FINAL LIST 1/19/24
I'd like to thank Vim and all his hard work and allowing us to use his info on this site.
Though he is a big cat fan, I believe he is really fair in his list and look forward to it each year.
THANKS VIM... Now get some rest!
"Tier 1- The Rare Ones"
1.) DT/OL- Hayden Hanks 6' 4" 270 (Thompson Falls) (Boise State)
2.) K- Jacob Kauwe 6' 2" 200 (Billings West) (Kentucky)
3.) WR- Quinn Clark 6'6" 190 (Bozeman Gallatin) (Nebraska)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be full-scholarship FBS football players out of high school
- will commonly receive multiple scholarship offers from both FBS and FCS schools
- will likely NOT redshirt if they sign with a FCS school and should make an immediate impact (at least in rotation)
- will likely redshirt if they sign with a FBS school but should push for playing time within two years (redshirt sophomore season)
- consistently demonstrate a mismatch on tape in athletic ability, size, smarts, and technique while on the field in high school
- commonly have the best production in the state at their given position
- players in this tier are "rare for the state of Montana" as only a handful of them come around each decade
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- have potential to be multi-year All-Americans at the FCS level with a good chance playing in the NFL
"Tier 2- The Blue Chips"
4.) DT- Hudson Wiens (Bozeman) - 6'4", 260 lbs. (kittens)
5.) S- Kash Goicoechea (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'1", 180 lbs. (Montana)
6.) WR- Rocco Lencioni (Bozeman) - 6'4", 210 lbs. (kittens)
7.) OL- Henry Sellards (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'5", 270 lbs. (Nevada)
8.) TE- Isaac Keim (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 225 lbs. (Montana)
9.) QB/S- Mason Dethman (Froid/Med-Lake) - 6'4", 195 lbs. (kittens)
10.) ATH- Grady Walker (Sentinel) - 6'3", 190 lbs. (Montana)
11.) OL/DL- Dalton Noble (Jefferson) - 6'5", 250 lbs. (Kittens)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be full-scholarship FCS football players out of high school
- have shown the ability to be preferred walk-on FBS football players out of high school
- will commonly receive full scholarship offers from the two in-state schools while also receiving interest from out-of-state FCS programs
- may NOT redshirt if they sign with a FCS school
- should push for playing time early (true freshman or redshirt freshman year) either on special teams or in a rotation (depends on position)
- players in this tier are commonly referred to as "one of the top prospects in the state" when brought up in conversation by media/coaches
- demonstrate a mismatch on tape in athletic ability, size, smarts, and technique while on the field in high school but not as consistently as Tier 1
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- 100% get selected as starters for Shrine Game
- have potential to be multi-year all-conference players at the FCS level with the possibility of being named All-American at least once]
"Tier 3- The Partials"
12.) OL/DL- Andrew Burrows (Hamilton) - 6'2", 250 lbs.
13.) HB/LB- Joshua Woodberry (Bozeman Gallatin) - 5'11", 225 lbs. (kittens)
14.) TE- Danny Sirmon (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'6", 240 lbs (Montana)
15.) WR- Alex Hausmann (Kalispell Glacier) - 5'11", 160 lbs. (Carroll)
16.) OL- Braden Zimmer (Billings West) - 6'6", 230 lbs. (kittens)
17.) S- Owen Reynolds (Red Lodge) - 6'1", 195 lbs. (Montana)
18.) WR- Cohen Kastelitz (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 185 lbs. (Montana Tech)
19.) QB/S- Kee Christiansen (Dillon) - 6'1", 180 lbs. (kittens)
20.) HB/LB- Cooper Frietag (Billings West) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
21.) TE/DE- Ethan Alexander (Florence) - 6'3", 225 lbs. (Montana Tech)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be partial-scholarship FCS football players out of high school (doesn't mean they'll get that offer)
- usually get partial-scholarships that cover nearly all or very little of their college costs
- will commonly receive full-scholarship offers from all the NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state
- are considered elite NAIA players if they sign at that level
- may receive offers from both in-state FCS schools but it isn't a foregone conclusion both will offer
- will, at a minimum, receive preferred walk-on offers from Cats and Griz
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz
- may NOT redshirt if they sign with a smaller division school (DII, DIII, NAIA) and should push for playing time early (depends on position)
- are bordering on full-scholarship talent but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that likely will get developed
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters for the Shrine Game
- have potential to be multi-year starters (FCS) in their careers with a good chance of being named All-Conference at least once
"Tier 4- The Safe Investments"
22.) DL- Christian Knowles (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'3", 225 lbs.
