Austin Mullins

[Bigtime75]

I don't think this has been posted, but Austin Mullins has verballed to the Friz; he said he chose them over us, apparently just felt he couldn't say no to the coaches. Don't get me wrong, I am elated about Hoff, but I was really hoping we could have at least landed either Mullins or Lebsock. I have watched alot of Montana high school football and both these are legitimate BIGTIME players. Talent-wise Hoff is as good or better than both of these guys, but the exception is that these kids are not wild-cards, meaning that they are going to be on the field and contributing unquestionably, no grade or character issues period.

Kramer and staff have quite possibly landed the best recruiting class in many years, but I am not buying into the talk of us outrecruiting the boys in maroon quite yet. Yes we landed Hoff(big things will come of this kid) and Taito (who the Griz wanted as a LB), but until we start landing the Mullins and Lebsocks of the state I don't accept that we are winning the "war". We are definitely making big strides and winning individual battles, but until we can start claiming more of the in-state high profile big guns than we are not quite on equal footing. I know these recruiting websites are highly subjective, but nonetheless the Friz have a pretty astonishing # of 2 star recruits.

I highly applaud Kramer's effort as we are gaining ground in the recruiting battle, but my point is that it is imperative that we land more of our state's best. I must admit that as much of a douche that Hauck is the guy is one hell of a recruiter (as is Krames), he has been successful in roping in the in-state kids and keeping most of 'the best out of our grip. I realize that on paper last year's Friz recruiting class was one of the best in big sky, if not IAA, history, but I want people to be saying that about us, even if it is just on paper. I am proud to say that we are gaining ground, but i am a little bit annoyed by the self-congratulatory pats on our backs we are giving ourselves while players like Mullins and Lebsock that are in our own back yards are eluding us.

Props on Taito and Hoff and rest of the guys, Keep up the fantastic effort guys. I am elated by the looks of the class, so don't take my criticism the wrong way, it is nothing more than a call to keep up the good work and to watch out for complacency and overconfidence.

Can't sleep till Feb 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BozoneCat]

From the Trib:

""In the last week it came down to Montana and Montana State, and I think UM is a better all-around fit for me," Mullins said. "It's more about academics than football."

HA HA HA!!! I guess Mullins isn't as smart as his test scores would lead you to think. Either that, or he is a bald-faced liar.

Tell the paper you wanted to play football for the griz, or you wanted to play in their stadium, blah blah blah - whatever. But to say that you chose UM because of their rigorous academic program is a joke, sadly one he will learn in about six years when he is trying to find a job.

Don't be too upset about this one, Bigtime. I did want him too, and it is a nice get for the friz, he will be a good player. We are pretty set at the LB spot, though - and with only 63 schollies, you just can't afford to take every kid you want. Notice also that we signed a couple of LB's before Mullins even committed, so maybe our coaches liked those kids a little better. Who knows? I am still very excited for tomorrow, and I think this will be an outstanding class. Look over our recruits from Kramer's first two years and compare them to what he is pulling in now.

[CelticCat]

I don't think this has been posted, but Austin Mullins has verballed to the Friz; he said he chose them over us, apparently just felt he couldn't say no to the coaches. Don't get me wrong, I am elated about Hoff, but I was really hoping we could have at least landed either Mullins or Lebsock. I have watched alot of Montana high school football and both these are legitimate BIGTIME players. Talent-wise Hoff is as good or better than both of these guys, but the exception is that these kids are not wild-cards, meaning that they are going to be on the field and contributing unquestionably, no grade or character issues period.

Kramer and staff have quite possibly landed the best recruiting class in many years, but I am not buying into the talk of us outrecruiting the boys in maroon quite yet. Yes we landed Hoff(big things will come of this kid) and Taito (who the Griz wanted as a LB), but until we start landing the Mullins and Lebsocks of the state I don't accept that we are winning the "war". We are definitely making big strides and winning individual battles, but until we can start claiming more of the in-state high profile big guns than we are not quite on equal footing. I know these recruiting websites are highly subjective, but nonetheless the Friz have a pretty astonishing # of 2 star recruits.

