The Bobcat Nation

Since we are getting off on some threads talking about coaches and teams of the past. I thought I'd post a quick list of the top 10 returners for next year based on this ranking scale. Maybe if someone has alot of time they can do the whole roster.


10 - Generational talent -- Sure fire NFL top draft pick and Buchanon/Payton Award Winner. Think Walter Payton or Randy Moss.
9 - Elite I-AA player -- possesses the potential for greatness, a perennial All-Conference Selection, potential BSC POY and Buchanon/Payton Finalist. Likely to get a shot at a higher level.
8 - All-Conference caliber -- players with definite skill that might be just a cut below elite status, but still possessing All-Conference potential. Potential NFL Caliber player.
7 - Solid Starter -- Multi-year starter which may culminate in All-conference status. Not as physically gifted as the elite players.
6 - Starting Talent -- Player who doesn't have the physical skills or consistency to start games right away. By development can become a servicable starter towards the end of his career.
5 - Top Backup/Spot Starter/Special Teams standout -- Player who can't contribute on an every down basis but contributes through special teams and practice
4 - Depth backup player/Special Teams -- Someone who doesn't have much of a chance to see the field under normal circumstances. Is probably deficient in one major physical category such as too small or too slow. Could play in an emergency.
3 - Bench warmer/Scout player -- Player who will not contribute much on the field. In danger of losing scholarship unless he finds a way to contribute through practice.
2 - Walk on talent plus -- player who doesn't have the tools necessary to warrant scholarship consideration but through work ethic and inspiration remain on the team
1 - Walk on -- Player who doesn't have any shot at contributing to the team. Probably only on the team because he is related to a coaches wife.

1. Travis Lulay 9
2. Jeff Bolton 8.5
3. Mac Mollohan 8.5
4. Rick Gatewood 8
5. Lawrence Figueroa 7.5
6. Joe Hirst 7.5
7. Nick Marudas 7
8. Ryan Force 7
9 Justin Domineck 7
10. Daryl Rogers 7

Don't have much to add, but I like a guy who will put his opinion out there. Nice projections

Depending on which Ricky Gatewood shows up next season (the one from the first 1/2 of the season or the guy who ended the year in Missoula) his stock could be higher than an 8 on your scale. I would also give Ryan Force a higher mark. I think if he could settle on a position and not be bouncing around from game to game his stock could rise too. Hopefully injuries let him do that. I can't wait until February so we can start adding the new guys into this mix.

We have some real ballplayers coming back next year; I'm a little puzzled as to what we run on the defensive side next year. Want to be in Gt. Falls during spring scrimmage...

I'd put Kahiam Hunter in there. He didn't play last year, but the year before he was a better cover corner than Hackett. If he's able to get into game shape, I think he will be first or second team all-BSC.

Yeah, like that top 10 Gordo. That o-line is mean with three of your top 6 in there and Hirst would be better than a 7 on my scale.

WyCat - The way you put that it sort of sounds like you didn't think Gatewood wasn't doing anything in the 4-5 games prior to Cat-Griz. The guy was on fire for well over a month.

The Lulay-Gatewood/Meyer-Kimball combos are hard to differentiate. The lines between EW and MSU are also very even. I'd think EW is better at running back, but perhaps not a whole lot as the line and back s continue to play together.

iaafan wrote:WyCat - The way you put that it sort of sounds like you didn't think Gatewood wasn't doing anything in the 4-5 games prior to Cat-Griz. The guy was on fire for well over a month.

I see how you could have read it that way but no I was referring to the less than stellar start and then the impressive second half culminated with the recieving game of the year, if not ever for a Cat, in Missoula. Not just that one game.

I figured you meant it that way, but thought I better make sure. I'm amazed at how little Gatewood is discussed on this board (i guess everyone is more into discussing areas of need). And those were awesome numbers in the Cat-Griz game. They did not all come after the game was in hand.

He only had five catches for 41 yards after MSU cut the lead to 21-16 (four catches, 61 yards in the first drive of second half) and had eight for 194 and TD before that. So he didn't pad his stats. Four for 133 at halftime.

We'll see how Rogers does when he's the main man in there this year. But I think he will be all conference this year maybe. He is tough/physical/high revvvvvving motor in there. 7-8 is my prediction. I watched him a lot on film in the games I recorded. He was definately banged up in the Cat/Griz game (got hurt in the EW game).

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:We'll see how Rogers does when he's the main man in there this year.

Same with Mollohan, who IMO, should rate a 9 following his SECOND CONSECUTIVE 1st team All Conference award as a TRUE Junior - he doesn't have All Conference POTENTIAL; if anything, I'd say he has a shot at All AMERICAN next season. Mac has the best "nose for the football" that I've ever seen but being undersized hurts him when opponents block him with a lineman. Against running backs, tight ends, and/or receivers, however, it's NO CONTEST for Big Mac. Question will be how much attention he gets now that Coop is off to the pro's...