The Bobcat Nation

I am assuming that a few folks out there appreciate the random posts/threads I start from
time to time on recruiting. For the next year I am going to add any football recruits to
this thread, any one else who wants to add feel free. Instead of having multiple treads
about possible recruits I am going to just continue to add as I hear stuff so I do not clutter
up the board. On the selfish side it will also make it easier for me to come back to one
source if I am trying to remember something about a athlete I posted months before. I
will start a similar thread for other sport if and when I do hear something. First up QB
Tavita Pritchard .

First Story:

Clover Park QB Tavita Pritchard has had quite an awesome weekend. He first wowed observers at the Elite 11 workout camp in Las Vegas this weekend, then was able to procure his first scholarship offer on Sunday at a Pac-10 camp.

"Stanford offered me today," said the 6-foot-3, 175-pound signal-caller. "I was very excited, it kind of took a weight off my chest to get the first one out of the way. It feels good and we will see what happens from here."

Pritchard has the bloodlines to play at the next level as his father David and uncle Jack (Thompson) played at Washington State. Pritchard admits he was personally disappointed that the Cougars went with Arkelon Hall in what could possibly be the only quarterback that the Cougars take in this class, but recognizes that the Cougars got a great player in Hall.

He said, "It didn't really close any doors for me; I'll just take it in perspective. A lot can happen in the course of a season. I'm not shutting the door, but I'll take other schools more seriously. It's great for Arkelon - he's a great quarterback. Congratulations to him - he is going to a good school."

Besides Stanford and WSU, Pritchard heard from Idaho and Montana State during the evaluation period. When WashingtonPreps.com caught up with Pritchard, he was on his way to the airport to go to South Bend for Notre Dame's Elite Quarterback Camp.

What stood out in Pritchard's mind about the Elite 11 combine in Vegas? "Definitely my footwork," said Pritchard. "They really liked my feet and complimented that a lot - about how quick and how smooth they were. There are guys out there with stronger arms but I get back there pretty quick and have a quick release."

WashingtonPreps.com will keep you posted on another of the top quarterback prospects in the state, Tavita Pritchard. His 2005 profile will appear later this week.

Second:

Easily the biggest surprise at the recent EA SPORTS Elite 11 workout in Las Vegas was the play of Tacoma (Wash.) Clover Park quarterback Tavita Pritchard . Pritchard, 6-3, 175 pounds worked out in group one both Friday and Saturday and is easily the top signal caller in the Northwest for the class of 2005.

Pritchard attended the Nike Camp at Stanford last month but with so many quarterbacks in attendance that day, we actually totally missed seeing him. That was impossible to do in Vegas as Pritchard had two strong workouts in a row. There wasn't a pass he couldn't make as the athlete showed a very live arm, plus accuracy and excellent feet.

Pritchard can get the ball down the field and threw the skinny post as good as anyone in the camp. He also showed very nice touch on his passes and should see his stock rise more than any other player in the camp.

"I had a great time at the camp," Pritchard said Saturday. "I feel I did really well and learned a lot as well. There were a lot of good quarterbacks here but I feel I fit right in and felt like I was up there with any of them."

Pritchard left Vegas and headed straight to Stanford to take part in one day of the Cardinal camp.

"Stanford just offered him," Pritchard's uncle and former Washington State star quarterback Jack Thompson said. "It's always good to get that first one out of the way. He's at Notre Dame today and will work out there for one day. Oregon State was also looking at him hard but I know they just got their second commitment from a quarterback.

"I'm going to call Washington too because I know they could use a quarterback and I would really love to see Tavita stay in the Northwest. Of course if he decides to jump on that Stanford offer, that would be fine with me, Stanford is one of those schools that is tough to say no to."

Academically, Pritchard is carrying a 3.8 GPA and scored an 1170 on the SAT

.

Brandon Hoffenbacker Kalispell (Mont.) Flathead


Montana tackle is a one-man wrecking crew

Despite being double teamed, Brandon Hoffenbacker managed to rack up over 200 tackles and six sacks last season. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound lineman from Kalispel (Mont.) Flathead earned first-team all-state honors for the third year in the row.


Hoffenbacker racked up more than 200 tackles last season.
“I just have a motor that doesn’t quit on both sides of the ball,” he explained. “I don’t take any plays off; I go hard all the time. I know we play in a smaller state but I feel I can play with anyone I come up against.”

Hoffenbacker has a great combination of size, speed and strength. He currently benches 315 pounds, squats 690 pounds and has self-reported 5.0-forty speed. “I’m trying to get my forty down to a 4.9 or so this summer,” he added.

Hoffenbacker drew phone calls from Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Colorado, Colorado State and Nebraska during the May evaluation period.

He is also receiving interest from Montana and Montana State.

