MISSOULA — In front of more than 6,000 fans on a picturesque spring Saturday in Missoula, the Montana Grizzlies made a special announcement at halftime of their annual spring football game. Jesse Sims is the newest No. 37.
The Stevensville native is the 14th Grizzly to earn the right to wear the hallowed jersey since Plentywood native Kraig Paulson started the tradition of handing down the number to hard-hitting Montana products. Sims inherits the jersey from Tucker Schye, a defensive end from Malta who wore the jersey for the 2017 season.
Sims is the fourth straight defensive linemen to wear the jersey, following Schye, Helena’s Caleb Kidder (2015-116) and Missoula’s Zack Wagenmann (2014). Missoula’s Jordan Tripp wore the number in 2012 and 2013, broke up the string of defensive linemen as he followed East Helena defensive end Ryan Featherston (2011) and Deer Lodge defensive tackle Carson Bender (2008-2010). Sims is the eighth defensive linemen to wear No. 37 at Montana.
Sims, who previously wore No. 49, broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2016. A former Class A state basketball tournament MVP and a highly recruited tight end who originally committed to Oregon State out of high school made the move from end to defensive tackle where he has been an anchor for the Griz defensive line. He had 26 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack two seasons ago. Last season, he had 43 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks.
MALTA MOLDED: Schye shows pride in hometown while wearing No. 37
Sims is also regarded as one of Montana’s strongest players and top performers in the weight room. He earned the team’s “offseason MVP” entering his redshirt freshman season. The 6-foot-4, 272-pounder is one of the most physically formidable players on the Montana roster.
Montana’s No. 37 jersey
Tucker Schye | Defensive End | 2017 | Malta |
Caleb Kidder | Defensive End | 2015-16 | Helena |
Zack Wagenmann | Defensive End | 2014 | Missoula |
Jordan Tripp | Linebacker | 2012-13 | Missoula |
Ryan Featherston | Defensive End | 2011 | East Helena |
Carson Bender | Defensive Tackle | 2008-10 | Deer Lodge |
Loren Utterback | Linebacker | 2004-07 | Fort Benton |
Ciche Pitcher | Defensive End | 2001-03 | Anaconda |
Andy Petek | Defensive End | 1998-00 | Helena |
Jason Crebo | Linebacker | 1994-97 | Helena |
Todd Ericson | Safety | 1990-93 | Butte |
Tim Hauck | Safety | 1987-89 | Big Timber |
Kraig Paulson | Fullback | 1983-86 | Plentywood |
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