BOZEMAN — Jeff Choate frequently emphasizes he believes recruiting is all about relationships. The previous associations with three prospects helped Montana State sign three transfers with FBS credentials during the first early signing period last week.
Choate came to Montana State after spending two seasons as the defensive line coach at Washington. He recruited defensive end Bryce Sterk to the Huskies from Lynden, Washington before taking MSU’s head coaching position later in 2015. MSU recruiting coordinator Michael Pitre first met Travis (Waller) Jonsen when the star quarterback was a freshman at Servite High in Anaheim, California. Running back Tyler Natee played quarterback at Euless Trinity High outside Dallas, the alma mater of a slew of great Bobcats including former Big Sky Conference MVP quarterback DeNarius McGhee, MSU’s current quarterbacks coach.
On Wednesday, the Bobcat coaching staff signed the trio of transfers along with Coffeyville College kicker Tristan Bailey, a quartet expected to add depth and competition to four key position groups.