BOBCATS BY THE NUMBERS: HERO Sports Says Bryce Sterk is the FCS' Best #37, and So Do We
7/25/2019 3:00:00 PM | Football
It's 37 days until kickoff
July 25: In addition to a quick look at players wearing the jersey number corresponding to the number of days remaining until Montana State's season opener at Texas Tech on August 31, Bobcats by the Numbers brings you another tidbit or two aligning with that number.
#37
Bryce Sterk, DE: 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. Choate's faith paid huge dividends last fall, as Sterk led the Big Sky (regular season games) in sacks (8.5) and tackles-for-loss (17). He was a dynamic presence on the defense's edge, and helped hold the team together against a wave of mid-season injuries. Sterk moves from Buck to end this season, although it's more likely that he'll play a wide range of positions rather than hunkering down at one. Wherever he lines up, Sterk brings explosive athleticism to that position and is a force to be dealt with.
37 – Hero Sports ranked Bryce Sterk the top player in the FCS that currently wears #37
Not much to argue with here... Bryce Sterk led the Big Sky in sacks and tackles-for-loss, in spite of inexplicably landing second team all-conference honors. He was the most dynamic pass rusher in the league a season ago, and the University of Washington transfer is unquestionably one of its best defensive players entering this season. Big Sky coaches agreed by naming him to the Preseason All-Big Sky squad.
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: 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... 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.