“If I had to pick favorites, it would probably be Oregon and the Montana schools,” he said. “I’m not going to rush my decision, I plan on going through the process.”

A standout on both sides of the ball, Hoffenbacker is receiving the bulk of his recruiting interest as a defensive tackle. Montana, Washington and Oregon are all possible camp destinations for him this summer.

Academically, Hoffenbacker hold a 2.4 GPA and he took the SAT on June 12th.

A little info on David Whitmoyer a Helena guy playing on the North Dakota State College of Science (a Junior College)

The coaching staff at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., is expecting big things this season from defensive end Bobby Jones and wide receiver David Whitmoyer . The two are headed into their second season of JUCO football. Both are also drawing interest from division I colleges.......
.......They both visited Wisconsin the weekend of July 24," assistant coach Mike Shafer said.............
......When David went out to Wisconsin they said they wanted to get some more film on him. Montana State, Montana, and Arizona State are also recruiting him. He's wide open too."..........
............The 6-foot-5 and 200 pound Whitmoyer, from Helena, Mt., played quarterback the first half of his first JUCO season. He then moved to wide receiver. Whitmoyer also averaged 39 yards per punt and is projected as a wide receiver and possibly a punter.

Both Jones and Whitmoyer will graduate from North Dakota State College of Science in December. They will then have three years to play two seasons at their new college

Found on the net, Notice the three short list Universities for visits University of Oregon, for sure Colorado State and probably Montana State:

Montana defensive tackle seen as sleeper?

The prime states recognized for high school football talent are always California, Texas and Florida. A big state in area, but small in population, is Montana. It doesn’t produce too many Division I prospects every year. One prospect this year that will be bucking that trend is the 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle Brandon Hoffenbacker from Kalispell (Mont.) Flathead. His current scholarship offers are from Montana and Montana State, but Oregon and seven other Division I schools are definitely in the picture.

"I get quite a bit of mail - six letters a day,” Hoffenbacker said. “University of Oregon, Oregon State, Montana, Montana State, Nebraska, Michigan State talked to my coach. Michigan State, they want some film.” His high school coach has sent some film to Michigan State fairly recently.

“Oregon and Oregon State - I get quite a bit from both of those schools and Washington,” he said. “I get quite a bit from the Colorado schools. Wyoming coach (Joe) Glenn talked to me when I was a freshman.

“Nebraska just said they are recruiting me,” he said. “I just say it doesn’t matter which side of the ball I play on. Oregon sent me stuff in January. They (Oregon) would like me to send them a schedule of my game and they will send me their schedule.” He said that his coach was told by UO that he was one of their top candidates for defensive tackle.

As stated above Montana and Montana State have already made written offers to him. Colorado State might be next.

“Colorado State coach (Mick) Delaney is a family friend and he said to keep doing what I’m doing and you’ll get a free ride.”


Coach Neal Zoumboukos
Who does he think is recruiting him the hardest?

“I would have to say the University of Oregon and both of the Montana schools.”

Hand-written letters have come from Oregon (Coach Neal Zoumboukos), Colorado State, Montana, Montana State and Wyoming. So, who will be getting the official visits?

“For sure University of Oregon, for sure Colorado State and probably Montana State,” he said. “Oregon, they are abig school, great fan support and about the same size as my town.“ He is not sure who would be the other three official visits.

He feels that most teams are waiting for him to pass his SAT. “I still have to take my SAT. I’m taking it at the end of this month.” His practice sessions have come out in the 25 range for the ACT. His present core grade point average is in the 2.4 range.

He described his strong points in the following manner:

“My first two steps are quicker than everybody else. The coaches said that I didn’t get a break. I go both ways. My motor doesn’t stop.”

Hoffenbacker was honored to be named first-team all-state and all-conference both his sophomore and junior years. Plus, he was named second-team all-state offensive guard on year. Last year as a junior, he had 58 assisted tackles, 39 unassisted tackles for a total of 97 tackles in 10 games. Added to the tackles, he had two broken up passes, three sacks, six tackles for loss and 10 hurries. His best 40-yard dash time was done at this summer’s Montana State camp - 4.95-seconds and his best 20-yard shuttle time was in the 4.65-second range.

I would say Colorado State has a big advantage because of the family friend thing. Either way, I doubt either Montana school will get him...just a gut feeling.

any recruits coming out of Bozeman? Andy Barham is a big, talented kid...being recruited by a couple pac 10 schools including Wazzu, and also Colorado St. and Wyoming. Andy is a big, strong, anthletic guy, with Division 1 hands and feet, as well as speed. I think he'd do well at MSU.
any other thoughts?

I've noticed that krames has always done a great job of grabbing D1A guys who are looking to transfer...it started with Junior and it seems to be a continuing trend....its good for fast help...like in our secondary.

the only glich has been marcell dunn and farhad azimi...remember those guys?

