2024 Montana Recruits

[VimSince03]

Final Ranking

(Please click on the link for my thoughts on each prospect in their tier)

"The Rare Ones" - https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=53641

1.) Hayden Hanks (Thompson Falls) - 6'4", 275 lbs. - DT (Boise State)
2.) Jacob Kauwe (Billings West) - 6'2", 200 lbs. - K (Kentucky)
3.) Quinn Clark (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'6", 200 lbs. - WR (Nebraska)

"The Blue Chips" - https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=53640

4.) Hudson Wiens (Bozeman) - 6'4", 260 lbs. - DT (Montana State University)
5.) Kash Goicoechea (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - ATH/DB (University of Montana)
6.) Rocco Lencioni (Bozeman) - 6'4", 210 lbs. - WR/S (Montana State University)
7.) Henry Sellards (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'5", 270 lbs. - OT (University of Nevada)
8.) Isaac Keim (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 225 lbs. - TE/DE (University of Montana)
9.) Mason Dethman (Froid/Med-Lake) - 6'4", 195 lbs. - QB/S (Montana State University)
10.) Grady Walker (Sentinel) - 6'3", 190 lbs. - WR (University of Montana)
11.) Dalton Noble (Jefferson) - 6'5", 250 lbs. - OL/DT (Montana State University)

"The Partials" - https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=53639

12.) Andrew Burrows (Hamilton) - 6'2", 250 lbs. - OL/DL
13.) Joshua Woodberry (Bozeman Gallatin) - 5'11", 225 lbs. - HB/LB (Montana State University)
14.) Danny Sirmon (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'6", 240 lbs. - TE (University of Montana)
15.) Alex Hausmann (Kalispell Glacier) - 5'11", 160 lbs. - WR/DB (Carroll College)
16.) Braden Zimmer (Billings West) - 6'6", 230 lbs. - OL (Montana State)
17.) Owen Reynolds (Red Lodge) - 6'1", 195 lbs. - WR/S (University of Montana)
18.) Cohen Kastelitz (Kalispell Glacier) - 6'3", 185 lbs. - WR (Montana Tech)
19.) Kee Christiansen (Dillon) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - QB/S (Montana State)
20.) Cooper Frietag (Billings West) - 6'1", 205 lbs. - HB/LB (Air Force Academy - School/Walk-on)
21.) Ethan Alexander (Florence) - 6'3", 225 lbs. - TE/DE (Montana Tech)

"The Safe Investments" - https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=53638

22.) Christian Knowles (Missoula Sentinel) - 6'3", 225 lbs. - DL
23.) Ethan Triplett (Belt) - 6'1", 175 lbs. - WR (Carroll College)
24.) Kellen Harrison (Bozeman) - 6'0", 160 lbs. - ATH/S
25.) Isaac Stoker (Corvallis) - 6'3", 250 lbs. - OL/DL (Dickinson State University)
26.) Torin Jeske (Bozeman) - 6'5", 240 lbs. - OL (Montana Tech)
27.) Aidan Lammers (Shepherd) - 6'1", 210 lbs. - HB/LB (University of Montana-Western)
28.) Cody Schweikert (Columbia Falls) - 6'4", 225 lbs. - QB/LB (University of Montana)
29.) Cole Dawes (Helena Capital) - 6'5", 240 lbs. - OL (Montana Tech)
30.) Quaid Ash (Bozeman) - 6'2", 215 lbs. - HB/LB
31.) Elijah Thorness (Bigfork) - 6'3", 205 lbs. - HB/TE
32.) Kaiden Clement (CMR) - 6'2", 215 lbs. - HB/LB/DE (Montana Tech)
33.) Adam Balkenbush (Billings Central) - 6'1", 195 lbs. - ATH/LB
34.) Carter Kraft (Helena High) - 6'0", 205 lbs. - ATH/QB
35.) Jace Hill (Columbia Falls) - 6'2", 175 lbs. - WR
36.) Austin Baller (Bozeman) - 6'1", 205 lbs. - LB
37.) Owen Adams (Laurel) - 6'1", 205 lbs. - K/P (University of Idaho)
38.) Talen Reynolds (Missoula Loyola) - 5'11", 185 lbs. - RB (University of Montana)
39.) Tristan Butts (Eureka) - 6'2", 180 lbs. - S
40.) Ryan Nansel (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'2", 170 lbs. - CB (Montana State University)
41.) Thomas Buchanan (Red Lodge) - 6'5", 210 lbs. - QB

"The Projects" - https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=53637

