BOBCATS BY THE NUMBERS: With 37 Days Remaining until Gold Rush, Bryce Sterk Dons that Jersey Hoping to Bolster MSU's Defense
7/24/2018 12:01:00 PM | Football
Deonte Flowers was a brilliant cornerback on three FCS Playoff teams
July 24: Bobcats by the Numbers takes a look at current and past Bobcats whose jersey numbers correspond to the number of days remaining before Montana State opens the 2018 football season against Western Illinois in Bobcat Stadium's annual Gold Rush game on August 30.
#37
Bryce Sterk, BUCK: Bryce Sterk has heard a simple message from Bobcat coach Jeff Choate several times since arriving at Montana State in January – "I just want you to believe in you as much as I have twice." Choate recruited Sterk to Washington while on the Huskies' coaching staff, and against to MSU when Sterk opted for a change of scenery. The former small-school prep star from Lynden, Washington, is poised to bolster the Bobcats' pass rush, one of the last key elements of a defense that could be on the brink of a major breakthrough. Stark possesses all the necessities to emerge as a star in the Big Sky Conference.
Spotlight – Deonte Flowers: When young athletes are tested by fire, the chance of melting always exists. Deonte Flowers faced one of those moments in 2011, when Big Sky teams relentlessly attacked him with deep balls. Not many of them resulted in completed passes, but an inordinate amount drew penalty flags. Amidst a trying season came moments of brilliance and the kind of growth that leaves a lasting impression. The true freshman corner turned in one of the season's signature moments, returning a pass 57 yards for a touchdown to boost the Cats to a win over Eastern Washington, and while starting three games he logged 39 tackles. He was solid as a sophomore in 2012, and in 2013 earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors. By then, Flowers' ever-present smile and cheerful demeanor masked intensity and competitiveness that fit perfectly on a defense that featured Big Sky MVPs and All-Americas. As a senior, Flowers Earned All-America honors, with an interception and 11 pass breakups. He remains one of the finest corners in Montana State history, and has made Bozeman his permanent home.
Chronology: Arthur Olson (1926), James Flynn (1930), Don Allen (1937), Allen Nelson (1940), Lawrence James (1941), Ken Card (1947), Howard Hooper (1948), Gene Stergar (1949), Tom Welch (1950), Vince Veto (1953-55), David Pandt (1982), Bob Galle (1983-84), Mark Rinehart (1985-89), Troy Simpson (1990-91), Jeff Stevens (1994), Ben Hankins (1995), Nic Tognetti (1997-01), Grant Elliott (2002-05), Mike McCracken (2006-07), Jesse Anderson (2008), Jared Rohrback (2009), Deonte Flowers (2011-14), Sidney Holmes (2015-16), Adam Jordt (2017), Bryce Sterk (2018-)
Other #37 Notes: Nic Tognetti was no one's idea of a star during his time with the Bobcats, but he was a good football player and a terrific kid who spiced up the 2001 season with some moments of excellence. The brightest moment came in Spokane's Joe Albi Stadium, when he was called on late to help the Cats ice a lead over powerful Eastern Washington. Tognetti gained 38 yards on a dozen carries to help MSU to an emotional 48-38 win. Weeks later he gained 32 yards against Sacramento State and 57 against Idaho State. Tognetti came to MSU from Stevensville, and while he never found traction as a starter for the Cats he found ways to make significant contributions to MSU football when it was on its way to becoming a championship program.
#37
Bryce Sterk, BUCK: Bryce Sterk has heard a simple message from Bobcat coach Jeff Choate several times since arriving at Montana State in January – "I just want you to believe in you as much as I have twice." Choate recruited Sterk to Washington while on the Huskies' coaching staff, and against to MSU when Sterk opted for a change of scenery. The former small-school prep star from Lynden, Washington, is poised to bolster the Bobcats' pass rush, one of the last key elements of a defense that could be on the brink of a major breakthrough. Stark possesses all the necessities to emerge as a star in the Big Sky Conference.
Spotlight – Deonte Flowers: When young athletes are tested by fire, the chance of melting always exists. Deonte Flowers faced one of those moments in 2011, when Big Sky teams relentlessly attacked him with deep balls. Not many of them resulted in completed passes, but an inordinate amount drew penalty flags. Amidst a trying season came moments of brilliance and the kind of growth that leaves a lasting impression. The true freshman corner turned in one of the season's signature moments, returning a pass 57 yards for a touchdown to boost the Cats to a win over Eastern Washington, and while starting three games he logged 39 tackles. He was solid as a sophomore in 2012, and in 2013 earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors. By then, Flowers' ever-present smile and cheerful demeanor masked intensity and competitiveness that fit perfectly on a defense that featured Big Sky MVPs and All-Americas. As a senior, Flowers Earned All-America honors, with an interception and 11 pass breakups. He remains one of the finest corners in Montana State history, and has made Bozeman his permanent home.
Chronology: Arthur Olson (1926), James Flynn (1930), Don Allen (1937), Allen Nelson (1940), Lawrence James (1941), Ken Card (1947), Howard Hooper (1948), Gene Stergar (1949), Tom Welch (1950), Vince Veto (1953-55), David Pandt (1982), Bob Galle (1983-84), Mark Rinehart (1985-89), Troy Simpson (1990-91), Jeff Stevens (1994), Ben Hankins (1995), Nic Tognetti (1997-01), Grant Elliott (2002-05), Mike McCracken (2006-07), Jesse Anderson (2008), Jared Rohrback (2009), Deonte Flowers (2011-14), Sidney Holmes (2015-16), Adam Jordt (2017), Bryce Sterk (2018-)
Other #37 Notes: Nic Tognetti was no one's idea of a star during his time with the Bobcats, but he was a good football player and a terrific kid who spiced up the 2001 season with some moments of excellence. The brightest moment came in Spokane's Joe Albi Stadium, when he was called on late to help the Cats ice a lead over powerful Eastern Washington. Tognetti gained 38 yards on a dozen carries to help MSU to an emotional 48-38 win. Weeks later he gained 32 yards against Sacramento State and 57 against Idaho State. Tognetti came to MSU from Stevensville, and while he never found traction as a starter for the Cats he found ways to make significant contributions to MSU football when it was on its way to becoming a championship program.
Players Mentioned
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