offense returns eight full-time starters from a season ago, the Bobcat defense lost that many. With that big a swing in experience level between the different sides of the ball, Ash said evaluating the offense and defense stand as different processes.
"My challenge with the defense right now is, how much can we really do? We have a lot that we'd like to do, but how much can we really do, and do well?" Ash said.
"On offense, I think the sky's the limit," he continued. "We can do as much as we want to do because we are so experienced with so many guys that know this offense, and Cramsey's been here doing it now for three years. So on offense it might be, 'Let's go, let's do a lot.' On defense we might have to narrow things down a bit. So in that way, I think there's a difference."
After Saturday's morning practice the Bobcats return to the Stadium for Family Fun Day in the afternoon. Bobcat fans can meet current players and coaches, get autographs, enjoy treats and bounce houses, and visit Champ's Photo Booth. The site of Family Fun Day has been moved to beneath the west grandstands of Bobcat Stadium.
Or.
That word appears a dozen times on the defensive side of the team's depth chart and eight times on the offensive side the day before MSU's final scrimmage of the fall, signifying that either starting or backup spots – or both – at those positions remain contested. Ninth-year head coach Rob Ash said that adds a different dimension to his evaluation of Saturday's scrimmage, which begins at around 10 am in Bobcat Stadium.
"We've got probably more personnel battles that are unsettled at this time than usual – and that's not a bad thing," Ash said. "That means we have more depth, that things aren't as clear. We have two or three corners fighting for one spot, we have four safeties for two spots, we have four linebackers for two inside 'backer positions, a bunch of defensive ends and a ton of wide receivers that all need to be evaluated. So I think we'll concentrate more on trying to settle some of those personnel battles."
While Montana State's offense returns eight full-time starters from a season ago, the Bobcat defense lost that many. With that big a swing in experience level between the different sides of the ball, Ash said evaluating the offense and defense stand as different processes.
"My challenge with the defense right now is, how much can we really do? We have a lot that we'd like to do, but how much can we really do, and do well?" Ash said.
"On offense, I think the sky's the limit," he continued. "We can do as much as we want to do because we are so experienced with so many guys that know this offense, and Cramsey's been here doing it now for three years. So on offense it might be, 'Let's go, let's do a lot.' On defense we might have to narrow things down a bit. So in that way, I think there's a difference."
After Saturday's morning practice the Bobcats return to the Stadium for Family Fun Day in the afternoon. Bobcat fans can meet current players and coaches, get autographs, enjoy treats and bounce houses, and visit Champ's Photo Booth. The site of Family Fun Day has been moved to beneath the west grandstands of Bobcat Stadium.
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