23.) WR- Ethan Triplett (Belt) - 6'1", 175 lbs. (Carroll)
24.) ATH/S- Kellen Harrison (Bozeman) - 6'0", 160 lbs.
25.) OL/DL- Isaac Stoker (Corvallis) - 6'3", 250 lbs. (Dickinson State)
26.) OL- Torin Jeske (Bozeman) - 6'5", 240 lbs. (Montana Tech)
27.) RB/LB- Aidan Lammers (Shepherd) - 6'1", 210 lbs.(Montana-Western)
28.) ATH- Cody Schweikert (Columbia Falls) - 6'4", 225 lbs. (Montana)
29.) OL- Cole Dawes (Helena Capital) - 6'5", 240 lbs. (Montana Tech)
30.) RB/LB- Quaid Ash (Bozeman) - 6'2", 215 lbs.
31.) RB/TE- Elijah Thorness (Bigfork) - 6'3", 205 lbs.
32.) ATH- Kaiden Clement (CMR) - 6'2", 215 lbs. (Montana Tech)
33.) ATH- Adam Balkenbush (Billings Central) - 6'1", 195 lbs.
34.) ATH- Carter Kraft (Helena High) - 6'0", 185 lbs.
35.) WR- Jace Hill (Columbia Falls) - 6'2", 175 lbs.
36.) LB- Austin Baller (Bozeman) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
37.) K/P- Owen Adams (Laurel) - 6'1", 205 lbs. (Idaho)
38.) RB- Talen Reynolds (Missoula Loyola) - 5'11", 185 lbs. (Montana)
39.) S- Tristan Butts (Eureka) - 6'2", 180 lbs.
40.) CB- Ryan Nansel (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'2", 170 lbs. (kittens)
41.) QB- Thomas Buchanan (Red Lodge) - 6'5", 210 lbs.
Prospects in this tier:
- "safe investments" as they have low risk, high reward potential based off their offer/talent
- will commonly receive full-scholarship offers from all the NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state
- are considered excellent NAIA players if they sign at that level
- may receive a preferred walk-on offer from Cats or Griz, sometimes both
- may only receive interest but no offer from Cats or Griz
- will 100% redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz and will need at least three years of development prior to starting their junior years (may play ST earlier)
- may be on the roster bubble at the FCS level after their second year in the program
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a lower level program (DII, DIII, NAIA) and will likely start within first two years
- are bordering on partial-scholarship talent but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that may get developed
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters or alternates for the Shrine Game (should be selected as starters)
- have potential to be a starter (FCS) at least once with a good chance of being a multi-year all-conference player at a lower level program
"Tier 5- The Projects"
42.) Colter Ramos (Missoula Big Sky) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - WR (Montana-Western)
43.) Zane Moodry (Butte Central) - 6'5", 190 lbs. - WR/TE (Montana Tech)
44.) LB- Kieran Netburn (Lewistown) - 6'0", 210 lbs.
45.) WR- Rueso Battermann (Butte) - 6'3", 190 lbs.
46.) DT- Maxx Lee (Billings Senior) - 6'3", 250 lbs.
47.) OL/DL- Chance Waters (Sidney) - 6'4", 240 lbs.
48.) DE- Tyler Conrad (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'1", 225 lbs.
49.) S- Mason Kelch (Whitefish) - 6'1", 200 lbs. (Montana Tech)
50.) RB/LB- Kale Konen (Dillon) - 6'2", 185 lbs.
