Troy Andersen
Photo by: Garrett Becker
Montana State's Troy Andersen Added to Freshman of the Year Watch List
11/9/2017 10:13:00 AM | Football
Dillon product becomes first Bobcat in official contention for that award
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Troy Andersen has caused something of a friendly tug-of-war amongst Montana State's football coaching staff this season. The Bobcats' do-everything freshman has spent time on offense, defense, and special teams, with the coordinator of each unit lobbying to tap the talents of the true freshman from Dillon, Montana.
"He's an exceptional talent," says Bobcat head coach Jeff Choate when discussing utilizing a player in a variety of roles so early in his career, "so we make exceptions."
Those exceptions have led Andersen to the watch list for the Jerry Rice Award, presented by STATS Inc. to the top freshman in the FCS. Bobcat head coach Jeff Choate has enjoyed the process of fitting his Andersen into roles to optimize his ability. "Our initial thought was to play Troy at linebacker," Choate said, "but it became pretty obvious that he would be an impactful player at running back, where there was an immediate need."
Andersen's impact was immediate, as well. He rushed for 33 yards against Washington State, then after gaining just five the next week he broke out for 131 yards and two touchdowns against North Dakota.
Montana State's Troy Andersen, who has contributed to the Bobcats in all three phases of the game as a true freshman in 2017, joined the Jerry Rice Award Watch List Thursday. That 100-yard rushing effort is the earliest a true freshman has ever passed that mark for the Cats, and his current total of 444 is fourth-most by a freshman in school history. His contributions on offense have been multi-faceted. He is fourth on the team in receptions with seven catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also has six tackles.
While contributing on kick teams throughout the season, Andersen showed his chops in making plays when the other team possessed the ball. When injuries created a need at linebacker, Choate said the choice was obvious. "We came up with a plan to keep the pitch count down on the number of hits his body took in practice as well as games," MSU's second-year head coach said, "but it's obvious he is an impact player on defense, as he is on offense."
In the six-year history of the Jerry Rice Award Andersen is the first Bobcat to crack the watch list, but the Big Sky Conference has a strong presence on the winners' list. Eastern Washington's Cooper Kupp won the award in 2013, and Northern Arizona's Case Cookus won in 2015.
"He's an exceptional talent," says Bobcat head coach Jeff Choate when discussing utilizing a player in a variety of roles so early in his career, "so we make exceptions."
Those exceptions have led Andersen to the watch list for the Jerry Rice Award, presented by STATS Inc. to the top freshman in the FCS. Bobcat head coach Jeff Choate has enjoyed the process of fitting his Andersen into roles to optimize his ability. "Our initial thought was to play Troy at linebacker," Choate said, "but it became pretty obvious that he would be an impactful player at running back, where there was an immediate need."
Andersen's impact was immediate, as well. He rushed for 33 yards against Washington State, then after gaining just five the next week he broke out for 131 yards and two touchdowns against North Dakota.
Montana State's Troy Andersen, who has contributed to the Bobcats in all three phases of the game as a true freshman in 2017, joined the Jerry Rice Award Watch List Thursday. That 100-yard rushing effort is the earliest a true freshman has ever passed that mark for the Cats, and his current total of 444 is fourth-most by a freshman in school history. His contributions on offense have been multi-faceted. He is fourth on the team in receptions with seven catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also has six tackles.
While contributing on kick teams throughout the season, Andersen showed his chops in making plays when the other team possessed the ball. When injuries created a need at linebacker, Choate said the choice was obvious. "We came up with a plan to keep the pitch count down on the number of hits his body took in practice as well as games," MSU's second-year head coach said, "but it's obvious he is an impact player on defense, as he is on offense."
In the six-year history of the Jerry Rice Award Andersen is the first Bobcat to crack the watch list, but the Big Sky Conference has a strong presence on the winners' list. Eastern Washington's Cooper Kupp won the award in 2013, and Northern Arizona's Case Cookus won in 2015.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ FootballThursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
