BOBCATS 125 - TOP 50: Jeff Hansen
7/22/2022 2:00:00 PM | Football
Jeff Hansen came to MSU as a prize recruit and left as one of the program's best offensive linemen ever
We look at the 25 players that Bobcat fans and a blue ribbon panel of long-time MSU football observers ranked between 26th and 50th in the quest to determine the program's all-time players. In this segment of the countdown, players are listed alphabetically. You can find details here and a directory here.
Jeff Hansen, OG, 2006-09
ALL-TIME TEAM: None previously
HONORS: 1st Team All-America and 1st Team All-Big Sky in 2009, Honorable Mention All-America and 2nd Team All-Big Sky in 2008, 2nd Team All-Big Sky in 2007
A CLOSER LOOK: When Montana State's 2005 football season dawned it had been a minute since the Cats featured a legitimate front-line starter from Jack Johnson's legendary Great Falls CM Russell football program.
That was about to change.
During the 2005 campaign true freshman Chase Gazzerro emerged as a future standout with steady special teams play and moments of excellence in a reserve role as linebacker. And throughout the season, whispers turned into conversations about the bright young offensive lineman who was starring for the scout team as a redshirt freshman. Jeff Hansen's time, everyone said, was near.
His time, it turned out, came in the fourth game of 2006. That's when Hansen moved into the starting lineup at guard, a spot he held down with distinction for four seasons. And distinction is an understatement.
Hansen started the last 10 games of his freshman season, then emerged as a legitimate star as a sophomore. He allowed only one sack and two quarterback hits, grading at 85% or better in 10 of the 11 games. As a junior in 2008 he earned 2nd Team All-Big Sky and Honorable Mention All-America honors, starting one game at center and 11 at guard. He anchored the offensive line for a team that led the Big Sky in rushing average and fewest sacks allowed.
FROM TEAMMATE DANE FLETCHER: "I practiced against the best offensive lineman in the Big Sky every day. Jeff Hansen made me so much better."
Jeff Hansen, OG, 2006-09
ALL-TIME TEAM: None previously
HONORS: 1st Team All-America and 1st Team All-Big Sky in 2009, Honorable Mention All-America and 2nd Team All-Big Sky in 2008, 2nd Team All-Big Sky in 2007
A CLOSER LOOK: When Montana State's 2005 football season dawned it had been a minute since the Cats featured a legitimate front-line starter from Jack Johnson's legendary Great Falls CM Russell football program.
That was about to change.
During the 2005 campaign true freshman Chase Gazzerro emerged as a future standout with steady special teams play and moments of excellence in a reserve role as linebacker. And throughout the season, whispers turned into conversations about the bright young offensive lineman who was starring for the scout team as a redshirt freshman. Jeff Hansen's time, everyone said, was near.
His time, it turned out, came in the fourth game of 2006. That's when Hansen moved into the starting lineup at guard, a spot he held down with distinction for four seasons. And distinction is an understatement.
Hansen started the last 10 games of his freshman season, then emerged as a legitimate star as a sophomore. He allowed only one sack and two quarterback hits, grading at 85% or better in 10 of the 11 games. As a junior in 2008 he earned 2nd Team All-Big Sky and Honorable Mention All-America honors, starting one game at center and 11 at guard. He anchored the offensive line for a team that led the Big Sky in rushing average and fewest sacks allowed.
FROM TEAMMATE DANE FLETCHER: "I practiced against the best offensive lineman in the Big Sky every day. Jeff Hansen made me so much better."
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