I highly applaud Kramer's effort as we are gaining ground in the recruiting battle, but my point is that it is imperative that we land more of our state's best. I must admit that as much of a douche that Hauck is the guy is one hell of a recruiter (as is Krames), he has been successful in roping in the in-state kids and keeping most of 'the best out of our grip. I realize that on paper last year's Friz recruiting class was one of the best in big sky, if not IAA, history, but I want people to be saying that about us, even if it is just on paper. I am proud to say that we are gaining ground, but i am a little bit annoyed by the self-congratulatory pats on our backs we are giving ourselves while players like Mullins and Lebsock that are in our own back yards are eluding us.

Props on Taito and Hoff and rest of the guys, Keep up the fantastic effort guys. I am elated by the looks of the class, so don't take my criticism the wrong way, it is nothing more than a call to keep up the good work and to watch out for complacency and overconfidence.

Can't sleep till Feb 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I too do not think we are out-recruiting the Griz, but I will tell you I haven't been this excited about a recruiting class in quite a while. While of course this team looks great hypothetically, we won't know until next year or even the year after that to know how good they are. I agree that we are making huge strides in gaining on the Griz in the recruiting department, but they will still win 3/4 of the battle with kids they want and we want, and probably 85% of the kids they want and we don't. Their recruiting class is also looking pretty good, but when you look at the classes comparitevly, each teaming comparing their class to last years, I think we took a big step forward, while the Griz went back slightly (how could you do better than last year though?).

I am glad to see we are closing the gap. But we certainly can't our-recruit those maroon fools just yet.

[CARDIAC_CATS]

No, I think he meant he chose them because they offer the Intersessions so he can remain eligible even though flunking classes one semester

[CARDIAC_CATS]

I agree its too bad we lost out on him. I was hoping he would choose MSU as well. We have some pretty darn god LB's coming up though and got some good one's for our system. Remember, MSU plays a lot different style of defense than the Griz do (or at least did with their defensive coordinator leaving). We put our corners on islands and then swarm with our front 7. The Griz pretty much play zone and keep everything in front of them (2 completely different styles).

I wish Mullins well at UMMMMM though. I'm sure he'll love their Academics a lot!

[wbtfg]

I can live with a kid chosing UM over MSU because of the music program......Congrat's to the friz on signing, from what I hear, a pretty good player.

[anacondagriz]

I can live with a kid chosing UM over MSU because of the music program......Congrat's to the friz on signing, from what I hear, a pretty good player.

Did he really say he wants to be a music major. I know a lot of kids who are music majors and even worked in the department for a while. I don't see any possible way he could play football and be a music major. they both like having a two full time jobs. There is so much practicing and concerts to be attended that would conflict w/games and practices it would be unreal. I am glad he is a Griz, but interested to see how this works out. And ha ha to bozone who is gonna say he will just take all his classes during wintersession.

[DaGriz]

""In the last week it came down to Montana and Montana State, and I think UM is a better all-around fit for me," Mullins said. "It's more about academics than football."


HA HA HA!!! I guess Mullins isn't as smart as his test scores would lead you to think. Either that, or he is a bald-faced liar.

Tell the paper you wanted to play football for the griz, or you wanted to play in their stadium, blah blah blah - whatever. But to say that you chose UM because of their rigorous academic program is a joke, sadly one he will learn in about six years when he is trying to find a job.

Are you reading between the lines or something? It doesn't say UM is a better academic school, it says it's a better academic fit for him. To him academics is more important than football. I know according to Cat fans that MSU is superior in all aspects of school and every degree offered and UM is for morons, but believe it or not, UM has a great business school, forestry, and teaching credential program. People actually graduate from there and get great jobs. In the process of getting an education at UM, if you are a football player there is the bonus of playing for a good football team too.