BOZEMAN — With Troy Andersen switching to linebacker in 2019, Montana State football fans can expect a much different passing scheme from the offense this season. Starting quarterback Casey Bauman will have plenty of talented receivers to choose from, like seniors Kevin Kassis and Travis Jonsen, along with rising stars Lance McCutcheon and Willie Patterson, who Kassis believes will be a huge part of the offense.
“It just feels like we got some older guys in there that have contributed, even Willie," Kassis said. "I think he’s going to have a big role this year and it’s going to be fun.”
First-year wide receivers coach Erik Frazier is ready to utilize every weapon at his disposal to make big plays and put big points on the scoreboard.
“The vertical pass game, when you hit those deep shots downfield, it can demoralize a defense and gives us momentum and breaks their backs," said Frazier. "It’s a game changer.”
The hiring of Frazier this offseason started to pay off immediately. Everyone is invested with what he brings to the table.
“It really starts with their leader, coach Frazier. I mean, he has the right mindset of what we want that wide receiver group to play like, and those guys have totally bought into that," said offensive coordinator Matt Miller. "And I love how they’re playing with that type of effort and type of urgency and they're making plays down the field, too, which always gives confidence to that quarterback.”
“He has brought a lot of techniques, like learning the receiver position, and what I like about him, he focuses on the little details because the little details make the bigger picture," added Jonsen.
And the big picture for this year’s offense will involve a lot of Jonsen. But if you asked him about his role, he’d tell you it’d be whatever helps the team, and backup quarterback Tucker Rovig can attest.
“When I step away from football one day, Travis is going to be a guy I remember for the rest of my life," Rovig said. "Just his complete dedication towards the team itself. Coach always talks about team unit. Travis always puts the team first. That is something I will admire about that guy until the rest of my life.”
