The Bobcat Nation

Maybe some cat fans can help me fill in the blanks, I know I'm missing some guys; late transfers and such.
Which guys were surprises as far as exceeding expections, and which guys haven't met expectations yet? What year is the best recruiting year? I realize it will be tough to tell on some of the later year's recruits. I'm doing the same for the Griz. The 2002 recruiting year for the Griz was pretty bad for guys panning out.
2001
Transfers
Junior Adams, WR 5-10 185 Jr* Fremont, CA Amador Valley Oregon State
Kimball Bowdin, OL 6-5 275 Jr Tualatin, OR Tualatin Foothill College
Jacques DeMarais, DT 6-1 255 Fr* Rathdrum, ID Rathdrum Idaho
Bryan Molen, WR 5-10 185 Jr Salt Lake City, UT Copper Hills Dixie College
Justin Reber, WR 6-3 185 Jr* Sacramento, CA Capitol Christian Sacramento City
Tyler Thomas, QB 6-4 185 Jr* Prosser, WA Prosser Oregon State
Travis Busse, DL 6-4 240 Jr Anchorage, AK East Ventura College
E.C. Fults, WR 6-2 185 Jr San Diego, CA Madison Mesa College
Danny Lockhart, DT 6-2 270 Jr Lynwood, CA Carson El Camino College
Sherrod Richards, CB 6-2 195 Jr Merced, CA Downey Modesto College
High School
Marcus Davis, WR 6-2 185 Fr Pittsburg, CA Pittsburg
Lawrence Frierson, CB 5-10 185 Fr Sacramento, CA Valley
Otis Garnett, CB 5-11 170 Fr Oakland, CA McClymonds
Billy Griffin, OL 6-3 270 Fr Ventura, CA Ventura
Steve Gunnels, DL 6-4 255 Fr Spokane,
WA Mead
Anthony Hardgraves, OL 6-5 225 Fr Merced, CA Merced
Lawrence Letuli, RB 5-10 205 Fr Carlsbad, CA Carlsbad
Nick Marudas, LB 6-2 185 Fr Bozeman, MT Bozeman
Greg Moore, LB 6-0 205 Fr San Diego, CA Hoover
Bryant Munday, OL 6-3 240 Fr Dillon, MT Beaverhead Co.
Marquise Myers, DB 6-0 180 Fr Sacramento, CA Valley
Ben Smith, DL 6-3 235 Fr Pleasanton, CA Foothill
Zach Ueland, RB 6-1 200 Fr Butte, MT Butte
Matt Yocam, OL 6-5 255 Fr Lakewood, CA Lakewood

2002
Transfers
Kolby Drube, TE (6-3/220/Jr/Gillette, WY--U. Wyo)
Jason Nicastro, DL (6-2/265/Sr/Alta Loma, CA--Northridge)
High School
Kellen Alley, WR (6-2/195/Bremerton, WA--Bremerton)
Kory Austin, DB (5-11/165/Sacramento, CA--Granite Bay)
Nicholas Barbero, DL (6-3/217/San Ramon, CA--DeLasalle)
Brant Birkeland, DL (6-1/230/Helena--Helena)
Jeff Bolton, OL (6-4/270/Hailey, ID--Wood River)
Garrin Brewton, OL (6-5/245/Davie, FL--Fort Lauderdale)
Ryan Cogley, TE (6-3/195/Cheney, WA--Cheney)
Grant Elliott, FB (6-0/185/Fort Benton--Fort Benton)
Shem Hardnette, RB (5-11/185/Portland, OR--Franklin)
Joe Hirst, OL (6-7/225/Spokane, WA--East Valley)
Eric Laumatia, DL (6-0/265/Moreno Valley, CA--Rancho Verde)
Clive Lowe, DL (6-3/210/Coral Springs, FL -- Douglas)
Travis Lulay, QB (6-0/187/Aumsville, OR--Regis)
David Mayfield, RB (6-1/180/)
Mac Mollahan, LB (6-0/189/Kalispell--Flathead)
Damola Obadina, OL (6-3/248/Plymouth, MN--Wayzata)
Brent Owens, QB (5-10/172/Vienna, GA--Dooley Co.)
Brandon Roosevelt, WR (5-11/164/Wilsonville, OR--Wilsonville)
Cody Samuelson, QB (6-3/220/Volborg--Powder River)
Antwon Smith, WR (6-0/165/Oakland, CA--McClymonds)
DeAngelo Wall, DB (5-10/167/Montclair, CA--Montclair)
Mike Weiss, DL (6-1/207/Baxter, MN (Brainerd)
Mike Williams, RB (5-9/162/Lauderhill, FL--Cardinal Gibbons)