GreatLakesCat wrote:the only glich has been marcell dunn and farhad azimi...remember those guys?

Still trying to forget them...

Hey GreatLakes, got a question for you, since I assume you would have good insight. Does Kramer have some kind of beef with the Bozeman High coach? There have been a good bunch of kids out of BHS the last few years, and they have all gone elsewhere. Always makes me curious. I know Mick has a great relationship with Bozeman High kids, and he always seems to land them.

I do not know Bozone, but things may be changing for the better- Turnquist and VanCleeve are coaching on the varsity level at Bozeman High now, so that may help the situation. Just a thought.

Found on the net:


Washington receiver looking for more offers

Spanaway (Wash.) Bethel wide receiver Jamil Turner currently holds scholarship offers from Idaho and Montana State, but it's the attention that he's receiving from three Pac-10 teams - Oregon, Washington and Washington State - that is turning his head. None of those schools has offered yet, but they are showing him a lot of love. He told us that Washington is recruiting him the hardest and which schools he plans on visiting for his officials.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Turner still favors Oregon and Washington more than the rest, despite the fact that he does not have an offer from either school.

"Washington because they send me the most letters. I get a letter every day - sometimes two a day."

What are his thoughts on Washington?

"I like Washington - that's one of my favorites. They're rebuilding their program and it seems like they're doing pretty good. My friend goes there and I hang out a lot there already in high school."

Although he's comfortable with the campus already at Washington, he's also interested in the University of Oregon.

"They have a real nice facility in Oregon", he said. "Their crowd - the stands are always packed. It's a good place to play it seems like."

Although he's been mentioned at both wide receiver and safety, Turner said everyone he's spoken with at this point is recruiting him at wide receiver.

His team is just finishing up preseason practice, and school will be starting soon.

"We start (school) Friday", Turner said. "We started practice a week ago. We had two-a-days Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and then one practice on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We had a scrimmage yesterday (Saturday, August 28) against our scout team. We had a lot of penalties on our first team offense."

In looking for a college, the 6-foot-0.5, 186 pound Turner said he's looking at a few things.

"Where I'd fit into their program and where I can get a good education. I plan to study business.”

Turner said that distance from his Washington home isn't an issue for either him or his mother. Early playing time isn't going to be a deciding factor for him either.

"If I'm ready it's really important, but if I have to take year to get stronger and faster then it really doesn't matter."

He's set a time frame for a decision of early December, before his basketball season begins. Turner has also decided where he's likely to take his official visits.

"I definitely want to take one to Washington and Oregon and probably one to Wazzou (Washington State) too. I might go to Idaho."

UCLA and Notre Dame are two other schools he is considering for official visits. He explained further why he has interest in Oregon and Washington and two other schools showing interest in him.

Oregon: “They’ve got real nice facilities, a nice field, and their crowd is really loud and crazy. It seems like a fun place to play.”

Washington: “It is close to home. They are rebuilding their program and they look like they’ll have a good season.”

Washington State: “I like how the stadium is in the middle of campus. It seems like the whole place revolves around it.”

UCLA: “It’s in southern California, the weather is real nice, and their football team is pretty good too.”

Jamil Turner is looking good to qualify academically with a 3.3 core GPA and an 860 score on the SAT exam. He will be taking that exam again this fall.

“Finding ways to get the ball” is what Turner feels is his greatest aspect as a player.

Turner runs the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds and the shuttle in 4.6 seconds. He has a bench max of 245-pounds, a squat max of 350-pounds, and a vertical leap of 34-inches. As a junior, he made 17 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns. He was selected first-team all-league as a wide receiver last season.

Bozone--i don't know if walker is bitter at the MSU program or just kramer or what. But I do know that when i was around him he would encourage my football buddies to attend Griz camp over MSU since they were run around the same time. I don't know if Walker is bitter at the university from when he played or what...but it does seem that he runs them away. BHS program could be alot better, they just don't have motivating coaches, and football isn't a big deal around BHS as it is, say, at Capital.
Its awesome that BVC and Turnquist are there now...maybe they're the new face...who knows

Found this on the net
possible future punter?

Markwardt believes Badgers no longer interested

We were able to speak with his father, Bill Markwardt, about his son’s football future on Monday evening.

Bill said Falcon Heights Roseville lost in the second round of the sectionals and that his son finished the season with 86 tackles (42 solo) as a safety (for 2/3 of the season) and linebacker. As the team’s punter, Bill said his son placed 12-of-26 punts inside 20 yard line while averaging 36 yards per punt. Bill said his son’s season long was 50 yards.

Jim Markwardt was named All-Suburban East Conference for the second straight season.

