Everett Gilbert and the Bobcats scrimmage at Great Falls' Memorial Stadium Saturday at 5 pm
Bobcat Gridders Head to Great Falls for Triangle Classic
4/9/2010 8:10:27 AM | Football
MSU makes yearly trek to Electric City on Friday for banquet, Saturday scrimmage
When Everett Gilbert dashed 26 yards for Montana State's second score in the Bobcats' first major spring scrimmage, it caught Rob Ash's attention.
“The difference in speed that he brings to the table was evident,” Ash said as his team prepared for MSU's Triangle Classic scrimmage in Great Falls on Saturday. “In fact, when he scored that touchdown the defense didn't touch him. They adjusted quickly, but it was a whole different component. Cody and the other running backs bring a lot of things to the table, I'm not saying speed is the only factor that's important, but when you do have speed some fairly simple things, like a handoff or a check-down or a flair pass, can turn into a big play all of a sudden.”
An injury to CJ Palmer and Ricky Evans' departure led MSU offensive coaches to move Gilbert to running back for spring drills, which Ash said has been a blessing in disguise. “It's been really interesting to get Everett turns at running back to see what he does in that spot,” Ash said. “It's a valuable opportunity that came to us accidentally. It was something that we always thought about, but now by necessity we're getting the opportunity to see what he can do.”
Gilbert's move to the backfield also cleared space at his previous position, wide receiver, for younger players to get reps. “The guy that's benefitting the most from that right now is Gianni Carter,” Ash said. “DeSean (Thomas) has been playing third receiver with the ones and Gianni's getting all the (reps with the) twos, so he's getting quality time that he didn't get when Everett was in the mix.”
Ash cited another redshirt freshman, Tanner Bleskin, for making progress at receiver. Bleskin joins Electric City products Chris Wilson (cornerback) and Jared Rohrback (linebacker) in returning to their home stadium this weekend. All three graduated from Great Falls CM Russell. “Tanner has responded to the increased number of turns,” Ash said. “He needs to iron out the ups and downs, but he's shown us positive signs.”
Ash will train his focus on pass-catching this weekend, as his offense continues to emphasize big-play ability. “Nobody has stepped up to be the lights-out, go-to guy yet. That's going to be kind of a mission here the last part of spring, to see if there's one of those guys. Our depth there is awesome, but who's going to be the guy that's going to come down with the fade route in the corner of the end zone? Who's going to make the big play.”
In addition to a spate of injuries that may sideline 10 players for Saturday's scrimmage in Great Falls, the Bobcats will be without receiver DeSean Thomas and offensive guard Ben Tauanuu. The two violated team rules, and will miss the remainder of the spring. Ash said his team will plug holes with players looking to take advantage of the opportunity for increased playing time.
Ash said that several young or inexperienced offensive linemen have taken advantage of the chance presented by injuries to starters Conrad Burbank and Leo Davis, along with the suspension of Tauanuu. “It's been awesome for those young guys to get all those turns. Killian (Fitzpatrick) has taken all the (turns with the) ones and twos, so he's getting a fabulous opportunity to get reps. Same thing for (guards Matt) Bernard and Jesse Hoffmann. And we still have flexibility, because Conrad can play guard or tackle. The X factor is Leo. He made the switch (from defensive line to offensive tackle) last year. It's too bad that he didn't get this spring to work on his technique. Conrad will pick up where he left off because he's played so much, but we'll have to see where Leo is when he comes back.”
When the Bobcats take the field Memorial Stadium Saturday, Ash hopes to see more of what he liked best from the team's first spring scrimmage last Saturday in Bozeman. “The most important thing was that we ended up with no turnovers,” he said of the team's first extensive live work of the spring. That was really something the offense was happy about. We'll put a really high premium on ball security and takeaways (this weekend). There will be high point values attached to those elements. That will probably be the difference between the offense and defense, whether the offense can protect the ball of the defense can take it away.”
Saturday's scrimmage at Great Falls will feature mostly live action, Ash indicated, without going live in the kicking game. The offense will battle the defense in two 30-minute halves with a running clock.
Leon 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