2003
Transfers
Rory Canfield, OL 6-3 275 Jr San Diego, CA Helix Palomar JC
Ricky Gatewood, WR 6-0 190 Jr Richmond, CA Richmond Contra Costa College
Eddie Sullivan, WR 6-1 190 Jr Carlsbad, CA Carlsbad Palomar JC
Joaquin Echauri, OL (uh-CHAR-o) 6-4 285 Jr Napa, CA Napa Butte JC
Lawrence Figueroa, OL(fig-uh-RO-uh) 6-1 285 Jr Bakersfield, CA Bakersfield JC
Jason Gathing, LB (GAY-thing) 6-0 195 Jr Oak Grove, CA Del Oro American River JC
Chris Haynes, OL 6-3 255 Jr Canyon Country, CA Service College of the Canyons
High School
Cory Carpenter, QB 6-1 197 Fr The Dalles, OR The Dalles
Rick Coppack, QB (COPP-eck) 6-0 180 Fr Oceanside, CA Oceanside
Adam DeCock, OL 6-6 285 Fr Harlowton, MT Harlowton
Johnathan Edwards, LB 6-1 225 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Blanche Ely
Mike Feist, DL (like iced) 6-3 235 Fr Downey, CA Cathedral
Andre Fuller, DB 5-10 163 Fr Pompano Beach, FL Coconut Creek
Jason Goodman, TE 6-4 235 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Peder Jensen, OL 6-5 235 Fr La Costa, CA La Costa Canyon
John LeBrum, DB 5-11 175 Fr Ft. Lauderdale, FL Stranahan
Travis Nellermoe, DL 6-4 245 Fr Wibaux, MT Wibaux

2004
Transfers
Christopher “Toff” Grenfell, FS (5-11/190/Jr/Rancho Cucomunga, CA--Chaffey JC
Morris Milton, RB(5-10/205/Jr/Vacaville, CA--Shasta JC)
Justin Domenick, RB (5-11/221/Jr/Anaheim, CA--Fullerton JC/UCLA/Servite)
Travis Doroski, PK (5-11/185/So/El Cajon, CA--Grossmont JC/El Cajon)
Chaz Guinn, WR (6-2/212/Jr/Fullerton, CA--Fullerton College/Orange Lutheran)
Corky Lindsey, SS (5-10/210/Jr/San Francisco, CA--San Mateo College/Macateer)
Eddie Smith, CB (5-9/185/Jr/Union City, CA--San Mateo JC/Oregon/Saint Mary’s of Berkely HS)
High School
Daniel Ashley, LB (6-1/200/Rancho Cucomunga, CA--Rancho Cucomunga)
Elliott Barnhart, TE (6-3/235/Broadus, MT (Powder River)
Bryan Beniger (6-4/277/Helena, MT--Capital)
Tyler Bolton, PK (5-10/180/Great Falls, MT--Great Falls)
Terrence King, RB (5-8/185/Bellflower, CA--Bosco)
Tyler Lulay, WR (6-0/185/Aumsville, OR--Regis)
Mason Ophus, OT (6-4/255/Big Sandy, MT--Big Sandy)
Toby Rundle, WR (5-11/175/Billings, MT--Senior)
Louis Saucedo, DT (6-6/295/Trabuco Hills, CA--Trabuco Hills)
Chris Smith, OL (6-2/275/Laurel, MT--Laurel)
Brian Williams, S (6-0/195/Los Angeles, CA--Western)

I think I could count on 1 hand the number of 2001 players that had any impact at all. 2002 was huge, and 03 and 04 looked pretty good as well, percentage wise. I think I counted 17 solid contributers out of the 2001 class.

Except for Nick Marudas, the entire 2001 highschool recruiting class simply vanished, which even coach Kramer would agree is astonishing. For the most part, that would be our senior class this year. Our seniors this year either transferred in or played as true freshmen. All things considered then, we should have a pretty good group of seniors on the field.

