Tanner Bleskin
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcats By the Numbers: 86
6/10/2015 3:34:00 PM | Football
Pass-catchers abound at this spot on the list
Every day we look at players who donned the jersey number corresponding to the number of days until the Bobcats open the 2015 season on September 3 against Fort Lewis College. The list of MSU football players by the jersey number is based on preseason rosters. The set of available rosters is complete from 1946-81 and '83-present. Only the 1926-27, 1934, 1937 and 1941 rosters are available in the pre-WWII years. Corrections, additions, or rosters that fill out the set will be welcomed enthusiastically via e-mail at: blamberty@msubobcats.com. Complaints about featured players also welcome, but possibly with less enthusiasm.
#86
Keon Stephens, WR: Keon Stephens brings a blend of speed and size and athleticism to the Bobcat program this fall, when he arrives as a receiver prospect. Expected to redshirt this year, he adds depth and talent to a prolific pass-catching group. He was an all-league receiver at Etiwanda HS in Cucamunga, Calif.
Spotlight Player: Over a 33-season span from 1981 to 2013, 12 players wore #86 for Montana State. Three of those – tight end Joe Bignell and receivers Scott Turnquist and Tanner Bleskin – combined for 497 catches and 6,270 yards. The Bobcats threw for a total of 78,436 yards in that span, meaning those three native Montanans who wore #86 accounted for nearly 10% of the program's total pass production over three-and-one-third decades. The three are remarkably similar, blending toughness and intelligence to produce beyond what might have been expected. Yet the three also brought underestimated but pronounced physical gifts to the MSU program, and the strongest connection – beyond a fierce pride in playing for an in-state school – was a ferocious work ethic that allowed the three to develop their physical skills beyond what might have been expected.
Notable #86s in the Bobcat Past: Before #86 became the denizen of prolific pass-catchers, it was home for some terrific defensive players. All-America defensive linemen Gary Gustafson and Brad Daws held down #86 in the early '70s.
Through the years: Bill Mack (1956), Brad Lowell (1957-59), Bert Emery (1960), Archie Warwick (1961-63), Dave Pawlowski (1965), Dennis Muhlbeier (1966-67), Gary Gustafson (1968-70), Randy Martinson (1971), Gary Fetveit (1972), Brad Daws (1973-75), Les Sherrill (1976), Tom Fox (1977-80), Joe Bignell (1981-84), Terry Duncan (1985), Okey Ezeonu (1986-87), Scott McFarland (1988-90), Pat Gulick (1991-95), Travis Hille (1996), Matt Neumann (1997), Scott Turnquist (2000-03), Nick Parker (2004-05), Joe Roberts (2006-07), DeSean Thomas (2008), Tanner Bleskin (2009-13), Keon Stephens (2015-)
#86
Keon Stephens, WR: Keon Stephens brings a blend of speed and size and athleticism to the Bobcat program this fall, when he arrives as a receiver prospect. Expected to redshirt this year, he adds depth and talent to a prolific pass-catching group. He was an all-league receiver at Etiwanda HS in Cucamunga, Calif.
Spotlight Player: Over a 33-season span from 1981 to 2013, 12 players wore #86 for Montana State. Three of those – tight end Joe Bignell and receivers Scott Turnquist and Tanner Bleskin – combined for 497 catches and 6,270 yards. The Bobcats threw for a total of 78,436 yards in that span, meaning those three native Montanans who wore #86 accounted for nearly 10% of the program's total pass production over three-and-one-third decades. The three are remarkably similar, blending toughness and intelligence to produce beyond what might have been expected. Yet the three also brought underestimated but pronounced physical gifts to the MSU program, and the strongest connection – beyond a fierce pride in playing for an in-state school – was a ferocious work ethic that allowed the three to develop their physical skills beyond what might have been expected.
Notable #86s in the Bobcat Past: Before #86 became the denizen of prolific pass-catchers, it was home for some terrific defensive players. All-America defensive linemen Gary Gustafson and Brad Daws held down #86 in the early '70s.
Through the years: Bill Mack (1956), Brad Lowell (1957-59), Bert Emery (1960), Archie Warwick (1961-63), Dave Pawlowski (1965), Dennis Muhlbeier (1966-67), Gary Gustafson (1968-70), Randy Martinson (1971), Gary Fetveit (1972), Brad Daws (1973-75), Les Sherrill (1976), Tom Fox (1977-80), Joe Bignell (1981-84), Terry Duncan (1985), Okey Ezeonu (1986-87), Scott McFarland (1988-90), Pat Gulick (1991-95), Travis Hille (1996), Matt Neumann (1997), Scott Turnquist (2000-03), Nick Parker (2004-05), Joe Roberts (2006-07), DeSean Thomas (2008), Tanner Bleskin (2009-13), Keon Stephens (2015-)
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