By Danny Waldo
A pair of offensive stalwarts and an up-and-coming playmaker on defense earned preseason recognition at the annual Big Sky Conference media days in Park City, UT recently.
Seniors JP Flynn and Chad Newell were each tabbed as Preseason All-Big Sky First Team selections on offense, while junior Mac Bignell was the ‘Cats lone representative on the All-Big Sky defensive team following a superb sophomore season. For Flynn, this is his third consecutive year landing on the all-league team, while Newell and Bignell both make their first appearance.
Flynn has been a mainstay on the Bobcat offensive line since showing up on campus back in 2012 out of Bettendorf, IA. And while he battled injuries throughout the 2015 season, he was one of the main reasons for the explosion on offense that MSU experienced in the past two seasons, serving as record-setting quarterback Dakota Prukop’s primary protector at the offensive guard position. He will be counted on even more in 2016 to anchor an offensive line that will welcome four new starters.
Chad Newell has done a little bit of everything for the Bobcats in his first three seasons, serving on special teams and filling a number of roles in MSU’s offense. Last season, Newell led Montana State in rushing yards, finishing with 831 and 12 scores, while combining with backfield mate, Gunnar Brekke to haul in 52 passes, as well. His steady contributions will be expected as MSU breaks in a new quarterback and offensive coordinator.
Bignell announced his arrival on the Bobcat defense with a bang, literally, flattening a Fort Lewis running back and becoming an Internet sensation in the opening game of the 2015 season. But his production didn’t stop there, as the junior from Drummond went on to lead the team in tackles with 101, including 20.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Bignell was arguably the most productive player on a Bobcat defense that was sorely lacking in the playmaking department last season.
Flynn, Newell and Bignell will all have to have big seasons again in 2016 if the Bobcats are to get back to their winning ways after a disappointing 2015 season.
