Next Steps

[Catsrgrood]

1. I am most curious about a feature running back. I thought playing Troy aT LB made our defense so much faster and affective. So, who will be feature back? Will we or have we recruited someone special?

If Troy Andersen moves to defense, the running backs on the roster going into next year are Jake Roper (BSU transfer), Edward Vander, Logan Jones, Anthony Pegues, Tyrel Burgess, and Noah James. There are also a couple RB commits. I'm not sure I see a true feature back on that list, although we haven't fully seen what Roper or Vander can bring due to injuries. I tend to agree with Colter's post in the other thread that Andersen may be just too much of a talent at RB to not play there. That combination of speed, size, and strength combined with more experience playing that position could turn him into one of the great RBs MSU has ever had.

Roper had to hang up the cleats...nagging back injury .

Choate said he had a foot injury a couple months ago. Now it's his back??

Yes, Where did you hear about a back injury? He was in a boot most of the year.

He must be thinking of someone else. Folsom?

Is there really anything to this news on Roper? Or is that just a quick, pass by, troll post. Mention a player is done for good and then not not offer any kind of follow up...
I remember hearing in fall ball that people were pretty high on this kid, he's supposedly one of or maybe the most complete RB on the roster. Certainly would suck to never see him get a chance to show that.

[syvie5]

1. I am most curious about a feature running back. I thought playing Troy aT LB made our defense so much faster and affective. So, who will be feature back? Will we or have we recruited someone special?

If Troy Andersen moves to defense, the running backs on the roster going into next year are Jake Roper (BSU transfer), Edward Vander, Logan Jones, Anthony Pegues, Tyrel Burgess, and Noah James. There are also a couple RB commits. I'm not sure I see a true feature back on that list, although we haven't fully seen what Roper or Vander can bring due to injuries. I tend to agree with Colter's post in the other thread that Andersen may be just too much of a talent at RB to not play there. That combination of speed, size, and strength combined with more experience playing that position could turn him into one of the great RBs MSU has ever had.

Roper had to hang up the cleats...nagging back injury .

Choate said he had a foot injury a couple months ago. Now it's his back??

Yes, Where did you hear about a back injury? He was in a boot most of the year.

He must be thinking of someone else. Folsom?

Is there really anything to this news on Roper? Or is that just a quick, pass by, troll post. Mention a player is done for good and then not not offer any kind of follow up...
I remember hearing in fall ball that people were pretty high on this kid, he's supposedly one of or maybe the most complete RB on the roster. Certainly would suck to never see him get a chance to show that.

No trolling here...was stated at Coaches Corner that he had to call it quits. Maybe Vim or Colter know more?!

[Catsrgrood]

1. I am most curious about a feature running back. I thought playing Troy aT LB made our defense so much faster and affective. So, who will be feature back? Will we or have we recruited someone special?

If Troy Andersen moves to defense, the running backs on the roster going into next year are Jake Roper (BSU transfer), Edward Vander, Logan Jones, Anthony Pegues, Tyrel Burgess, and Noah James. There are also a couple RB commits. I'm not sure I see a true feature back on that list, although we haven't fully seen what Roper or Vander can bring due to injuries. I tend to agree with Colter's post in the other thread that Andersen may be just too much of a talent at RB to not play there. That combination of speed, size, and strength combined with more experience playing that position could turn him into one of the great RBs MSU has ever had.

Roper had to hang up the cleats...nagging back injury .

Choate said he had a foot injury a couple months ago. Now it's his back??

Yes, Where did you hear about a back injury? He was in a boot most of the year.

He must be thinking of someone else. Folsom?

Is there really anything to this news on Roper? Or is that just a quick, pass by, troll post. Mention a player is done for good and then not not offer any kind of follow up...
I remember hearing in fall ball that people were pretty high on this kid, he's supposedly one of or maybe the most complete RB on the roster. Certainly would suck to never see him get a chance to show that.

No trolling here...was stated at Coaches Corner that he had to call it quits. Maybe Vim or Colter know more?!

Fair enough, that's a bummer if it is indeed true.

[VimSince03]

1. I am most curious about a feature running back. I thought playing Troy aT LB made our defense so much faster and affective. So, who will be feature back? Will we or have we recruited someone special?

