BOBCATS BY THE NUMBERS: 24 Days Before Kickoff!
8/7/2019 8:13:00 AM | Football
Lane Sumner is a redshirt freshman who could boost the Bobcat ground game this fall
August 7: 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.
#24
Lane Sumner, RB: Isaiah Ifanse burst onto the scene last fall, becoming the first Bobcat freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, so the discussion about the MSU run game in 2019 begins there and extends to the potential role of Troy Andersen. But the name Lane Sumner always pops into the conversation, prominently. The redshirt freshman from Huntley was labeled the program's most adept inside zone runner last year even as he was learning the scheme, and this year has been lauded for adding speed and strength. Where he fits in MSU's crowded running backs picture has not yet been determined, but his is a name Bobcat fans will hear this fall.
24 – Sacks by Montana State in 2018
It's been a process, as MSU coach Jeff Choate said it would be, but the Montana State defense has slowly, surely ratcheted up the pressure during his three seasons running the program. After logging 15 sacks in 2016 and 17 the next season, MSU's big jump in 2018 was spurred by the addition of one key transfer and the performance of a veteran defensive front. With Tyrone Fa'anono, Zach Wright and Tucker Yates locking things down up front, Bryce Sterk was able to rain havoc down onto opposing quarterbacks. The University of Washington transfer finished second among Big Sky players with 8.5 sacks on his own, while Wright chipped in four.
Chronology: Earl Keyes (1926), Carl Larson (1930), Chris Nagel (1931), Bill Stebbins (1934), Donald Douglas (1937), Ray Duley (1940), Leland Casscaden (1941), Jack Davis (1946), Barney Berger (1947), Jim McGillen (1948-50), Don Knechtges (1953), Jack Santos (1955), Frank Landon (1956), Jack Cameron (1959), Lewie Roberts (1967-68), John Emmert (1970-71), Glenn Sattoriva (1972), Bruce Robinson (1973), Tom Kostrba (1974-76), Steve Roderick (1977), John Johnson (1978), Skip Higgins (1979), Tom Mahlum (1980-84), DeWayne Smith (1985), Bob Kimball (1986-88), Si Ryan (1989-92), Markcole Mitchell (1993), Mark Rollins (1994-98), Scott Turnquist (1999), Marcel Dunn (2000), Marcus Davis (2001), Kenneth Qualls (2002-03), Daniel Ashley (2004-05), Michael Beach (2006-07), James Andrews (2008-12), Bryce Alley (2014-17), Lane Sumner (2018-)
Other #24 Notes: Sometimes when you line up next to a legend you can play excellent football without a lot of notice. That was Kenny Qualls' fate for two seasons at Montana State. Well, almost two seasons. Qualls was an exceptional safety who played in the same backfield as MSU legend Kane Ioane, and looking back he was also flanked by a pair of exceptional corners in Jay Hackett and Kahiam Hunter. That was an incredible secondary, and all in all one of the school's most talented defenses. Qualls was third on the team with 78 tackles as a senior, recovered a couple of fumbles and broke up four passes. He finished that season as Second Team All-Big Sky, although he was a player that never generated a lot of buzz. Not until November 22, 2003, that is, when Qualls turned in a difference-making play in the Bobcats' wonderful 27-20 win over the Grizzlies. With the Cats trailing 10-6 after the initial energy jolt of Corey Smith's opening kickoff touchdown return, and Montana driving, Qualls stepped in front of a Craig Ochs pass and dashed 54 yards for a touchdown. That gave the Cats a 13-10 lead they carried into halftime, and late in the third quarter Bruce Molock powered in from one yard out for a 20-10 lead. Travis Lulay's score on MSU's next drive gave the Cats a 27-10 lead, and MSU held on for the emotional, stirring victory. Kenny Qualls was part and parcel of two excellent Bobcat defenses, and regardless of the publicity he garnered he will always be remembered for making one of the memorable plays in the recent history of Bobcat football.
