BOZEMAN — A few months ago the Montana State Bobcats received a commitment from Bozeman High defensive end Kenneth Eiden, and on Thursday they received a commitment from the Hawks' other defensive end, Luke Fedyk.
“I’m super excited," Fedyk said. "Me and Kenny are good buddies. It was cool when we first got to play side by side these last two years, and I think it’s going to be really special to kind of go a long with him through this whole process. It’s going to be really special to have another close teammate there with me.”
For Fedyk, committing to the hometown Bobcats was a pretty easy decision.
“Staying in my hometown was the biggest thing -- playing just for my family and friends that live in the area,” Fedyk said.
As Eiden was out the first couple of weeks of this season, Fedyk stepped up as a leader for the Hawks defense.
“First thing that comes to mind is leadership and motor," said Bozeman defensive coordinator Justin Mobley. "I think he’s played a lot of varsity football for us so we look to him for a lot of leadership. I know a lot of the younger players look to him, especially on game day, to be the guy that sets the tone. This year, especially, he stepped up big time when our other defensive end Kenny was out. He was kind of our guy that set the tone for the D-line.”
Montana State has told him to prepare to play outside linebacker, wide receiver and even some long snapper, but Fedyk prefers to get after it on defense. Fedyk was named to the 2019 Class AA all-state second team after helping the Hawks win the state championship last year. In 2019, he had 56 tackles with 15 tackles for loss and five sacks. In the 2020 season so far, Fedyk has accrued 33 tackles, six tackles for a loss and five sacks in five games.
“I really just like the mentality of defense -- you kind of got to put your nose down and get after guys," said Fedyk. "(Bozeman coach Levi) Wesche always talks about just light your hair on fire and get after it.”
Fedyk credits Wesche for helping him grow on and off the field.
“I wouldn’t be the football player I am right now without him and he’s developed me into a player that I would never even dream of," said Fedyk. "Obviously, just a lot of thanks towards him and how he’s developed me, not only as a football player, but as a man as well.”
By committing to the Bobcats, Fedyk can focus on hitting the weight room to get bigger for next year, but also help lead Bozeman to another shot at a state title repeat.
“Whenever you’re done with the phone call you’re like, 'Alright, what’s next?'" said Fedyk. "You think about it and you’re like, 'Well, all I can do now is work and get ready for that next year,' but also focus on what we have going on here, and obviously that’s super special.”
