2022 Montana Recruits - Tier 4

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VimSince03
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2022 Montana Recruits - Tier 4

Post by VimSince03 » Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:56 pm

Tier 4 - "The Safe Investments"

Prospects in this tier:

- commonly referred to as "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 but not commonly 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

15.) Charlie Kirgan (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'0", 210 lbs. - HB/DE/LB
Charlie is another quality H-back prospect who can be a distributive pass-rushing force as an edge rusher. He has a compact build with a quick first step which not only helps him in blocking but also shoot into the backfield on defense. Charlie is one of the best pure pass-rushers in this class as lineman rarely get a clean block on him in pass pro due to his speed, excellent hand usage, and low pad level (led the Spartans in TFLs and sacks his senior season). As a H-back, he isn't as good of a blocker as Max Murphy (another great H-back in this class) but he's arguably a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Charlie is in that tweener range on defense because he isn't quite big enough to be an every down DE and not athletic enough to be a true stand up linebacker but he's an overall great football player who deserved a scholarship offer from either of the two in-state FCS programs.
16.) Dylan Snyder (Butte) - 6'2", 205 lbs. - WR/DE/LB
Dylan recovered from a brutal leg injury his junior year to show off his versatile skillset as an outside receiver, rush end, and sam linebacker.
He certainly does not shy away from contact on either side of the ball as Dylan's tape is littered with catching footballs and looking for someone to hit instead of evading tackles. As a receiver, he has an easy stride that can accelerate into another gear in the open field. As a defender, Dylan shows quality reps as a speed rusher and run defender. Overall, past injuries and "reckless abondon" play likely hurt his recruitment but there is a high ceiling prospect here that goes hard on every play and getting him as a PWO may be a steal for the Cats if he develops at any of the three positions listed above.
17.) Beau Dantic (Laurel) - 5'11", 175 lbs. - RB/ATH
Beau is one of the top RB prospects in this class but he also has position flexibility as a WR and return man. Biggest trait that jumps off the tape is his agility and explosion as a runner as he can cut on a dime when running inside or burst outside to hit the edge. Beau is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and Laurel did a good job of getting it to him in a variety of ways on offense. He played OLB on defense showing the ability to set the edge and make life tough on outside runs while also being a pest in pass coverage. I really think he'll carve out some type of role within a few years for the Grizzlies and he's one of my favorite highlight tapes of this Montana crop.
18.) Joseph Weida (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'4", 220 lbs. - TE
Joseph is built just how a classic TE prospect is supposed to look: great feel for blocking duties, can operate in-line or in space, and reliable hands. He's got a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage to help his QB. Joseph still has some work to do as a blocker (mostly strength related) but he's got decent technique already and he understands his job based off film. While not the fastest TE prospect, he's decent after the catch and can use his big frame to get tough yards. Joseph is exactly what you want in developmental in-line TE prospect and the fact he adds additional value as a receiver is the cherry on top.
19.) Max Murphy (Billings West) - 6'2", 220 lbs. - HB/LB
Max is a H-back/linebacker prospect who could also develop as an edge rusher at the next level. He shined as the primary blocking back for Billings West this past fall showing a refined blocking technique that would make any college run-game coordinator intrigued. When he isn't blocking, Max shows adequate hands to catch balls in the flat and a good ability to gain tough yards while running. As a defensive player, he lined up inside and outside as a linebacker showing scheme versatility as an edge rusher at OLB and old-school run stuffer at MLB. Max received only a PWO offer but I really like his film/position versatility and he's got a great opportunity at MSU if he wants to develop as a H-back.
20.) Braunson Henriksen (Polson) - 6'5", 230 lbs. - DE