I think TE Aaron Ware was a transfer in 2001. He was out of Salt Lake, went to school with Molen.

i think letui also started as a freshmen for a couple of games, then got benched and just outright vanished

This is our foundation and impact signee list. Look very carefully at the redshirts from last year, count the Somoan kids and---geeezzzz---I can HEAR the pads way over here in northeast Montana The only thing some of our assistant coaches can do is screw these kids up Hope they have the good sense to get the hell out of the way and let them play...

Bobcats Add 18 Players on Signing Day
MSU Bobcats Bobcat Football News : 2005-02-02 : Bozeman, MT
PDF Version Available
By Bill Lamberty


A look at the 18 players that became Bobcats on Wednesday...
Mike Kramer added 18 new players to the Bobcat program on Wednesday (Dean Hendrickson)
Most college football coaches consider Wednesday the end of their recruiting chores. For Mike Kramer, the first day of the National Letter-of-Intent signing period on Wednesday is a beginning.

“We’re pleased to bring these 18 new players into the program,” Kramer said of the 16 high school players and two transfers that officially joined the program on Wednesday, and which will arrive on campus next August. They join four new players already enrolled at MSU. “But we’re mindful that there is considerable work that can be done to enhance this recruiting class. The recruiting process never really ends for us. We will remain active.”

While Kramer can list several productive current Bobcats that signed long after the beginning of the February NLI period, his mind harkens back to an all-time Bobcat great. “Kelly Bradley is the guy I always think of,” Kramer said of MSU’s career passing leader. “I remember the day in March of 1983 that he signed. He’s a great example of a player that was available to us after the initial signing period.”

The knowledge that “there are several great players out there waiting to join our program that we haven’t initiated the process with” only heightens the enthusiasm Kramer holds for this year’s class. “We made defense a priority, the defensive line and secondary in particular, and we’re very happy with how we addressed those needs. Chris Kolone, who is already enrolled and attending classes, and David Siatago, who joins us in the fall, will bolster our defensive line, and Chris Davis fortifies us with experience at corner.”

Kramer said the other abiding characteristic of this year’s class is the addition of seven outstanding Montana prep stars. “The early commitment of several top-flight Montana kids really, really enhances this class,” he said. “Getting the top Montana kids every year is a priority in this program. This group of Montana kids has the opportunity to really leave their mark on here at Montana State.”

Still, Kramer knows work remains before the Class of 2005 is complete. “The door’s still open,” he said, “and the light is still on. We will continue to seek outstanding players to add to those that signed with us (Wednesday).”

Transfers Already Enrolled
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Kolone, DL (coe-loe-nay) 6-4 280 Fr San Diego, CA Rancho Bernardo Arizona
Jason Macciola, DL (muh-CHOE-luh) 6-3 240 Jr Fremont, CA Washington De Anza JC
Tramaine Murray, WR 5-10 178 Jr Oxnard, CA Oxnard Washington State
Zach Teisher, TE (rhymes with fisher) 6-3 235 Jr Chula Vista, CA Valhalla Southwestern

Transfers to Enroll Next Fall
Name, Pos. Ht Wt Class Hometown High School JC/4-Year
Chris Davis, CB 5-8 196 Jr Long Beach, CA Poly New Mexico State
David Siataga, DL (see-uh-TAW-guh) 5-11 290 Jr Sacramento, CA Valley Sacramento City

High School Signees
Neil Boyce, OL 6-3 275 Fr Tacoma, WA Tacoma Baptist
Arnold Briggs, CB 5-10 170 Fr San Diego, CA Mira Mesa
Ryan Cerise, DL (suh-REE-see) 6-3 232 Fr Colorado Springs, CO Cheyenne Mountain
Eric Fisher, PK 6-1 190 Fr Billings, MT West
Dane Fletcher, LB 6-1 192 Fr Bozeman, MT Bozeman
Chase Gazzerro, LB (guh-ZAY-ro) 5-10 182 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Derek Green II, WR 6-3 175 Fr Billings, MT Senior
Jeff Hansen, OL 6-3 254 Fr Great Falls, MT CM Russell
Brandon Hoffenbacker, DL 6-3 275 Fr Kalispell, MT Flathead
Kevin Retoriano, LB 5-9 196 Fr San Diego, CA Clairemont
Joe Schreibeis, DL (shry-bise) 6-3 215 Fr Billings, MT West
Dominic Sonsini, OL(sawn-see-nee) 6-2 264 Fr Los Angeles, CA St. Bonaventure
Denis Speights, LB (spates) 6-1 190 Fr Costa Mesa, CA Mission Viejo
Isaiah Taito, RB (tie-toe) 6-0 194 Fr Shelton, WA Shelton
Brian Walden, S 5-8 183 Fr Los Angeles, CA Taft
Michael Wright, CB 5-9 165 Fr Vista, CA Vista

What ever happend to Travis Nellermoe? I know they moved him to the O-Line, but he never seems to be mentioned. Did he not make the grades. or just didn't pan out?

