I don’t know if fans have much understanding of how much goes into recruiting for college athletic teams, especially football where the numbers are so high.

While the proof is always in the pudding, it sure looks like new head coach Robin Pflugrad and his staff used the r0ughly three-week period they had to put together a whale of a recruiting class. I use the word whale because of the sheer size of some of the linemen who signed on the dotted line.

I like the size not only of the offensive linemen but also of the new wide receivers. And it sure looks like they’ve made serious strides to keep the quarterback position solid for a few years to come.

I also like the fact that physicality was a prime concern for incoming recruits, regardless of the positions they will play here. It’s something that Montana football has had, especially over the past 24 years, with some of the best blocks and hardest hits being leveled by some of the smaller players.

The never-ending need for increased team speed is something this staff obviously is well aware of, and something they addressed with this group as well.

I’m sure many people are disappointed with the small number of Montana kids signed with the main class (3 of 19), but don’t read that as a lack of interest on the part of Pflugrad or his assistants. They know how important it is to Montana fans to have Treasure State players on the roster and on the field.

Hopefully this year’s Montana “shortfall” will be addressed through the walk-on program, which has produced its fair share of stars for Grizzly football, the most notable of late being Marc Mariani.

I can’t wait for spring ball and the 2010 season!

- Bill Schwanke