If Troy Andersen moves to defense, the running backs on the roster going into next year are Jake Roper (BSU transfer), Edward Vander, Logan Jones, Anthony Pegues, Tyrel Burgess, and Noah James. There are also a couple RB commits. I'm not sure I see a true feature back on that list, although we haven't fully seen what Roper or Vander can bring due to injuries. I tend to agree with Colter's post in the other thread that Andersen may be just too much of a talent at RB to not play there. That combination of speed, size, and strength combined with more experience playing that position could turn him into one of the great RBs MSU has ever had.

Roper had to hang up the cleats...nagging back injury .

Choate said he had a foot injury a couple months ago. Now it's his back??

Yes, Where did you hear about a back injury? He was in a boot most of the year.

He must be thinking of someone else. Folsom?

Is there really anything to this news on Roper? Or is that just a quick, pass by, troll post. Mention a player is done for good and then not not offer any kind of follow up...
I remember hearing in fall ball that people were pretty high on this kid, he's supposedly one of or maybe the most complete RB on the roster. Certainly would suck to never see him get a chance to show that.

No trolling here...was stated at Coaches Corner that he had to call it quits. Maybe Vim or Colter know more?!

Fair enough, that's a bummer if it is indeed true.

Yes Roper called it quits because of a back injury that plagued him.

Anyway, here is our running back depth chart going into the spring:

Senior - Logan Jones, Noah James
Junior - Edward Vander
Sophomore - Anthony Pegues, Troy Andersen, Tyrel Burgess

In my opinion, Troy is way too valuable on offense to simply not play him there. We are building good depth at linebacker with a young core group of kids. Plus, I think Troy is a much better offensive player than defensive player. So that leaves us with Logan Jones (who I thought had an underrated season), Troy, Edward Vander (injuries hindered a productive season as Vander flashed good things), Noah James (hard runner who played some fullback/h-back last year), and Tyrel Burgess as the backs who got carries in 2017. Anthony Pegues was a fantastic looking recruit coming out of high school but he took a step back in his redshirt freshman season. He did play some special teams last year but will need to have a good spring to work his way back up the depth chart.

As of right now, we have commitments from three running backs: Sherod White, Justin Cauley, and Lane Sumner. Sherod also started as safety in high school but Justin and Lane were primarily running backs. Lane will likely be used similar to Logan Jones because of his size/speed combo.

[Catsrgrood]

1. I am most curious about a feature running back. I thought playing Troy aT LB made our defense so much faster and affective. So, who will be feature back? Will we or have we recruited someone special?

If Troy Andersen moves to defense, the running backs on the roster going into next year are Jake Roper (BSU transfer), Edward Vander, Logan Jones, Anthony Pegues, Tyrel Burgess, and Noah James. There are also a couple RB commits. I'm not sure I see a true feature back on that list, although we haven't fully seen what Roper or Vander can bring due to injuries. I tend to agree with Colter's post in the other thread that Andersen may be just too much of a talent at RB to not play there. That combination of speed, size, and strength combined with more experience playing that position could turn him into one of the great RBs MSU has ever had.

Roper had to hang up the cleats...nagging back injury .

Choate said he had a foot injury a couple months ago. Now it's his back??

Yes, Where did you hear about a back injury? He was in a boot most of the year.

He must be thinking of someone else. Folsom?

Is there really anything to this news on Roper? Or is that just a quick, pass by, troll post. Mention a player is done for good and then not not offer any kind of follow up...
I remember hearing in fall ball that people were pretty high on this kid, he's supposedly one of or maybe the most complete RB on the roster. Certainly would suck to never see him get a chance to show that.

No trolling here...was stated at Coaches Corner that he had to call it quits. Maybe Vim or Colter know more?!

Fair enough, that's a bummer if it is indeed true.

Yes Roper called it quits because of a back injury that plagued him.

Anyway, here is our running back depth chart going into the spring:

Senior - Logan Jones, Noah James
Junior - Edward Vander
Sophomore - Anthony Pegues, Troy Andersen, Tyrel Burgess

In my opinion, Troy is way too valuable on offense to simply not play him there. We are building good depth at linebacker with a young core group of kids. Plus, I think Troy is a much better offensive player than defensive player. So that leaves us with Logan Jones (who I thought had an underrated season), Troy, Edward Vander (injuries hindered a productive season as Vander flashed good things), Noah James (hard runner who played some fullback/h-back last year), and Tyrel Burgess as the backs who got carries in 2017. Anthony Pegues was a fantastic looking recruit coming out of high school but he took a step back in his redshirt freshman season. He did play some special teams last year but will need to have a good spring to work his way back up the depth chart.

