Jeff Choate hints that QB Troy Andersen will play linebacker in 2019

On the heels of National Signing Day, Montana State’s defense could receive another addition — but this time, from within their own team. Troy Andersen, the Bobcats’ starting quarterback in 2018, will apparently be taking reps as a linebacker come spring camp. After signing 15 new players to his 2019 roster, Montana State head coach Jeff Choate also hinted at Andersen moving to the defensive side of the ball on Wednesday. “If there’s one position on our defense to keep an eye on, in terms of who the next impact guy is, you know, talk to (linebackers coach Bobby Daly),” said Choate. “He will have it dialed. He’s the happiest guy in this room, he’s got an impact guy in there right now so, he’s got 15 (Andersen) back there with him so he better not screw that one up. Or (offensive coordinator Matt Miller) will just take him back, right Matt?” While high school athletes transition from offense to defense nearly every change of possession, collegiate players rarely switch sides during their games or during the season. Andersen played both running back and linebacker during his freshman season, before winning the job as the starting quarterback for his sophomore campaign in 2018. The Dillon native rushed for a program-record 21 touchdowns and earned a unanimous selection as a First Team All-Big Sky Conference player after leading the Bobcats to their first playoff win in six seasons. While Choate has not made any statements about who would take Andersen’s reps at starting quarterback, fans should expect an open competition between Tucker Rovig, Casey Bauman and 2017 starter Chris Murray. Only time will tell if Andersen will continue to hone his craft on the defensive side of the ball or continue his career behind center when spring ball commences in March.