First thing that jumps off the page and tape is Braunson's length as he's all of 6'5" with a decent frame that can add on more weight. Braunson improved as a pass rusher his senior season and was really a force for a Polson squad that lost in the Class A semifinals. However, there are clear reasons on tape why a kid with Braunson's measurables didn't garner a full-ride scholarship as he doesn't have a quick twitch off the line, plays high, and doesn't really use those long arms consistently to his advantage on a per play basis. Braunson reminds me a ton of former Helena Capital and Griz Cole Rosling, player who was very productive his senior season but couldn't quite develop that into a contributing role at the next level.
This doesn't mean he can't grow into a rotational role with the current Griz defensive line as weaknesses like lack of pad level and hand usage can be developed and if he does refine those skills, the Griz might have a steal because that length is real.
21.) Chase Williams (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'1", 220 lbs. - LB
Chase has eerily similar film to his 2020 teammate and current Griz Geno Leonard as an inside linebacker who can make an impact as a pass rusher. The 2021 AA Defensive MVP was a hammer in the middle of the Spartan defense, showing the ability to stop the run but also rush the QB from a variety of blitz packages. Chase does a decent job in pass coverage but its definitely an area that likely hurt his chances for scholarship money from the two in-state FCS schools as his athletic ceiling isn't as high as some of the top recruits on this list. Regardless, the kid has value as a defensive football player, special teamer, and long snapper. Chase has what most coaches want in a middle linebacker: great play strength, tough demeanor, and productive tackler.
22.) Max Kimball (Billings West) - 6'1", 190 lbs. - S
Much like Chase McGurran, Max is primarily an inside receiver/nickel back prospect at the next level though Max has better size coming out of high school. He has quality reps as a safety and corner, showing strong tackling and the ability to deflect the football in 50/50 situations.
On offense, Max drastically improved as an overall receiver on a team that featured Taco Dowler, Caden Dowler, and Riley Bergeson. Also like Chase M., Max's best chance to contribute for the Bobcats will first have to come on special teams where I think he can make an impact early. He's a legacy kid so you can bet Max will give 110% for Vigen and crew to make the team better.
23.) Forrest Suero (Helena High) - 5'10", 255 lbs. - DL
Forrest arguably has the best defensive tape of any player in this class as impact plays are splashed throughout every game. His 5'10" frame likely hurt his recruiting stock with the Cats or Griz but the kid was almost unblockable for stretches of games his senior year. Forrest has a lightning quick get-off as an interior defensive lineman but his strength is his greatest asset. The kid just plays with great effort and energy and he also showed quality reps as a defensive end. Once again, I think Carroll is getting a gem of a player in Forrest.
24.) Chase McGurran (Helena High) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - DB
Chase is a versatile athlete who can develop at multiple positions at the next level. As a corner, he can line up on the outside or in the slot with the latter being his best position on defense. Chase has good instincts in coverage, doesn't hesitate when breaking on the ball, and brings a physical presence when arriving at the ball carrier. On offense, he's a slot receiver all the way and really improved his YAC ability his senior year. However, Chase's best chance to be a contributor for the Griz is on special teams either as a gunner or return man where he starred in high school and was a legitimate threat in AA.
25.) Garrett Stone (Great Falls High) - 6'2", 200 lbs. - WR
Garrett transferred to Great Falls from Texas in Winter 2021 and was immediately on coaches radar due to great tape from his junior season down in the Lone Star state. He's a big bodied WR who excels in the deep to intermediate passing game due to his ability to set up longer developing routes. Garrett doesn't have blazing speed but he makes up for it with great contested catch ability. He was one of Reed Harris' favorite targets this past fall but he only played in 8 games and left a lot to be desired from a production standpoint. Garrett has the tools you like to see out of an outside receiver prospect which is why I have him ranked this high but eventually he'll have to put it all together at the next level if he gets the opportunity.
26.) Isaiah Claunch (Billings West) - 6'3", 195 lbs. - QB
Isaiah was one of the best QB's in the state the past two seasons and was the trigger man for one of the best offenses. He gets the ball out on time in a timing passing offense but also does a good job of knowing when to take chances by giving his playmakers opportunities to make a play. Isaiah can create out of structure but won't necessarily burn teams with his speed or running ability. He has a long throwing motion but can show off velocity when needed and should be able to compete for a starting job at Carroll sooner than later.
27.) Ryan Krahe (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 215 lbs. - LB
