BOZEMAN – Summer is finished for the Montana State football team as Friday marked the opening day of fall camp, and the excitement to get back on the field officially could be felt by everyone.
“Our kids had great energy today, they really did. We actually had to reel it back, even our coaches were a bit to juiced. We are kind of in some teaching periods and trying to get 1,000 reps. I’m like, ‘Hey, let’s remember the purpose of this and bounce back.’ I thought I saw some really really good things from both sides of the ball,” said Montana Stat head coach Jeff Choate.
It was a different vibe for the Bobcats from last year. The 2017 season was filled with more than 30 new faces at the start of fall camp. However, this a more veteran group, especially with every single player staying over the summer at MSU to practice and workout.
But there are still question marks, like who will start at quarterback. Four players are competing for the starting job: Travis Jonsen, Casey Bauman, Trucker Rovig and Troy Andersen.
Andersen has played everywhere for the Bobcats. He exploded on the scene as a running back last season and then moved to linebacker and special teams. But now, the former Dillon quarterback is getting looks under center, and he’s showing up.
“I thought Troy (Andersen) looked good,” said Choate. “Quarterback-wise, I thought Troy had the best day.”
Choate still admits it’s a toss-up considering Andersen was rolling more with the first team in practice during 7-on-7 drills. Jonsen, a transfer from Oregon, was limited after his ankle flared up during practice, the same ankle he fractured in the winter.
The quarterback competition will not be decided overnight. For now, Choate and his staff are pleased with the overall effort given by the team on opening day.
“I thought it was pretty good for the first day, not perfect,” said Choate. “Obviously we have some things to clean up, the young guys have a lot to do it terms of learning the system. But I was excited to see them run around. And I thought they looked OK, I thought they looked OK.”
