Marcus Wehr
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
CATS IN CAMP DAY #8: Hard Work, Aligning Talent Remain Top Priorities in MSU Preseason Camp
8/3/2024 8:26:00 PM | Football
Position battles continue, but not in conventional form
BOZEMAN, Montana – College football games are won on Saturdays in the fall, but much of the decisive work occurs in the heat of practice fields in August.
That work continued for Montana State on the grass of Lambert Field on Saturday. "Back in full pads, we introduced more situations (Saturday), said MSU head coach Brent Vigen. "It's the first time we've done red zone work and goal line work, and I like the way that was introduced. The back-and-forth nature of how that went is where we need to be at this time of year. It can't be a one-sided affair. We got some more third-down and fourth-down work. Competing and pushing ourselves and being able to do that every single day is important."
The Cats get Sunday off before returning to practice Monday morning.
* * * * *
Position battles to continue to unfold in Bobcat preseason camp, but in 2024 it's more about aligning talent and defining roles than simply choosing starters and backups. Vigen identified two position groups to illustrate that concept.
"The offense line, that thing is sorting out, and it needs to," Vigen said. While returning All-America Marcus Wehr and 2024 Freshman All-America Conner Moore return at tackles, and All-America center Justus Perkins is locked in, one-time starting guards JT Reed and Cole Sain continue to work their way back. "I think there's an assumption that we'll bring Cole and JT back and they're going to be able to play. They haven't practiced yet, and they will, but seeing how that unfolds is important."
In their absence, guard Burke Mastel has made a positive impression. But so have Titan Fleischmann, a tackle who is also returning from injury. Wehr has worked at guard, where's he's taken reps during his career. That gives the team position versatility and depth.
Similarly, defining roles in the secondary is also an ongoing process. "I'll point to the secondary," Vigen said. "We have a lot of talented guys, but how is that going to shape up for who ultimately is going to play on Saturdays."
Three-year starter Simeon Woodard, returning starter Jon Johnson, and Andrew Powdrell, who started several 2023 games, return on the outside. Miles Jackson has found a home at nickel, and Caden Dowler, back from an injury, has also settled in there. Rylan Ortt is locked in at strong safety, but with Dru Polidore sidelined with an injury at free safety Blake Stillwell's experience is a boon. Caden Dowler's versatility allows him to play all three inside positions.
Like the offensive line, Vigen said evaluating which players fit certain roles is more in order than simply locating talent. "We have some work to do in that area, but I appreciate the talent we have, and the potential for depth, in both those positions. We just need those to play out."
#GoCatsGo
That work continued for Montana State on the grass of Lambert Field on Saturday. "Back in full pads, we introduced more situations (Saturday), said MSU head coach Brent Vigen. "It's the first time we've done red zone work and goal line work, and I like the way that was introduced. The back-and-forth nature of how that went is where we need to be at this time of year. It can't be a one-sided affair. We got some more third-down and fourth-down work. Competing and pushing ourselves and being able to do that every single day is important."
The Cats get Sunday off before returning to practice Monday morning.
* * * * *
Position battles to continue to unfold in Bobcat preseason camp, but in 2024 it's more about aligning talent and defining roles than simply choosing starters and backups. Vigen identified two position groups to illustrate that concept.
"The offense line, that thing is sorting out, and it needs to," Vigen said. While returning All-America Marcus Wehr and 2024 Freshman All-America Conner Moore return at tackles, and All-America center Justus Perkins is locked in, one-time starting guards JT Reed and Cole Sain continue to work their way back. "I think there's an assumption that we'll bring Cole and JT back and they're going to be able to play. They haven't practiced yet, and they will, but seeing how that unfolds is important."
In their absence, guard Burke Mastel has made a positive impression. But so have Titan Fleischmann, a tackle who is also returning from injury. Wehr has worked at guard, where's he's taken reps during his career. That gives the team position versatility and depth.
Similarly, defining roles in the secondary is also an ongoing process. "I'll point to the secondary," Vigen said. "We have a lot of talented guys, but how is that going to shape up for who ultimately is going to play on Saturdays."
Three-year starter Simeon Woodard, returning starter Jon Johnson, and Andrew Powdrell, who started several 2023 games, return on the outside. Miles Jackson has found a home at nickel, and Caden Dowler, back from an injury, has also settled in there. Rylan Ortt is locked in at strong safety, but with Dru Polidore sidelined with an injury at free safety Blake Stillwell's experience is a boon. Caden Dowler's versatility allows him to play all three inside positions.
Like the offensive line, Vigen said evaluating which players fit certain roles is more in order than simply locating talent. "We have some work to do in that area, but I appreciate the talent we have, and the potential for depth, in both those positions. We just need those to play out."
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
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OT
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CB
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OL
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OT
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DB
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OL
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S
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DB
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OG
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OG/C
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S
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DL
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CB
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