HAVRE — Montana State-Northern football fans taking in a practice this spring might be confused when they see last year’s starting quarterback Tommy Wilson taking snaps for the Lights. But second-year head coach Andrew Rolin said it’s to help train the new guy, Brenden Medina. Medina will step into the starting role after sitting behind Wilson as a redshirt freshman last year, but Rolin already likes what he sees.
“He’s a talented kid and continues to grow. Loves football. He’s got a big arm and he’s smart,” Rolin said. “So I’m excited about where he’s headed and I’m excited about what he’s shown so far this week. We’ll have some guys coming in this summer to come in and compete as well with him, but right now he’s our guy.”
Rolin said he invited Wilson to spring camp to get reps in before leaving in August to play in Europe. In the meantime, Wilson will also give Medina an occasional opportunity to rest this spring as he continues to learn the system. Medina, who hails from Sebastopol, California, has wasted no time diving in.
“I’m just always watching film, constantly in coach Rolin’s office. Just trying to meet multiple times a day if I can,” Medina said. “Just every time I can get with coach Rolin whenever he’s not busy. Just getting prepared.”
Despite the turnover at quarterback, the Lights will have a more experienced roster and coaching staff in 2019 as they hope to improve from a 1-10 campaign last year. Rolin said added depth at receiver, as well as improvements on the defensive line, should contribute to this squad’s growth.
“At this point last year, we were still recruiting. We were scrambling. Everything was new. I think everybody’s kind of settled into where we are. Offensively, defensively, there’s no new schemes. We know what we’re doing. Our guys are playing fast because of it. They know what we expect. They understand our standard. So it’s fun to see,” Rolin said.
The Lights scrimmage for the first time this Friday at 3 p.m. at the Northern practice field.
