BOZEMAN — Montana State’s Troy Andersen added another preseason honor to his already impressive 2019 resume.
Andersen was named to the 2019 FCS Walter Payton Award watch list on Wednesday, STATS FCS announced. Although he’s currently slotted as a linebacker on the Bobcats’ depth chart, the Dillon native will have a definite — yet undefined — role in MSU’s offense after a stellar 2018 campaign.
In 2018, Anderson threw for 1,195 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 1,414 yards and 21 touchdowns, which ultimately led him to earning first-team all-Big Sky Conference honors at quarterback, making him the first Bobcat since 2012 to earn the distinction. Andersen was also named preseason all-Big Sky fullback earlier this year. The Payton Award Watch List calls Andersen’s position Athlete.
“I’ve talked about this, but we have to open our minds to not putting Troy in a box. We’re going to use him (on offense) in ways that he’ll be able to positively impact any given game the most,” said MSU coach Jeff Choate. “He could line up at running back, he’ll take some snaps, he may play with Isaiah (Ifanse) in two-back sets, he may line up at tight end, he may split out as a receiver.”
Montana State begins practice for the 2019 season on Friday.
