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Isn’t it about time for a 37?

I almost like this more… more excitement and anticipation to see who is going to step up and be called upon to be the next great.
The sure fire guy probably would've been Jace Klucewich, had he not hung it up, right?

Also, I preferred the way it was when I was a kid and in college - given to an up and coming Montana player. Not just the "best" Montana guy who wears it for one or two years. My high school/ college days, it was Ciche Pitcher, Loren Utterback and Carson Bender, all of whom battled injuries. When Ryan Fetherston gave it to Jordan Tripp, it all sort of changed after that and went to the best defensive guy from Montana who was an upper classmen.

If it went back to the old way, my vote would be for Clay Oven. He's a stud and if he stays on his same trajectory & stays healthy. he'll be a monster sooner than later.
 
The obvious answer is Rausch. He likely has more live game snaps under his belt in this D than all the other candidates combined (Huff, Cutler, Leonard, Detrick, and Oven).
Has any other candidate even started a game?
 
The obvious answer is Rausch. He likely has more live game snaps under his belt in this D than all the other candidates combined (Huff, Cutler, Leonard, Detrick, and Oven).
Has any other candidate even started a game?
Maybe - but then you're back to handing it off again next year. Would rather see a Montana kid that you know is starting to come into his own and carry the tradition for multiple years than a senior. More of 'be our leader for the next few years' instead of 'thanks for what you've done to get us here'. Oven is popping out of his pads - had to put on 20 in the off season. And flying all over the field. Hope he's the 37.
 
Your “requirements” or what you personally prefer does not matter one iota.
Fact is, based on recent history (the last 10 or so exchanges), it always goes to the best senior defender from MT based on results proven during games. Not potential. Not young bucks. It has not gone to an under class men in about two decades.
How does the saying go? “The pride and tradition will not be entrusted to the timid or weak.” The current owner does not want to be the one known for giving it to someone who does not play or has not earned it on the field.
But who knows? That’s what makes this tradition so fun. Maybe I will be surprised. It’s all Gradney’s choice after all and he could play favorites.
My guess is Rausch based on past play, and the only real runner up would likely be Leonard. I suspect Gradney would give it to someone in the secondary.
 
Your “requirements” or what you personally prefer does not matter one iota.
Fact is, based on recent history (the last 10 or so exchanges), it always goes to the best senior defender from MT based on results proven during games. Not potential. Not young bucks. It has not gone to an under class men in about two decades.
How does the saying go? “The pride and tradition will not be entrusted to the timid or weak.” The current owner does not want to be the one known for giving it to someone who does not play or has not earned it on the field.
But who knows? That’s what makes this tradition so fun. Maybe I will be surprised. It’s all Gradney’s choice after all and he could play favorites.
My guess is Rausch based on past play, and the only real runner up would likely be Leonard. I suspect Gradney would give it to someone in the secondary.
The reality is there are only a couple requirements, of which you want to add several of your own.
 
Your “requirements” or what you personally prefer does not matter one iota.
Fact is, based on recent history (the last 10 or so exchanges), it always goes to the best senior defender from MT based on results proven during games. Not potential. Not young bucks. It has not gone to an under class men in about two decades.
How does the saying go? “The pride and tradition will not be entrusted to the timid or weak.” The current owner does not want to be the one known for giving it to someone who does not play or has not earned it on the field.
But who knows? That’s what makes this tradition so fun. Maybe I will be surprised. It’s all Gradney’s choice after all and he could play favorites.
My guess is Rausch based on past play, and the only real runner up would likely be Leonard. I suspect Gradney would give it to someone in the secondary.
This isn’t true. Welnel over O’Connell, Janacaro over Hill to name a couple.
 
Your “requirements” or what you personally prefer does not matter one iota.
Fact is, based on recent history (the last 10 or so exchanges), it always goes to the best senior defender from MT based on results proven during games. Not potential. Not young bucks. It has not gone to an under class men in about two decades.
How does the saying go? “The pride and tradition will not be entrusted to the timid or weak.” The current owner does not want to be the one known for giving it to someone who does not play or has not earned it on the field.
But who knows? That’s what makes this tradition so fun. Maybe I will be surprised. It’s all Gradney’s choice after all and he could play favorites.
My guess is Rausch based on past play, and the only real runner up would likely be Leonard. I suspect Gradney would give it to someone in the secondary.
You're making up requirements that are not a thing. The sooner fans stop treating it like the preseason Montana-born defensive MVP award, the better.

IMO, of course.
 
The sure fire guy probably would've been Jace Klucewich, had he not hung it up, right?

Also, I preferred the way it was when I was a kid and in college - given to an up and coming Montana player. Not just the "best" Montana guy who wears it for one or two years. My high school/ college days, it was Ciche Pitcher, Loren Utterback and Carson Bender, all of whom battled injuries. When Ryan Fetherston gave it to Jordan Tripp, it all sort of changed after that and went to the best defensive guy from Montana who was an upper classmen.

If it went back to the old way, my vote would be for Clay Oven. He's a stud and if he stays on his same trajectory & stays healthy. he'll be a monster sooner than later.
Agreed. With the way 37 has been marketed, it seems there may be pressure to pick a guy that is sure to succeed and be on the field at least 80% of the defensive snaps. I'm okay if it's a 37 who's on the sideline for much of the year. Let him come into his own.
 
Guys, wake up. It ain’t me. I’m not adding any requirements. I’m recognizing the reality of recent history. It’s how the tradition has developed. You seem to be the ones applying some subjective nostalgia requirements from decades ago. Times changed.
Try this: it goes to one of the best junior defenders from MT. It’s that simple. I know that’s not the actual requirement but it has been true for several years now. Sometimes there are multiple options. This year it looks like there is only one. Maybe 1.5
 
The tradition is so special because no one...and I mean zero people have a say in the matter except the sitting 37. There is no committee, no fan vote, and no media pole.

37s choose 37s. That's it. He can choose who he wants. Period.

We'll all cheer our asses off for whoever it is...
 
There are only 1.5 Montana kids playing on the defensive side of the ball?
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