Big Sky Expansion

[theblackgecko]

As far as where a player is from, no one is going to tell me a bunch of BS about not taking more pride in Kane Ioane becuase he played for Billings Skyview instead of San Fernandino Valley HS. Nothing wrong with showing support for the treasure state and its athletes.
Anyway, the point I would like to make is that California is not the only place where good football players can be found. Furthermore, so many schools recruit out of California, a Big Sky school isn't going to get the best recruits. All Pac-10 schools recruit out of California, all Big Sky schools recruit out of California, the WAC goes to California, even SEC teams keep an eye on what happens in California. Yes, there are 35 million people, and a lot of kids playing football. But, that doesn't mean every good football player is located in the Golden state. I'm not saying schools shouldn't recruit in California, as a school should take the best players who will play for that squad, regardless of where they are from. But, taking a Cali athlete, a program is taking a player who probably isn't good enough for USC, isn't good enough for Oregon, isn't good enough for Fresno as they all had a crack at the player and didn't like him. True, he might be a late bloomer. But, more than likely, he simply isn't an outstanding player.
On the other hand, there are plenty of Montana players who have played at both Montana and Montana State who would have been good enough for USC, UCLA, and are good enough for the NFL. Kane Ioane comes to mind for the Bobs, Dylan McFarland for the Griz.

[raincat]

It's hard to believe we can't find more offensive linemen coming out of Montana high schools. That's not to demeane o-linemen who I feel are the unit who ulitmately determine the outcome of most games. It's just that it requires a different skill set not required of some of the other positions. I look at where our linemen hail from, and all of them are undoubtedly worthy. But I'm pretty confident there are as many linemen from Billings, Butte, Big Sandy, Big Timber, Bozeman, Brodus, Baker etc. as there are from Colton, Haley, Davie and yes, California capable of excelling at Bobcat football. About half of our OL is from Montana, but going into the season Brickeland (a DL recruit) from Helena was the only starter.

[Bleedinbluengold]

blackgecko - nothing like making everyone feel right at home, is there?

[Bleedinbluengold]

I think the major reason the Big Sky powers that be would go after a Cal Davis before the Dakotas is simply that every Big Sky school (with the possible exception of EWU) relys heavily on California players.

While some have no problem with being Cal State Boz-Angeles, I would have to disagree with the above statement. Montana runs a smattering of California players, but gets plenty of Montana players.

A secret unbeknownst to many Bobcat fans (and ignorant friz fans) is that the almighty Montana grizzlies have but ONE Montana kid starting for their offense, although they have 5 starters on defense. For a collective group of idiots who claim Montana dominance and all that crap we have heard time and again, this is a pretty telling statistic. Seems all their vaunted Montana boys pretty much sit on the bench and run the scout teams.

all of Montana's kickers and their punter or from where?

Don't forget your coach is from Montana, too. How can you forget that guy?