Michael Jobman understands that nothing lasts forever. Montana State endures even if coaches come and go.
The Huntley Project High School senior gave his verbal commitment to become a Bobcat even when MSU did not have a coaching staff. Montana State is where he wants to study agriculture and play college football. He knew he would find a way to play for anyone who took over the Montana State program.
[restrict paid=”true”]“It was kind of crazy thinking about all of that but I had some time to think about it and with my family, I talked about it with my dad, coaches come and go in college football all the time,” Jobman said. “That didn’t make me too nervous. I knew they would end up hiring the right coach in the end. And they did. I took it because I know what I want to study and I know I want to be in Bozeman.”
Jobman held an offer from Montana State entering his senior season for the Red Devils. When Rob Ash was fired on November 23, his assistants stayed on staff on an interim basis. During the uncertain time, Montana State linebackers coach Kane Ioane stayed in consistent contact with Jobman.
Jobman gave his verbal commitment to Ioane on December 3. Montana State hired Jeff Choate on December 4. Ioane learned he would be retained on December 7.
“Coach Ioane is an awesome and it’s been awesome to get to know him,” Jobman said. “It was awesome that they kept him on staff, someone I’m familiar with. That helped with my decision as well.
“I’m excited about Coach Choate. I think he’s an excellent football coach. Sounds like he’s a fiery guy and I’m excited to play for him.”
The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder earned Class B first-team All-State honors as a linebacker each of the last two seasons as the Red Devils played for back-to-back state titles. Huntley lost to undefeated Fairfield 27-14 on November 21 despite a touchdown catch from Jobman. Offensively, Jobman was a standout at tight end, wide receiver and running back. He rushed for 1,026 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. He averaged 6.3 yards and scored 13 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Jobman caught 73 passes for 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns during three varsity seasons.
He will play defensive end at Montana State. As a linebacker, he notched 56 tackles and nine tackles for loss as a sophomore. He racked up 92 tackles and six tackles for loss including a sack. As a senior, he notched 101 tackles and seven tackles for loss, including two sacks. He forced three fumbles and blocked two punts in his career.
“I played a little bit of defensive end last season but I’ve played mostly linebacker. Defensive end is exactly what I’m looking to play,” Jobman said. “I have a lot of weight I still have to put on but I’m excited for the challenge.”
Jobman is also a standout basketball player. Huntley Project is 4-4 this winter. The Red Devils play rival Shepherd and Colstrip this weekend.
Jobman is one of 10 players who were verbally committed to MSU before Choate’s hiring. The group included in-state prospects Sean Opland of Troy, Karl Tucker from Great Falls CMR, Jake Sessions from Colstrip, Jered Padmos from Boulder and Derek Marks of Belgrade.
Each of the in-state prospects committed while Montana State endured its first losing season since 2001. Each expressed surprise when Rob Ash was fired after nine seasons at the helm, a stretch that included three Big Sky Conference titles, four playoff appearances, 70 wins and seven losses to the rival Montana Grizzlies, a team that also recruited Jobman.
“Coach Ash was a really good guy and I thought he was a really good football coach too,” Jobman said. “It was sad to see him go. But that business is pretty cutthroat. But it was pretty sad.”
This weekend, the Bobcats will bring the first of three groups of prospects to Bozeman for their official recruiting visits. A group of prospects including Jobman and six other recruits who are already verbally committed will be joined by a group of uncommitted players like Lawndale, California quarterback Chris Murray, Lancaster, California offensive lineman Taylor Tuiasosopo, Sammamish, Washington quarterback Blake Gregory, Helena High defensive end Chase Benson and Helena Capital defensive end Cole Rosling.
“I haven’t talked to most of those guys being on the east side,” Jobman said. “The kid from Colstrip, Jake Sessions. I’ve talked to him a little bit. But not too much since all of this has happened. I’m excited to meet all these guys that are coming too.”
Jobman said he leaned toward MSU since beginning of the recruiting process mostly because of Montana State’s reputation for strong agricultural education. He said he felt a sense of relief after his first chance to experience Choate’s contagious enthusiasm.
“I’m very excited about this,” Jobman said. “Not everyone gets a chance to play for the Bobcats. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play. I’m excited to come be a Bobcat this fall.”
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