As of right now, we have commitments from three running backs: Sherod White, Justin Cauley, and Lane Sumner. Sherod also started as safety in high school but Justin and Lane were primarily running backs. Lane will likely be used similar to Logan Jones because of his size/speed combo.

Thanks Vim, I'm excited now for this part of the process. I love reading about recruits, who to expect to make a jump next year, who looks good in spring ball when the time comes, etc. I know this is kind of your forte, keep it coming!

[91catAlum]

What are the things that this team needs to take another step in 2018?

In my opinion, and in no particular order:

1. Murray's passing skills improved a lot this year but are still not where they need to be for the Cats to win the conference as beat good teams. Too inconsistent.

2. Develop, or acquire, a speed edge rushing DE. A big reason IMO for our lack of defensive success on third downs is our inability to get pressure with just 4. We need a consistent pass rushing threat.

3. Figure out the FG kicking game. Please.

Thoughts??

Choate and company hit it out of the park yesterday IMO. They recruited talent and depth to a lot of spots, and also addressed all the immediate needs with the transfers/dropdowns.

We need more consistent QB play. Signed Jonsen to compete with Murray, Rovig.

We need a pass rushing specialist. Signed Sterk.

We need a more reliable kicking game. Signed Bailey to compete with Peppinger.

[iaafan]

Wow, Choate must’ve read your initial post. Lol. It was a really good day and it’s nice to hear what the coaches say now that they can talk. While a lot of us were focused on the out of state crop, we got some excellent in-State talent from the sounds of it.

[91catAlum]

Wow, Choate must’ve read your initial post. Lol. It was a really good day and it’s nice to hear what the coaches say now that they can talk. While a lot of us were focused on the out of state crop, we got some excellent in-State talent from the sounds of it.

That's what I was thinking too!
You're welcome, Bobcat Nation.

[CelticCat]

I hadn't watched Nolan Askelson's tape yet until today, wow.

We are good at LB for a while:

Hill
Chapman
Andersen?
Collins?
Hadley
Gilman
Cozzie
Opland
Askelson

Just need to get some meat on them bones.

[arvcat2]

I hadn't watched Nolan Askelson's tape yet until today, wow.

We are good at LB for a while:

Hill
Chapman
Anderson?
Collins?
Hadley
Gilman
Cozzie
Opland
Askelson

Just need to get some meat on them bones.

Keaton has been moved to LB? When did that happen?

[CelticCat]

I hadn't watched Nolan Askelson's tape yet until today, wow.

We are good at LB for a while:

Hill
Chapman
Anderson?
Collins?
Hadley
Gilman
Cozzie
Opland
Askelson

Just need to get some meat on them bones.

Keaton has been moved to LB? When did that happen?

Argh I meant AndersEn, Mr. Troy.

[WalkOn79]

What are the things that this team needs to take another step in 2018?

In my opinion, and in no particular order:

1. Murray's passing skills improved a lot this year but are still not where they need to be for the Cats to win the conference as beat good teams. Too inconsistent.

2. Develop, or acquire, a speed edge rushing DE. A big reason IMO for our lack of defensive success on third downs is our inability to get pressure with just 4. We need a consistent pass rushing threat.

3. Figure out the FG kicking game. Please.

Thoughts??

Choate and company hit it out of the park yesterday IMO. They recruited talent and depth to a lot of spots, and also addressed all the immediate needs with the transfers/dropdowns.

We need more consistent QB play. Signed Jonsen to compete with Murray, Rovig.

We need a pass rushing specialist. Signed Sterk.

We need a more reliable kicking game. Signed Bailey to compete with Peppinger.

And we needed a big back to replace Lasane. Signed Natee

[six--man]

Stay out of trouble. Bozeman is still a small town. Our football players are local rock stars. There are lots of temptations and everyone's watching. We don't need anyone starting off the season suspended.

Amen Brother