The Bobcat Nation

Tier 3 - "The Partials"

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)
- partial-scholarships range from covering nearly all to very little of their college costs so recruits at the top of this list are close to fulls
- 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 both the Badlands Bowl and Shrine Game but selection committees don't bat 100% on getting it right every year
- have potential to be multi-year starters (FCS) in their careers with a good chance of being named All-Conference at least once

10.) Eli Aby (Laurel) – 6’2”, 195 lbs. – QB/S (Montana State)

Favorite play: 2:07



Position fit in college: Free or Strong Safety

Led Laurel to the Class A title last fall and is one of the best defensive players in this class. Would not at all be surprised if Ely was a future captain in college.

11.) Jace Fitzgerald (Dillon) – 6’2”, 200 lbs. – ATH/S (Montana State)

Favorite play: 1:40



Position fit in college: H-Back/Sam Linebacker/Strong Safety/Edge Rusher

Jace is a kid that you can develop at several positions at the next level. He has plenty of skill as an offensive player to be a threat as an inside receiver/h-back or develop at all three levels as a defensive player.

12.) Jake Olson (Butte) – 6’7”, 250 lbs. – TE (University of Montana)

Favorite play: Entire Highlight



Position fit in college: Offensive Tackle

Jake is a mountain of a player who used his length effectively in high school. Speed may be an issue for him to fully excel as a TE at the next level but I fully believe he has a chance to develop into an even better offensive tackle (Germer has an outstanding track record in development of offensive tackles).

13.) Dylan Smith (Whitehall) – 6’3”, 230 lbs. – DE/DL (University of Montana)

Favorite play: .55



Position fit in college: Strong-Side End/3-Tech DT/Edge Rusher

Dylan has nice build coming out of high school where he produced at an all-state level for Whitehall. Not as explosive a some of the top defensive lineman in this class but Dylan has plenty of power to give himself a nice headstart in his development.

14.) Luke Fedyk (Bozeman) – 6’0”, 205 lbs. – LB (Montana State)

Favorite play: .42



Position fit in college: Sam or Will Linebacker/Edge Rusher

Luke probably should have been a linebacker only in high school on the defensive side of the ball but he made the most of his opportunities and turned into an All-State DE anyway. He's very explosive coming out of high school and should be pushing for playing time as a special teamer early in his career.

15.) Kade Cutler (Drummond/Philipsburg) – 6’1”, 195 lbs. – ATH/S (Montana State)

Favorite play: .50



Position fit in college: Running Back/Slot Receiver/Free or Strong Safety

Kade is a do-it-all athlete that made plays every year he stepped on a football field in high school. One of the best playmakers in the state, Kade will get a chance to prove himself on either side of the ball at the next level as he continues to physically develop.

16.) T.J. Rausch (Missoula Sentinel) – 6’2”, 175 lbs. – WR (University of Montana)

Favorite play: .35



Position fit in college: Outside Receiver

TJ was part of an All-State receiving core for 2020 State Champion Missoula Sentinel but TJ really made an impact on the defensive side of the ball. His ball skills are excellent coming out of high school and he isn't afraid to mix it up on either side of the ball.

17.) Mayson Phipps (Glasgow) – 6’2”, 260 lbs. – DT (Montana Tech)

Favorite play: 5:39



Position fit in college: 1-Tech NT/3-Tech DT

Mayson is a brute on both sides of the ball with his biggest impact coming as an interior defender. Once Mayson learns how to hone in on his hand technique and balance, he should turn into an all-conference defensive lineman for the Orediggers when its all said and done.

18.) Corby Mann (Red Lodge) - 6'5", 220 lbs. - TE/DE (University of Montana)

Favorite play: 11:02



Position fit in college: Tight End/Edge Rusher

Corby was a late bloomer in high school but he gave college recruiters too much good film to not offer him (his length also plays in college). He should get a chance to develop on both sides of the ball where his length wins him jump ball opportunities as well as keeps blockers off of him on defense.

When will Tier 2 be out?

iaafan wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 12:52 pm

When will Tier 2 be out?

I want to finish up quick write-ups on the Tier 3 before releasing final 2.