51.) ATH- Tyce Casterline (Lockwood) - 6'3", 190 lbs. (Rocky Mountain)
52.) FB- Tuff Adams (Helena Capital) - 5'11", 195 lbs. (Rocky Mountain)
53.) DE/LB- Braden Capser (Kalispell Flathead) - 6'2", 215 lbs.
54.) DL- Jordan Jenson (Lewistown) - 6'2", 225 lbs. (Dickinson State)
55.) FB/LB- Lucas Lant (Hamilton) - 5'11", 205 lbs.
56.) DE/LB- Cooper Collins (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
57.) OL- Tavan McMaster (Jefferson) - 6'4", 275 lbs. (Carroll College)
58.) FB- Izayah Brown (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
59.) WR- Manu Melo (Helena High) - 5'11", 150 lbs. (Montana Tech)
60.) LB/S- Reese Paulson (Belt) - 6'2", 195 lbs.
Prospects in this tier:
- have an outside chance of being preferred walk-on FCS football player but likely will only get offers from lower level programs
- may receive full-scholarship offers from NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state but may just be partials
- are considered above average NAIA players if they sign at that level
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a lower level program (DII, DIII, NAIA) and will likely contribute within first two years (not necessarily start)
- commonly referred to as "projects" if they get offered by either in-state FCS school
- get the "project" designation because they have one or two traits FCS programs believe they can develop
- will 100% redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz and will need at least three years of development prior to playing their junior years (may never be starters)
- will commonly be on the roster bubble at the FCS level after their first year in the program
- are bordering on preferred walk-on talent (FCS) but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that have a ceiling
- commonly have been selected All-State at least once during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters or alternates for the Shrine Game
- have potential to be a backup/rotational player (FCS) at least one year with a good chance of being a multi-year starter at a lower level program
I'd like to thank Vim and all his hard work and allowing us to use his info on this site.
Though he is a big cat fan, I believe he is really fair in his list and look forward to it each year.
THANKS VIM... Now get some rest!
"Tier 1- The Rare Ones"
1.) DT/OL- Hayden Hanks 6' 4" 270 (Thompson Falls) (Boise State)
2.) K- Jacob Kauwe 6' 2" 200 (Billings West) (Kentucky)
3.) WR- Quinn Clark 6'6" 190 (Bozeman Gallatin) (Nebraska)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be full-scholarship FBS football players out of high school
- will commonly receive multiple scholarship offers from both FBS and FCS schools
- will likely NOT redshirt if they sign with a FCS school and should make an immediate impact (at least in rotation)
- will likely redshirt if they sign with a FBS school but should push for playing time within two years (redshirt sophomore season)
- consistently demonstrate a mismatch on tape in athletic ability, size, smarts, and technique while on the field in high school
- commonly have the best production in the state at their given position
- players in this tier are "rare for the state of Montana" as only a handful of them come around each decade
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- have potential to be multi-year All-Americans at the FCS level with a good chance playing in the NFL
"Tier 2- The Blue Chips"
4.) DT- Hudson Wiens (Bozeman) - 6'4", 260 lbs. (kittens)
5.) S- Kash Goicoechea (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'1", 180 lbs. (Montana)
6.) WR- Rocco Lencioni (Bozeman) - 6'4", 210 lbs. (kittens)
7.) OL- Henry Sellards (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'5", 270 lbs. (Nevada)
8.) TE- Isaac Keim (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 225 lbs. (Montana)
9.) QB/S- Mason Dethman (Froid/Med-Lake) - 6'4", 195 lbs. (kittens)
10.) ATH- Grady Walker (Sentinel) - 6'3", 190 lbs. (Montana)
11.) OL/DL- Dalton Noble (Jefferson) - 6'5", 250 lbs. (Kittens)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be full-scholarship FCS football players out of high school
- have shown the ability to be preferred walk-on FBS football players out of high school
- will commonly receive full scholarship offers from the two in-state schools while also receiving interest from out-of-state FCS programs
- may NOT redshirt if they sign with a FCS school
- should push for playing time early (true freshman or redshirt freshman year) either on special teams or in a rotation (depends on position)
- players in this tier are commonly referred to as "one of the top prospects in the state" when brought up in conversation by media/coaches
- demonstrate a mismatch on tape in athletic ability, size, smarts, and technique while on the field in high school but not as consistently as Tier 1
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- 100% get selected as starters for Shrine Game
- have potential to be multi-year all-conference players at the FCS level with the possibility of being named All-American at least once]
"Tier 3- The Partials"
12.) OL/DL- Andrew Burrows (Hamilton) - 6'2", 250 lbs.