As for schools contacting Jim, Bill said Cincinnati, North Dakota State, Nebraska, Oregon, Minnesota, Montana State, South Dakota State and most of the Division II schools in Minnesota have kept in touch. Bill said North Dakota State calls the most.

Bill said there was a time when the Wisconsin Badgers were very interested in his son. But Jim also has a promising future in basketball and an ankle injury last season might have hurt his chances of a scholarship to UW, Bill said.

“He hurt his ankle in basketball last year (before a football combine),” Bill said. “But we think Wisconsin lost interest.

“I think they might have been interested in him as a punter.

“We don’t hear from Wisconsin very much anymore.”

Bill said most of the D-I programs, including the Badgers, in contact with Jim like him as a punter.

But Jim has heard from at least one other Big Ten school recently, Bill said. Minnesota has sparked interest in the 6-foot-2, 200 pound athlete.

“He hears from Minnesota, but they haven’t taken the next step,” Bill said of offering Jim a scholarship.

When it comes down to playing at the next level, Bill said Jim would be happy to accept a scholarship in any sport – football or basketball. As of now, the leader seems to be NDSU because of their constant contact with the Markwardt household.

[/b]

I just chuckle at some of your comments on this board. Regarding Bozeman high recruits, who has anyone missed? Who are the BHS grads playing college ball that anyone missed on? Adam Hoge? He talked about growing up a Bobcat but walked on at Missoula, he is an average Big Sky LB at best, the cats didn't miss on him. Nic Marudas? Is a very solid player. Jake Pipinich? The Griz offered a full ride and the cats offered to walk-on. Didn't piss a drop, would have been cut if hadn't injured his shoulder on got a medical reprieve. I don't believe Walker has a beef with anyone, he taken his team to the Bobcat camp but hasn't taken them to the Griz camp, what does that tell you. Who have the Cats or the GRiz missed on?

Heard Walker on the radio a while back: He said he's taken his team to the Bobcat camp, but during that time of year he and the players really want to get out of town and see some place different so this past year he took his team to the Boise State camp. He said he couldn't see taking them to the griz camp.

I've gotta believe MSU has a good shot at any Bozeman kid, but sometimes a kid just wants to get a little ways away from home. That's pretty natural.

P.S. MSU has a few Missoula kids on the roster-probably for the same reason.

Bozeman kids tend to be pretty worldly bunch, who want to check out other places. More go out of state than to mazola, I'd guess.

Yes those more worldly missoula teenagers always tend to look toward Bozeman to do our world sight seeing!!

I was a Helena kid who thought Bozeman and Missoula were pretty exotic, and Seattle or Portland almost unimaginable. Today's Bozeman parents tend to encourage their kids to go out of state.

Now here is an interesting artical on a football player Kramer is after. Look at the spread of Colleges. The thing I always say is to look at the level of the colleges a recruit visits as apposed to those who he/she says may have expressed an interest.

Rank smelling sweet after title win

Date: Dec 17, 2004

211 yards and three touchdowns later, Taylor Rank had made his point. Earlier in the year, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound running back from Vancouver (Wash.) Evergreen was asked which side of the ball he felt he could make a bigger impact knows. If Washington prep football fans didn't know before the class 4A championship game, they do now.

"I think as a running back I have more of an impact on the game," Rank told Scout.com back in the spring. "I like having the ball in my hands." Well, he got it 28 times against Skyline as the Plainsmen held off the Spartans 28-14 to win the title. It was redemption for Evergreen, who was one game away last year from making it to the championship game.

"That was our plan all year to win the state title," Rank said. "It was hard, we were all exhausted. Everybody on our team was."

Now that his senior season was finished in style, it's time for Rank to hit the recruiting circuit. He has three visits planned - Montana State (12/17), Montana (1/14) and a new player - South Carolina (1/21). Montana State and Portland State are the two schools to have offered Rank a scholarship.

So why the Gamecocks? "Steve Spurrier is a real attractive coach at a school like that," said Rank. "He coached my father when my Dad played at Georgia Tech."

Washington had offered Rank before former head coach Keith Gilbertson stepped down. Now Rank's situation with the Huskies is up in the air. "I'm hoping I get a chance to do that pretty soon," Rank said when asked if he had been in touch with new UW head coach Tyrone Willingham.

And anybody that saw the championship game, it will come as no surprise that all the schools are recruiting Taylor as a tailback. "I think I'll get a better idea after I visited them all," he said when asked to pick a favorite. He also added that geography will not play a factor in his decision.

What a pickup that would be. With Lex having a couple of years remaining at Montana I wouldn't think he would like that fit too well. If Domenick still has fumblitis next season a kid like that could get a chance to play in a hurry for us. I wonder if anyone has ever visited Montana State, Montana, and South Carolina? What an odd threesome.

Don't forget we might be getting that Bass kid from Hawaii.