Tre’Von Strong is heading to the Pac 12.
The former Montana State cornerback declared his intent to pursue a transfer from MSU on December 14. On Monday, Strong announced his intention to transfer to Utah on Twitter.
“The time for my decision has come, I have decided to continue my CFB career @ the university of Utah ????⚫️ thank you for the love and support,” Strong posted on Twitter around 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon. The tweet was accompanied by a University of Utah logo.
Strong did not return a text message from Skyline Sports requesting an interview as of publication. According to Greg Rachac of the Billings Gazette, Strong will join the Utes as a walk-on. He is in the process of applying and earning admission in hopes of joining the team for spring drills.
Former Montana State defensive back Tre’Von Strong/by Brooks Nuanez
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound sophomore unexpectedly broke into Montana State’s starting lineup as a true freshman defensive back. During eight games as a starter, he took his lumps in the offensively prolific Big Sky Conference and improved as the 2015 season went on.
In the first game of his sophomore season, the Billings Skyview product gave up two explosive pass plays in the first half. But the talented cornerback showed his growth as a player during the second half of a 20-17 loss at Idaho to open the Jeff Choate era. On a fade pass intended for Idaho standout tight end Deon Watson, the same pattern the 6-foot-4 senior beat Strong with in the first half, Strong adjusted and snared a key interception that kept the Bobcats in the game against the FBS Vandals.
The moment served as the high point in Strong’s Bobcat career. That career came to an end four months later.
“My life in Bozeman and career as a bobcat is over. Time to move on to the next opportunity,” Strong posted on Twitter at 4:04 p.m. on December 14.
A Montana State official confirmed Strong leaving the program, adding he wanted “a fresh start.”
Strong’s strong start to the 2016 season faded during the second half of the campaign. Strong notched two solo tackles in a 27-24 win over Bryant the week after the 20-17 loss at Idaho. Strong started against Western Oregon but did not record a statistic. He made one tackle against North Dakota in MSU’s Big Sky opener. He notched four tackles at Sacramento State before losing his starting spot.
Redshirt freshman Chris Harris made his first career start in MSU’s 20-14 loss to Northern Arizona. Harris started against Weber State, the last game Strong appeared in, and against Eastern Washington. Naijiel Hale, a transfer from Washington who missed the first two months of the season, earned his first start against Southern Utah. Junior Bryce Alley started against UC Davis and Hale returned to start in MSU’s season-ending win over Montana.
Strong came to Montana State after earning Class AA second-team all-state honors for the Falcons. Strong finished 2016 with 13 tackles, an interception and a pass breakup. He finishes his Bobcat career with 13 starts, 33 tackles, the Idaho pick and seven pass breakups.
Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