#24
Lane Sumner, RB: Isaiah Ifanse burst onto the scene last fall, becoming the first Bobcat freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, so the discussion about the MSU run game in 2019 begins there and extends to the potential role of Troy Andersen. But the name Lane Sumner always pops into the conversation, prominently. The redshirt freshman from Huntley was labeled the program's most adept inside zone runner last year even as he was learning the scheme, and this year has been lauded for adding speed and strength. Where he fits in MSU's crowded running backs picture has not yet been determined, but his is a name Bobcat fans will hear this fall.
24 – Sacks by Montana State in 2018
It's been a process, as MSU coach Jeff Choate said it would be, but the Montana State defense has slowly, surely ratcheted up the pressure during his three seasons running the program. After logging 15 sacks in 2016 and 17 the next season, MSU's big jump in 2018 was spurred by the addition of one key transfer and the performance of a veteran defensive front. With Tyrone Fa'anono, Zach Wright and Tucker Yates locking things down up front, Bryce Sterk was able to rain havoc down onto opposing quarterbacks. The University of Washington transfer finished second among Big Sky players with 8.5 sacks on his own, while Wright chipped in four.
Chronology: Earl Keyes (1926), Carl Larson (1930), Chris Nagel (1931), Bill Stebbins (1934), Donald Douglas (1937), Ray Duley (1940), Leland Casscaden (1941), Jack Davis (1946), Barney Berger (1947), Jim McGillen (1948-50), Don Knechtges (1953), Jack Santos (1955), Frank Landon (1956), Jack Cameron (1959), Lewie Roberts (1967-68), John Emmert (1970-71), Glenn Sattoriva (1972), Bruce Robinson (1973), Tom Kostrba (1974-76), Steve Roderick (1977), John Johnson (1978), Skip Higgins (1979), Tom Mahlum (1980-84), DeWayne Smith (1985), Bob Kimball (1986-88), Si Ryan (1989-92), Markcole Mitchell (1993), Mark Rollins (1994-98), Scott Turnquist (1999), Marcel Dunn (2000), Marcus Davis (2001), Kenneth Qualls (2002-03), Daniel Ashley (2004-05), Michael Beach (2006-07), James Andrews (2008-12), Bryce Alley (2014-17), Lane Sumner (2018-)
Other #24 Notes: Sometimes when you line up next to a legend you can play excellent football without a lot of notice. That was Kenny Qualls' fate for two seasons at Montana State. Well, almost two seasons. Qualls was an exceptional safety who played in the same backfield as MSU legend Kane Ioane, and looking back he was also flanked by a pair of exceptional corners in Jay Hackett and Kahiam Hunter. That was an incredible secondary, and all in all one of the school's most talented defenses. Qualls was third on the team with 78 tackles as a senior, recovered a couple of fumbles and broke up four passes. He finished that season as Second Team All-Big Sky, although he was a player that never generated a lot of buzz. Not until November 22, 2003, that is, when Qualls turned in a difference-making play in the Bobcats' wonderful 27-20 win over the Grizzlies. With the Cats trailing 10-6 after the initial energy jolt of Corey Smith's opening kickoff touchdown return, and Montana driving, Qualls stepped in front of a Craig Ochs pass and dashed 54 yards for a touchdown. That gave the Cats a 13-10 lead they carried into halftime, and late in the third quarter Bruce Molock powered in from one yard out for a 20-10 lead. Travis Lulay's score on MSU's next drive gave the Cats a 27-10 lead, and MSU held on for the emotional, stirring victory. Kenny Qualls was part and parcel of two excellent Bobcat defenses, and regardless of the publicity he garnered he will always be remembered for making one of the memorable plays in the recent history of Bobcat football.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Football
RB/QB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DE
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DT
/ FootballLeon Costello Press Conference: Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center
Thursday, July 31
A Conversation with President Dr. Waded Cruzado | Montana State Athletics
Monday, May 19
Big Cats, Little Trucks - Willie Patterson
Wednesday, May 03
Matt Houk Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, May 03