Like every year, there is a throwback linebacker from Montana that would've been a top recruit 20 years ago but the game has changed which has changed what is needed from a prospect at the position. Ryan is that type of player as the Great Falls High product starred on both sides of the ball as a bruising RB and big-hitting LB. When you watch his film, you see a player who definitely wants to impose his will upon contact but can struggle in situations (pass coverage/lateral quickness) where better athleticism is needed. However, there is still plenty of value with a player like Ryan as he can be a force in the run game and special teams as well as maybe making a position change to a H-back role.
28.) Gavin Vandenacre (Townsend) - 6'3", 185 lbs. - WR
Gavin is the final member of the Class B "WR Prospect & Track Star" trio (Joey Visser and Colby Martinez). He has a long stride that can leave defenders in the dust if they take a bad angle. Gavin's speed is definitely his top asset but he's a natural at catching the ball and has no problem getting physical. Carroll College got a commitment from Gavin for football and my belief is the Saints got a steal.
29.) Zac Malcolm (Billings West) - 6'5", 270 lbs. - OL
Zac grinded out his senior season with a heavy heart as he was the lone survivor in a terrible vehicle accident last year that killed three including one of his teammates Tommy Lindsay. He had to recover from several surgeries but he picked up where he left off during his junior season, manning the right tackle spot in the Golden Bear offense and showing his awesome ability to move people in the run game. Zac's best trait is his size/strength (the kid is a mountain) with his biggest knocks being heavy feet and lack of bend to his lower half. He received significant interest from the Cats and Griz but ended up taking a scholarship opportunity to his hometown Rocky Mountain College and I see him playing a lot of snaps during his career for the Battlin' Bears.
30.) Joey Visser (Jefferson) - 6'1", 175 lbs. - S/DB
Joey is an under the radar find by the UM coaching staff. When you turn on the tape, you can see why he received interest from the Griz as a safety prospect and likely special teamer in training (he plays the game fast). He'll need to add weight but Joey plays with a ton of pop on the back end and can defend the deep half of the field due to his speed and range. Like Colby Martinez, he's another great track athlete from Class B that can make highlight plays on the football field due to his natural athleticism.
31.) Colby Martinez (Columbus) - 6'2", 170 lbs. - WR
Colby is an athletic and productive receiver prospect out of Columbus, MT. On tape, he shows the ability to shake press coverage, run quality routes, and make the tough catch at least once a game. Colby is also a speedster and jumper in T&F with quality marks in the 100, 200, & LJ.
His athleticism mixed with his speed make him an easy PWO offer as the only true thing holding him back is his slight frame.
32.) Michael Deleon (Billings West) - 5'9", 185 lbs. - RB
Michael was a key cog in the Billings West offensive machine the past two seasons with his senior year being his most productive (1600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns). He's a smaller back but excels on inside runs due to his agility and vision. Michael doesn't have the top end speed to make him a scholarship player at the FCS level but he's definitely a quality back who could push for playing time if given a few years in a system. Should be a great NAIA player.
33.) Jaden Perkins (Bozeman High) - 6'1", 255 lbs. - OL
Jaden is a stout interior offensive line prospect out of Bozeman High. Younger brother of starting MSU center Justus Perkins, Jaden emulates his older brothers ability to finish plays through the echo of the whistle. While he may not have the snappy hips of his older brother, Jaden has a solid lower half and a good punch when engaged with defenders. He also brings his feet which helps his ability to finish in the ground game. Jaden is not as good of an athlete or have the feet of his older brother but he definitely brings great energy and toughness to each snap as an offensive guard. I infamously ranked Justus as a lowered tiered PWO prospect back in 2019 so I look forward to Jaden proving my ranking wrong once again in three years.
34.) Connor Curnow (Dillon) - 6'4", 210 lbs. - LB
Connor is a long, lean LB prospect out of Dillon. He's fairly raw and is a step or two slow at diagnosing plays at times but when he triggers downhill or sideline to sideline, you definitely want to see more which I why I'd absolutely offer Connor a PWO in a heartbeat. Not too shabby as an offensive player as well. It also helps he comes from a great program.


"There's two times of year for me: Football season, and waiting for football season."

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