Griz closing out spring ball, putting fundamentals at the forefront

With a week's worth of R&R under their belts during spring break, the Montana Grizzlies returned to the field Monday under sunny skies in Missoula to get the final two weeks of spring ball underway.

It may seem like you just blinked and the season had started, but with eight of UM's NCAA-allotted 14 practices in the books, Montana is looking to finish strong with the annual spring game right around the corner on April 8.

So, how's it been going?

Head coach Bobby Hauck opened the spring period with a primary focus: player development. Getting the young guys reps and new guys time to learn the system. And so far, the Griz have earned passing marks.

"It goes really fast. I think the enthusiasm has been great. Our guys are into the spirit of improvement and learning football," said Hauck.

"We're playing a lot of young guys every day, and sometimes it's a little hard to watch, but it's beneficial. If what I believe to be true, you get better at football by playing it. All of them are improving. I think they've embraced that, and I'm seeing improvement across the board."

While names you know like Marcus Knight and Nick Ostmo are practicing, they're still not at 100-percent. Meaning, more reps at running back have been doled out to young guys like Colter Janacaro, Isiah Childs, and Xavier Harris.

At receiver, targets like the rangy Ryan Simpson and Nick Williams have seen increased balls thrown their way, as has the speedy sophomore Aaron Fontes, with senior Malik Flowers moving into a leadership role with the group.

Defensively, all-everything safety Robby Hauck has continued to be a field general this spring, marshaling around youngsters like Ryder Meyer and TJ Rausch in the backfield.

At linebacker, the tall task of filling Jace Lewis' shoes is also being competed for with the likes of sophomore Ryan Tirrell and Tyler Flink.

That's just a small sampling of the names that people may not know yet, but after this spring season will be in a better position to see the field in the fall.

"I wouldn't say we're game-ready with our young players, but they're closer than they were when we started. We need to continue to improve the fundamentals. The scheme part I don't worry about, I think they'll eventually grasp that as we continue to install and continue to wrap it, but we've got to continue to improve our fundamentals. And that's what the next two weeks will be," said Hauck

Another position on everyone's mind this spring the competition to find Montana's next starting quarterback after the loss of Cam Humphrey to graduation.

Sophomore Kris Brown, who earned four starts last season as a freshman, has been taking the bulk of his reps with the ones. San Diego State transfer Lucas Johnson has also been in the mix with the ones and twos as he learns the offense. Also earning reps and looking to move into the depth chart is last year's Scout Team Player of the Year, Daniel Britt.

All three have shown flashes of brilliance, both with the ball in hand and throwing the deep ball. But Hauck says he needs to see more to make a final assessment in the competition. That is, again, what spring ball is all about.

"I think each individual has had some good days and some days weren't as good. I think we've got a good competition going there. And I'm excited to continue to see the development after spring break," Hauck said.

SPRING GAME: The Grizzly Spring Game heads to Hamilton on Friday, April 8, with kickoff from the HHS Athletic Complex set for 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 31, is the final day to purchase your tickets in advance from the Grizzly Scholarship Association and have them shipped to your door. Seating is limited at the stadium and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ordering in advance is recommended to ensure you get a seat.

Click HERE to order your tickets today.

Remaining seated and standing room tickets will be available at the door.

University of Montana Athletics

Griz closing out spring ball, putting fundamentals at the forefront

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Players Mentioned

Daniel Britt

Kris Brown

Isiah Childs

Tyler Flink

Malik Flowers

Aaron Fontes

Xavier Harris

Robby Hauck

Cam Humphrey

Colter Janacaro

Lucas Johnson

Marcus Knight

Jace Lewis

Ryder Meyer

Nick Ostmo

TJ Rausch

Ryan Simpson

Ryan Tirrell

Nick Williams

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