13.) HB/LB- Joshua Woodberry (Bozeman Gallatin) - 5'11", 225 lbs. (kittens)
14.) TE- Danny Sirmon (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'6", 240 lbs (Montana)
15.) WR- Alex Hausmann (Kalispell Glacier) - 5'11", 160 lbs. (Carroll)
16.) OL- Braden Zimmer (Billings West) - 6'6", 230 lbs. (kittens)
17.) S- Owen Reynolds (Red Lodge) - 6'1", 195 lbs. (Montana)
18.) WR- Cohen Kastelitz (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 185 lbs. (Montana Tech)
19.) QB/S- Kee Christiansen (Dillon) - 6'1", 180 lbs. (kittens)
20.) HB/LB- Cooper Frietag (Billings West) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
21.) TE/DE- Ethan Alexander (Florence) - 6'3", 225 lbs. (Montana Tech)
Prospects in this tier:
- have shown the ability to be partial-scholarship FCS football players out of high school (doesn't mean they'll get that offer)
- usually get partial-scholarships that cover nearly all or very little of their college costs
- will commonly receive full-scholarship offers from all the NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state
- are considered elite NAIA players if they sign at that level
- may receive offers from both in-state FCS schools but it isn't a foregone conclusion both will offer
- will, at a minimum, receive preferred walk-on offers from Cats and Griz
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz
- may NOT redshirt if they sign with a smaller division school (DII, DIII, NAIA) and should push for playing time early (depends on position)
- are bordering on full-scholarship talent but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that likely will get developed
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters for the Shrine Game
- have potential to be multi-year starters (FCS) in their careers with a good chance of being named All-Conference at least once
"Tier 4- The Safe Investments"
22.) DL- Christian Knowles (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'3", 225 lbs.
23.) WR- Ethan Triplett (Belt) - 6'1", 175 lbs. (Carroll)
24.) ATH/S- Kellen Harrison (Bozeman) - 6'0", 160 lbs.
25.) OL/DL- Isaac Stoker (Corvallis) - 6'3", 250 lbs. (Dickinson State)
26.) OL- Torin Jeske (Bozeman) - 6'5", 240 lbs. (Montana Tech)
27.) RB/LB- Aidan Lammers (Shepherd) - 6'1", 210 lbs.(Montana-Western)
28.) ATH- Cody Schweikert (Columbia Falls) - 6'4", 225 lbs. (Montana)
29.) OL- Cole Dawes (Helena Capital) - 6'5", 240 lbs. (Montana Tech)
30.) RB/LB- Quaid Ash (Bozeman) - 6'2", 215 lbs.
31.) RB/TE- Elijah Thorness (Bigfork) - 6'3", 205 lbs.
32.) ATH- Kaiden Clement (CMR) - 6'2", 215 lbs. (Montana Tech)
33.) ATH- Adam Balkenbush (Billings Central) - 6'1", 195 lbs.
34.) ATH- Carter Kraft (Helena High) - 6'0", 185 lbs.
35.) WR- Jace Hill (Columbia Falls) - 6'2", 175 lbs.
36.) LB- Austin Baller (Bozeman) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
37.) K/P- Owen Adams (Laurel) - 6'1", 205 lbs. (Idaho)
38.) RB- Talen Reynolds (Missoula Loyola) - 5'11", 185 lbs. (Montana)
39.) S- Tristan Butts (Eureka) - 6'2", 180 lbs.
