Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be partial-scholarship FCS football players out of high school (doesn't mean they'll get that offer)
- usually get partial-scholarships that cover nearly all or very little of their college costs
- will commonly receive full-scholarship offers from all the NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state
- are considered elite NAIA players if they sign at that level
- may receive offers from both in-state FCS schools but it isn't a foregone conclusion both will offer
- will, at a minimum, receive preferred walk-on offers from Cats and Griz
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz
- may NOT redshirt if they sign with a smaller division school (DII, DIII, NAIA) and should push for playing time early (depends on position)
- are bordering on full-scholarship talent but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that likely will get developed
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters for the Shrine Game
- have potential to be multi-year starters (FCS) in their careers with a good chance of being named All-Conference at least once
8.) Jake Rendina (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'0", 235 lbs. - FB
9.) Rylan Schlepp (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'5", 235 lbs. - TEJake is not only the best RB/FB in this class but also a nationally ranked power lifter putting up lifts of 575 (Squat), 405 (Bench), and 605 (Deadlift) which is amazing for a high school kid. He is a fearless as a runner (as he should be) due to his bulky stature and physical running style. Jake got more athletic between his junior/senior season and it showed in his ability to evade more tackles and make crisper cuts (he didn't just try to run over everyone). He also got to show some ability as a LB and there was one play where he blew up a block in the middle and then redirected to run down the ball carrier for a tackle on the outside all on the same play. Jake's obviously very tough to bring down but his vision and balance help him just as much as his raw strength. Speed is literally the only reason why he wasn't offered any type of scholarship from the Cats or Griz and that's unfortunate because to me its impossible to watch his film and not see he's a scholarship worthy player. Army will be getting a super-productive player who gets the ball in the endzone at a high clip and isn't afraid to light someone up on special teams or pass pro.
10.) Ethan Abbott (Florence) - 6'5", 270 lbs. - OL/DLRylan really grew into an intimidating presence as a TE prospect his senior season and it showed in his reps as a blocker and after the catch.
He lined up at multiple spots in Gallatin's offense which made him a tough matchup for opposing defense snap to snap. Rylan's athletic enough to excel as a receiver (hands/route running/YAC ability) and strong enough to dominate as a blocker which makes him my #1 TE prospect in this class. He possibly has the longest wingspan of any recruit in this class and his long stride & hard-charging running style make him tough to corral in the open field. Rylan is tall so he needs to work extra hard at getting low enough as a blocker on the interior but that should come with more development. He was the earliest commit in MSU's class and his high school coaches laud him for his humble attitude and diligent work ethic. Rylan's a two-time All-State TE as well as an All-State AA basketball player which bodes well for his future as a productive college TE.
11.) Ian Finch (Missoula Hellgate) - 6'3", 185 lbs. - WREthan is a large, tenacious defensive line prospect who could also develop on the offensive side. He 100% plays with an attitude that helps him win reps at a high rate along the offensive and defensive line but he'll have to get better at showing consistent effort at the next level (playing both ways for a big kid can be tasking so this isn't that big of a knock). Ethan got recruited as a defensive tackle which makes sense if you watch his tape. He does a decent job of winning with leverage but he'll need to continue to improve at the next level since a lot of those reps were against inferior Class B competition. Ethan has a long wingspan that helps him make plays in the backfield and along the line of scrimmage with strong hands to boot. As a pass rusher, his primary move is a bull rush that becomes even more effective with his speed and ability to stay low off the snap. Ethan was also athletic enough to line up at defensive end during high school which leads me to believe there is a chance he could be an offensive tackle at the next level but MSU will get the opportunity to make that decision.
12.) Riley Bergesen (Billings West) - 6'2", 185 lbs. - SThe best way to describe Ian as a WR prospect is "clean". He just doesn't have a ton of major flaws other than a lack of top-end speed.
Ian's the clear #2 receiver in this class and the #1 outside receiver prospect. He's a savvy route runner, natural hands catcher, reliable blocker, and has the awareness to know where he's at on the football field in order to not only help his QB but also make catches near the sidelines or first down markers. His 2,741 career receiving yards and 162 career receptions both rank him 4th on the all-class MHSA record books for football. Ian is a kid where the production is clearly there at the highest classification in Montana with his only major hurdle being how much further he can develop his athleticism. The fact that he got all of that production without being a speed demon or physical imposing player speaks to how intriguing he is as a prospect and I think there is a little Mitch Roberts in his game that the Griz may be able to tap into these next few years.
13.) Tommy Nilson (Missoula Hellgate) - 6'4", 255 lbs. - OL/DLRiley is a long, rangy safety prospect who was Eastern AA Defensive MVP this fall. He was also one of the earliest verbals in this class as he committed to the Naval Academy on June 15 this past summer. The fact Riley is able to play football is also amazing as he had major hip surgeries after his sophomore season followed by a few more after his junior season due to a bone-on-bone condition where he had overgrowth on both femurs that led to torn labrums on both hips. The fact he could recover and still ball out his junior and senior seasons is a testament to his dedication to the game and his teammates. As a safety, Riley is very smart and rarely misses his run fits or gets beat deep over the top. He can play in the box or cover the deep middle and is one of the best tacklers in this class. Despite his slighter frame, Riley has a physical presence to his game and his confidence is evident on the field...which means the Naval Academy is getting a great kid and football player.
14.) Malikye Simpson (Billings Senior) - 5'10", 175 lbs. - ATH/DBTommy is an offensive line prospect who really improved his stock by taking advantage of summer camp opportunities prior to his senior season. He garnered offers from both UM and MSU and ended up committing to MSU this past November. Tommy has a great frame and lower body with a great punch/lock out that make him an intrigued guard prospect at the next level (possibly right tackle as well). He plays with the requisite confidence and toughness to be a force as an offensive lineman with further strength development. Tommy is also a decent center for Missoula Hellgate's basketball team and state placer in the shot put in AA. He plans on going into engineering at MSU. Tommy is one of those kids that just kept getting better after being forced into a starting role his sophomore season and it led to a great recruit in the trenches for MSU.
Malikye shot onto everyone's radar after his junior season due to one major trait: his speed. His 10.68 in the 100M Dash posted during the 2021 spring season was good for the best time in all classes. After an All-State junior season at corner for Billings Senior, both MSU and UM offered Malikye this summer. In the end, track was likely always going to win out and he committed to NDSU for track this past fall. As a football player, Malikye earned All-State honors once again as a corner where his closing speed and long arms made him a tough player to throw against for any QB.
One area that definitely needed improvement was in the tackling department and that likely would've hindered him at the next level. But players with Malikye's speed don't come along often and, if they can play, you should always take a recruiting shot at natural speed.