42.) Colter Ramos (Missoula Big Sky) - 6'1", 180 lbs. - WR (University of Montana-Western)
43.) Zane Moodry (Butte Central) - 6'5", 190 lbs. - WR/TE (Montana Tech)
44.) Kieran Netburn (Lewistown) - 6'0", 210 lbs. - LB (Montana Tech)
45.) Rueso Battermann (Butte) - 6'3", 190 lbs. - WR
46.) Maxx Lee (Billings Senior) - 6'3", 250 lbs. - DT
47.) Chace Waters (Sidney) - 6'4", 240 lbs. - OL/DL
48.) Tyler Conrad (Bozeman Gallatin) - 6'1", 225 lbs. - DL
49.) Mason Kelch (Whitefish) - 6'2", 180 lbs. - S (Montana Tech)
50.) Kale Konen (Dillon) - 6'2", 185 lbs. - RB/LB
51.) Tyce Casterline (Lockwood) - 6'3", 190 lbs. - ATH/LB (Rocky Mountain College)
52.) Tuff Adams (Helena Capital) - 5'11", 195 lbs. - FB (Rocky Mountain College)
53.) Braden Capser (Kalispell Flathead) - 6'2", 215 lbs. - DE/LB
54.) Jordan Jenson (Lewistown) - 6'2", 225 lbs. - DL (Dickinson State University)
55.) Lucas Lant (Hamilton) - 5'11", 205 lbs. - FB/LB
56.) Cooper Collins (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs. - DE/LB
57.) Tavan McMaster (Jefferson) - 6'4", 275 lbs. - OL (Carroll College)
58.) Izayah Brown (Great Falls High) - 6'1", 205 lbs. - FB
59.) Manu Melo (Helena High) - 5'11", 150 lbs. - WR (Montana Tech)
60.) Reese Paulson (Belt) - 6'2", 195 lbs. - LB/S

[SACCAT]

I would add Kellen Harrison to your list (Probably in the projects list)... He had a really great Junior year as Safety/DB for Bozeman High. Very versatile athlete, with good speed. 4 INT's in one game last year. Big things for that young kid this next year.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I would be surprised if Dethman doesn’t end up in Bozeman.

[coloradocat]

Both of the Blue Chip WRs would be the biggest in our room on day 1 just based on measurables. Any chance these local boys get some looks outside the state or are we just fighting to keep them in town?

[VimSince03]

Both of the Blue Chip WRs would be the biggest in our room on day 1 just based on measurables. Any chance these local boys get some looks outside the state or are we just fighting to keep them in town?

If Rocco had more speed, he'd be very tough to keep in state and would be in the rare category. But I think he'll stay in-state. Clark is a wildcard as he has a high ceiling but low floor. If he can stay locked in his senior season and be more consistent every snap, you could argue he's the best player in this class.

[VimSince03]

Right now if there was a kid who could jump into the rare category with a great summer camp circuit at FBS schools is Hayden Hanks. We rarely have athletic defensive lineman built like him in Montana but I would bet a lot of money that a FBS school would be too afraid to offer a Class B kid from this state. They barely pull the trigger on AA talent.

[VimSince03]

If you want a WR, OL, or DL, the cupboards are full in-state with this class. Narrative has been Montana doesn't produce any real big kids anymore but that may be a thing of the past after these last few recruiting cycles in-state.

[BelligerentBobcat]

If you want a WR, OL, or DL, the cupboards are full in-state with this class.

There’s A LOT of size out there. Way more than in recent years. Have no idea if they’re good or not, but I’m seeing a lot of size.

[VimSince03]

If you want a WR, OL, or DL, the cupboards are full in-state with this class.

There’s A LOT of size out there. Way more than in recent years. Have no idea if they’re good or not, but I’m seeing a lot of size.

Vigen said he wants more "bigger framed" defensive lineman. Not necessarily need to be over 300 lbs. as SDSU and NDSU win from the interior with 270-285 lb. lineman for a decade now. Not all need to be DT's either.

[Montanabob]

If you want a WR, OL, or DL, the cupboards are full in-state with this class.

There’s A LOT of size out there. Way more than in recent years. Have no idea if they’re good or not, but I’m seeing a lot of size.

Vigen said he wants more "bigger framed" defensive lineman. Not necessarily need to be over 300 lbs. as SDSU and NDSU win from the interior with 270-285 lb. lineman for a decade now. Not all need to be DT's either.

As in height and wing span with muscle and speed between 250 and 285....

[VimSince03]

If you want a WR, OL, or DL, the cupboards are full in-state with this class.

There’s A LOT of size out there. Way more than in recent years. Have no idea if they’re good or not, but I’m seeing a lot of size.

Vigen said he wants more "bigger framed" defensive lineman. Not necessarily need to be over 300 lbs. as SDSU and NDSU win from the interior with 270-285 lb. lineman for a decade now. Not all need to be DT's either.