40.) CB- Ryan Nansel (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'2", 170 lbs. (kittens)
41.) QB- Thomas Buchanan (Red Lodge) - 6'5", 210 lbs.
Prospects in this tier:
- "safe investments" as they have low risk, high reward potential based off their offer/talent
- will commonly receive full-scholarship offers from all the NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state
- are considered excellent NAIA players if they sign at that level
- may receive a preferred walk-on offer from Cats or Griz, sometimes both
- may only receive interest but no offer from Cats or Griz
- will 100% redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz and will need at least three years of development prior to starting their junior years (may play ST earlier)
- may be on the roster bubble at the FCS level after their second year in the program
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a lower level program (DII, DIII, NAIA) and will likely start within first two years
- are bordering on partial-scholarship talent but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that may get developed
- commonly have been selected All-State multiple years at their position(s) during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters or alternates for the Shrine Game (should be selected as starters)
- have potential to be a starter (FCS) at least once with a good chance of being a multi-year all-conference player at a lower level program
"Tier 5- The Projects"
42.) Colter Ramos (Missoula Big Sky) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - WR (Montana-Western)
43.) Zane Moodry (Butte Central) - 6'5", 190 lbs. - WR/TE (Montana Tech)
44.) LB- Kieran Netburn (Lewistown) - 6'0", 210 lbs.
45.) WR- Rueso Battermann (Butte) - 6'3", 190 lbs.
46.) DT- Maxx Lee (Billings Senior) - 6'3", 250 lbs.
47.) OL/DL- Chance Waters (Sidney) - 6'4", 240 lbs.
48.) DE- Tyler Conrad (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'1", 225 lbs.
49.) S- Mason Kelch (Whitefish) - 6'1", 200 lbs. (Montana Tech)
50.) RB/LB- Kale Konen (Dillon) - 6'2", 185 lbs.
51.) ATH- Tyce Casterline (Lockwood) - 6'3", 190 lbs. (Rocky Mountain)
52.) FB- Tuff Adams (Helena Capital) - 5'11", 195 lbs. (Rocky Mountain)
53.) DE/LB- Braden Capser (Kalispell Flathead) - 6'2", 215 lbs.
54.) DL- Jordan Jenson (Lewistown) - 6'2", 225 lbs. (Dickinson State)
55.) FB/LB- Lucas Lant (Hamilton) - 5'11", 205 lbs.
56.) DE/LB- Cooper Collins (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
57.) OL- Tavan McMaster (Jefferson) - 6'4", 275 lbs. (Carroll College)
58.) FB- Izayah Brown (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs.
59.) WR- Manu Melo (Helena High) - 5'11", 150 lbs. (Montana Tech)
60.) LB/S- Reese Paulson (Belt) - 6'2", 195 lbs.
Prospects in this tier:
- have an outside chance of being preferred walk-on FCS football player but likely will only get offers from lower level programs
- may receive full-scholarship offers from NAIA schools in-state and several other lower division schools out-of-state but may just be partials
- are considered above average NAIA players if they sign at that level
- will commonly redshirt if they sign with a lower level program (DII, DIII, NAIA) and will likely contribute within first two years (not necessarily start)
- commonly referred to as "projects" if they get offered by either in-state FCS school
- get the "project" designation because they have one or two traits FCS programs believe they can develop
- will 100% redshirt if they sign with a Cats or Griz and will need at least three years of development prior to playing their junior years (may never be starters)
- will commonly be on the roster bubble at the FCS level after their first year in the program
- are bordering on preferred walk-on talent (FCS) but are missing a few traits (athletic ability, size, smarts, technique, etc.) that have a ceiling
- commonly have been selected All-State at least once during high school
- will commonly get selected as starters or alternates for the Shrine Game
- have potential to be a backup/rotational player (FCS) at least one year with a good chance of being a multi-year starter at a lower level program