Cat star Jefferson shows versatility (From Tribune)

KGKat · Post by **KGKat** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:33 am

Might the Montana State Bobcats take a look at lining up talented wide receiver Michael Jefferson in the backfield?

Well, it wouldn't be the first time the 6-foot-2, 203-pounder has played back there.

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"I actually played a little running back in high school," said Jefferson, who is from El Paso, Texas. "We ran an option package."

Jefferson, who set a Montana State record last week with 305 all-purpose yards in the Bobcats' 42-35 victory at Idaho State, is a versatile player who runs especially well after the catch. He leads the Big Sky Conference in receiving (771 yards, 8 TDs) and last week scored touchdowns on end-around rushing plays that covered 57 and 10 yards.

Jefferson, a long strider with 4.5-second speed in the 40, has also been used on kickoff returns this season. It's his receiving ability that's truly special. He was named national Division I-AA player of the week Monday by several organizations

"Mike's showing the Big Sky Conference what we see every day in practice," said MSU cornerback Kory Austin. "He deserves all the praise in the world."

Austin is a junior with a lot of experience as a starter. And how does he do in practice against Jefferson?

"I don't like to press him too much because he's a big guy," said Austin. "But it's hard to play off him because he's got so much speed. I'm just happy to see him giving corners in the conference as hard a time as I have in practice."

Other BSC notes from Mansch & Giese @

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/p ... /610260323

vike_king · Post by **vike_king** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:35 am

Shouldn't that be Northstar Cat??????

KGKat · Post by **KGKat** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:28 am

I haven't been back since it became Northstar - and Knight Kat just doesn't have the same ring to it. I am glad I wasn't involved in the whole consolidation process, either. Imagine the Cats/Griz combining - that was the rivalry level the highschools had when I was there.

vike_king · Post by **vike_king** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:30 am

KGKat wrote:I haven't been back since it became Northstar - and Knight Kat just doesn't have the same ring to it. I am glad I wasn't involved in the whole consolidation process, either. Imagine the Cats/Griz combining - that was the rivalry level the highschools had when I was there.

I hear ya, I am about 30 miles west of your old school.