We have crossed the 90,000 view and 1000 post tread so its time for this Bear to take a long needed rest. But before I do, some final thoughts on 2013 recruiting.
1- The coaches had a plan and fulfilled that plan. SPEED! This class can flat out get up and down the field. The coaches looked at last year and all the close loses and saw what most of us saw, UM was out athleted and at times seemed slow.
2- Great job with limited schollies. Only 12 senior plus three transfers out. To get players like Ari Morales to walk on as a prefered walk-on and Zach Vis as a partial tells me that players want to be Griz.
3- The lack of Montana recruits, does not show the lack of trying. UM as stated, was looking for speed in the WR, RB and DB areas. This year the state of Montana had few of those kinds of players. Janssen (Loyola) Schye (Malta) & Grahm (Big Sky) are three of the fastest kids in the state. Yes, the kitties got three guys I wish were griz. Roderick (Nevada Transfer), Devin Jeffries (Glacier) and Trevan Timmer (Great Falls) are VERY VERY Good. I'm not as high on the other 8 Montana kids that became kitties including Vitt and Brekke. Seem like reaches in some cases.
4- The two transfers will both make immediate impacts! Van at RB can flat out fly and VanAckeren is a fast hitting Safety.
5- Favors (RB), Rogers (WR), Ralston (TE), Russell (DB), Parker (DB), McKinley (DB) and Strahm (DB/LB) are all future stars.
6- If TE- Curtis White does transfer and is healthy... HE IS A STUD!!!
7- I love that the Griz coaches are looking at higher rated athletes. It cant hurt to ask and UM was "beat out" by the likes of UCLA, Oregon and Nebraska.
8- Considering the circus that has ocurred with legal matters I believe that the UM coaches did an incredible job this year.
9- I really liked last years class and this years is I think a slightly better class. That makes me fairly certain that the dip in the road is almost past the football program.
10- I dont think the Griz are done... Look for 3 or 4 new faces after Spring football.
11- 204 days to App State!!!!
Where the real fun begins is with the players below... Who is going to step up and truly surprise in the next few years????
QB Makena Simis 6'2" 185 (Capital HS) Boise, ID (Top QB in Idaho)
RB- John Nguyen 5'7" 187 (Bellevue HS) Bellevue, WA (Partial) (Some say better then his brother)
OL- Cameron Rokich 6'5" 250 (Juan Diego HS) Draper, UT (UM's only OL this year)
WR/RB- Mick Delaney 6'0" 185 (Bozeman HS) Bozeman, MT (Partial) (???)
TE- Noah Scarver 6' 3" 230 (Washburn HS) Minneapolis, MN (Highly though of in Minnesota)
TE- Josh Horner 6'5" 215 (CMR HS) Great Falls, MT (Partial) (Mr. Everything for CMR)
TE- Cooper Sprunk 6'4" 240 (Jesuit HS) Portland, OR (Prefered Walk-on) (A surprise late addition)
LB- Cole Landes 6'2" 215 (Bellevue HS) Bellevue, WA (Prefered Walk-on)(A surprise late addition)