GO CATS!!

Tonight in Helena Kramer spoke, and one thing he told us was that they will go to a 3-4 defense next year because of all the good linbackers they have. He said that probably Matakis(280's) will play nose, with Rogers(270's) and Kolone(280's) at the tackles. Clive Lowe will move to outside backer from DE.

He also said that Epi King ran a 4.45 40 for pro scouts...faster than Roger Cooper.

BAC...we also have a walkon named Kinkelar from Winifred...whom Kramer said has gotten big during winter workouts and he thinks might play some D-line.

Hey Helcat, thanks for the good news about Dylan. His family is really close to mine, so that really means a lot to hear about his progress. Thanks!

Hey! This is my first post after reading this site forever, so hi everyone. And to answer the question about Nellermoe, he is no longer enrolled at MSU, and is thinking about transferring to Dickinson St. to play.

Bit off subject, but how many of you plan on being in Great Falls for the scrimmage? I'm planning on going over probably Thursday before and hope for decent weather; if not, there's a few places there to undertake wholesome indoor family activities Great Falls doesn't have a Hooters yet, does it?

Helcat72 wrote:BAC...we also have a walkon named Kinkelar from Winifred...whom Kramer said has gotten big during winter workouts and he thinks might play some D-line.

Does Winifred play 6 man football?

If that kid gets on the field it will be a great story! I don't think we've had any former 6 man players at MSU have we?

BelgradeBobcat wrote:

Helcat72 wrote:BAC...we also have a walkon named Kinkelar from Winifred...whom Kramer said has gotten big during winter workouts and he thinks might play some D-line.

Does Winifred play 6 man football?

If that kid gets on the field it will be a great story! I don't think we've had any former 6 man players at MSU have we?

I think Chad Glum was from 8 man, but I can't think of any 6 man players.

soon to be cat wrote:Hey! This is my first post after reading this site forever, so hi everyone. And to answer the question about Nellermoe, he is no longer enrolled at MSU, and is thinking about transferring to Dickinson St. to play.

Welcome aboard, but I see a couple changes in your future

soon to be cat => I am a Cat
I am a Cat => I was a cat
I was a cat => always a cat

Cat Grad wrote:Bit off subject, but how many of you plan on being in Great Falls for the scrimmage? I'm planning on going over probably Thursday before and hope for decent weather; if not, there's a few places there to undertake wholesome indoor family activities Great Falls doesn't have a Hooters yet, does it?

I'll be in G-town for the scrimmage, and back in Bozeman the next weekend for the 2nd scrimmage. Man, I can't wait to get a taste of a little football again!!!

I remember one of lineman got interviewed after the '76 NC game, and he was from a 6-man program, I think (I think that was my first memory of Cat FB). The interviewer asked him what it was like playing 6-man. The only part of his answer I remember is, ...."you run your ass off...."

Yup - on tv he said that.

I'll do some digging to find out who that was.

...Les Lenigner (sp) from Westby...he played 8-man football..

Bay Area Cat wrote:Hey Helcat, thanks for the good news about Dylan. His family is really close to mine, so that really means a lot to hear about his progress. Thanks!

BAC - Does that mean you are really good friends or just that your space-time coordinates are nearly the same?!!!! LOL Haven't got in a good dig lately!

Anyway, additional good scoop is that Dylan is a cousin to the Utterbacks, so Cat/Griz will be an interesting time for that extended family.

Thanks, info...good call.

Lydell wrote:

Bay Area Cat wrote:Hey Helcat, thanks for the good news about Dylan. His family is really close to mine, so that really means a lot to hear about his progress. Thanks!

BAC - Does that mean you are really good friends or just that your space-time coordinates are nearly the same?!!!! LOL Haven't got in a good dig lately!

Anyway, additional good scoop is that Dylan is a cousin to the Utterbacks, so Cat/Griz will be an interesting time for that extended family.

Lydell -- Yeah, actually, I don't know him very well personally, but my parents and youngest brother do. That explains the vague wording a little bit. I've been away from home too long....