As in height and wing span with muscle and speed between 250 and 285....

Bingo

[rollo_tumasi]

I dont know if you're into ranking kickers, but Jacob Kauwe from West High is registering on radars outside of Montana...

[VimSince03]

I dont know if you're into ranking kickers, but Jacob Kauwe from West High is registering on radars outside of Montana...

I've never ranked kickers or punters since 2016. But Jacob and Ryder Barinowski from Whitefish are receiving kicker recruiting interest.

[Travelingcat]

1st, thanks for doing this-- it's an awesome resource.

2nd (and this is just an observation, not a question or criticism)--- there seems to be more small school and less AA talent than you've listed the last couple of years.

3rd (as someone who watched a lot of Gallatin FB last year) would agree re: Floor/Ceiling on Clark and think that it would not surprise me to see Woodberry get an offer from the Cats. He played injured a lot of last year and both ways (including out of position for most of the year on OL) and was still really good (and his dad was a good player for the Cats). Probably some other Gallatin players who merit mention given that they lost only a few players (and no prospects above NAIA) from a team that made the AA semis. Wolfgang fits the Melo frame in that he was undersized but insanely productive Donaghey (super-physical) and Mounts, among others, would also be worth watching.

Also, know he will just be entering his Junior year, but wondering if you have any thoughts on Brady Casagranda, who has been starring for Bozeman since his Freshman year.

[VimSince03]

1st, thanks for doing this-- it's an awesome resource.

2nd (and this is just an observation, not a question or criticism)--- there seems to be more small school and less AA talent than you've listed the last couple of years.

3rd (as someone who watched a lot of Gallatin FB last year) would agree re: Floor/Ceiling on Clark and think that it would not surprise me to see Woodberry get an offer from the Cats. He played injured a lot of last year and both ways (including out of position for most of the year on OL) and was still really good (and his dad was a good player for the Cats). Probably some other Gallatin players who merit mention given that they lost only a few players (and no prospects above NAIA) from a team that made the AA semis. Wolfgang fits the Melo frame in that he was undersized but insanely productive Donaghey (super-physical) and Mounts, among others, would also be worth watching.

Also, know he will just be entering his Junior year, but wondering if you have any thoughts on Brady Casagranda, who has been starring for Bozeman since his Freshman year.

I think the AA talent is still strong but Class A is getting beat out by B/C this year.

Woodberry has great tape as a linebacker but the height always comes into play right? I think shorter linebackers are starting to make a comeback anyway so if Joshua keeps doing his thing hopefully an offer comes his way.

Brady is currently the #1 player in the 2025 class and I'm actually surprised the Cats or Griz didn't just offer his older brother Jake as a recruiting tool (Jake also is a decent football player). Another player to circle for 2025 is Ben Winters out of Kalispell Glacier (6'4", 300 lbs. - OL/DL).

[Travelingcat]

Thanks for your thoughts--- based on the tape you've seen so far does Casagranda fit more into the "blue chips" or "rare ones" category?

[VimSince03]

Thanks for your thoughts--- based on the tape you've seen so far does Casagranda fit more into the "blue chips" or "rare ones" category?

Blue Chip but if his defensive numbers continue to improve and he keeps growing (currently 6'0", 195 lbs.) I think he'll pop at larger camps. But I think two things are holding him back from the rare category and that's his height and top-end speed. A player comp for him is Nolan Askelson.

[Travelingcat]

Thanks for your thoughts--- based on the tape you've seen so far does Casagranda fit more into the "blue chips" or "rare ones" category?

Blue Chip but if his defensive numbers continue to improve and he keeps growing (currently 6'0", 195 lbs.) I think he'll pop at larger camps. But I think two things are holding him back from the rare category and that's his height and top-end speed. A player comp for him is Nolan Askelson.

That's interesting that you see Askelson as a comp. Even though he wasn't a full-time starter he was the one defensive player who really stood out for me last year in that he made some really fast and violent tackles.

Obviously, he has some other limitations not apparent to folks like me, but he seems like a guy who plays hard and fast and has a lot of upside.

Also, interestingly, Winters has a profile at NFL Draft Diamonds!

https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2023/0 ... e_vignette

[GoCats18]

I dont know if you're into ranking kickers, but Jacob Kauwe from West High is registering on radars outside of Montana...

This kid is a stud. I have seen him at several kicking camps and he is a legit kicker. I think he could easily end up going FBS though.

[PapaG]

Might have one nephew (2026) throwing to his brother next year in Kalispell for Glacier depending on who of two sophomores replaces Sliter at QB.