BOZEMAN — Last week it was announced that Montana State student-athletes could return to athletic facilities on June 1.
With the canceled spring football practices, the Montana State offense has some catching up to do on implementing new coordinator Justin Udy’s offense.
“The most obvious thing is we didn’t get those spring reps," said tight ends coach Nate Potter. "We just got to overcome that right now mentally by installing those new parts of the offense and getting those mental reps, making sure guys understand it inside out and wasting no time when we do get to practice.”
For the tight ends group, they’ve been preparing for life as normal, no matter what happens this season.
“We’re controlling what we can right now," said Potter. "I’m staying optimistic, personally, and preparing like we are going to play.”
For Potter, he has a luxury with 10 tight ends on the MSU roster.
“I absolutely love it," Potter said. "I know it’s not normal, but our brand of football requires fullback body types, multiple tight ends, so in order to be successful we got to utilize all 10 guys.”
A former Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle, Potter has plenty of knowledge to offer his players, especially when it comes to blocking.
“It’s just a mentality," said Potter. "It’s a mindset. It’s that mindset that you’re going to be the more physical blocker and you’re going to win your matchup at the end of the day.”
Potter is glad that he doesn’t have teach this players how to prepare for players he faced in the NFL, like future Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, who he says he didn't fare well against. However, he has been helping one Bobcat who might be blocking guys like that in the future, former defensive end Bryce Sterk who is transitioning to tight end after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins.
“We are going to be kind of going back and forth and I’m going to be giving him as much input as I have," said Potter. "I’m a big fan of his. I know he’s going to do big things, so I’m fired up for him.”
