BOBCATS BY THE NUMBERS: 37 Days Until Kickoff
7/29/2021 2:13:00 PM | Football
A look at the no. 37 in Bobcat football history...
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 2021 football season at Wyoming on September 4.
#37
Bryce Leighton, P: Bryce Leighton is one of the most highly-rated recruits in Bobcat football history, joining the Bobcat program as the nation's top-ranked punter in 2019 by Kohl's Professional Camps. He also earned a spot in the Under Armour All-American Game following his senior season, and begins his first varsity season at MSU as the team's starting punter.
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 Leighton, P: Bryce Leighton is one of the most highly-rated recruits in Bobcat football history, joining the Bobcat program as the nation's top-ranked punter in 2019 by Kohl's Professional Camps. He also earned a spot in the Under Armour All-American Game following his senior season, and begins his first varsity season at MSU as the team's starting punter.
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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