MSU football: Ash picks starters, except at quarterback

By TIM DUMAS Chronicle Sports Writer

In another sign that the season opener is fast approaching, Montana State issued its football depth chart Friday.

A week from today, the Bobcats will play at Texas A&M in the first game of the Rob Ash era.

“The countdown is beginning,” Ash, who was hired as head coach in June, said Friday morning. “It's time to start getting a structure together.”

The starting quarterback has yet to be named and Ash warned that just because a player is listed first on the depth chart doesn't mean he will receive the majority of the playing time at that position.

“It's not a concrete format,” he said. “It's not a matter of all or nothing. I'm interested in how many guys can make a contribution.”

Still, there were very few surprises when it comes to “starters.”

MSU's young offensive line does include four-year starter Peder Jensen at left tackle, but right tackle Mike Person, a redshirt freshman, has yet to see action at the college level. Left guard Chris Smith has played 21 games, but has never started.

Right guard Jeff Hansen has made 10 starts and center Jim Verlanic three.

Aaron Mason, who set a school freshman record last season with 645 rushing yards, is listed ahead of junior Isaiah Taito at running back, but Ash said both will see plenty of playing time at A&M

“It doesn't matter to me who's out there on the first play,” Ash said. “Guy No. 2 still has to battle for reps.”

Josh Lewis, Deon Toliver and Derek Green are listed first at the three receiver positions, as is Elliott Barnhart at tight end.

Bozeman's Dane Fletcher is listed first at the “Bandit” spot on the defensive line. Aaron Papich (tackle), Brandon Hoffenbacker (nose guard) and Reyshawn Bobo (end) are also projected starters.

At linebacker, Bobby Daly (middle) and Will Claggett (outside) are likely starters, with either Epikopo King or Chase Gazzerro slated to go opposite Claggett. Bryant Matthews is in the rotation as well.

The secondary features cornerback Kory Austin (24 career starts) as by far the most experienced player. At the other corner is Michael Beach with Jeff Brown at free safety and Kevin Retoriano at rover.

The defense includes two true freshmen for the moment. Kalispell's Dan Ogden is listed as the backup to Hoffenbacker, also from Kalispell, and Jordan Craney is second behind Brown.

“It's unusual for a true freshman to make the depth chart,” Ash said. “We prefer to redshirt them, but because of depth considerations ...

“My guess is that Jordan Craney will play this year. We're still hoping to redshirt Ogden.”

The kicking chores have yet to be doled out and Ash said today's “mock game” will help determine those jobs. Eric Fisher, true freshman Michael Sweeney and Tyler Bolton are all competing for place-kicking, kickoff and punting duties.

The plan for the helmets-only mock game is for 70 plays beginning at roughly 9:45 a.m. at Bobcat Stadium. Special teams and scenarios for all types of conditions - turnovers included - will be used.

“Each play will have a predetermined outcome,” Ash explained. “The players don't know it. It will be a nightmare to watch and it won't be pretty, but it's very valuable to the coaching staff.”

The Bobcats will not practice Monday - the first day of classes - but Ash expects to name a starting quarterback either Monday or Tuesday.

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