Rolovich, Carpenter battling it out for starting MSU QB

For The Daily Inter Lake

BOZEMAN - For the record, Montana State University quarterback Cory Carpenter gets it.

"I don't know if it's pressure, but I know the whole state of Montana is watching to see what's going on," said the fourth-year junior Thursday.

MSU's fall-camp quarterback competition is between Carpenter and Hawaii transfer Jack Rolovich.

The two juniors began spring camp and now fall camp battling to replace four-year starter Travis Lulay.

Head coach Mike Kramer likes the progress the two have made, but says each has "miles to go. Neither one has been a Big Sky Championship-level quarterback," Kramer said. "Neither one has led a team out of the huddle, down the field, and into the end zone during a (Bobcat) game. They each have a lot of work ahead, but they each have a great opportunity."

MSU offensive coordinator Don Bailey's early impression of the quarterback battle brewing in fall camp is that there isn't yet much of an impression.

"They are both capable guys," Bailey said. "They both look good. They both have work to do."

Carpenter enters fall drills first on the depth chart at quarterback, but both players understand the competition is essentially open. Bailey said determining a starter comes down to one essential issue.

"We're just looking for consistency," he said, "play in and play out."

Bailey analyzes each player's technique and technical progress daily.

"Footwork is half the battle to playing quarterback," he said. "We look for footwork to the right route, footwork to play action. Are your feet set, are you transferring your weight, are your hips turned to the target? You need to do those things right consistently."

While both players have a considerable amount of work to do, the challenge facing each is different. While Rolovich gained experience at Hawaii, it doesn't necessarily translate to Bailey's system.

"The drop-back in general is something I have to get used to," Rolovich said after spending three seasons in Hawaii's shotgun system. "Seven-on-seven helps you make reads, but it's hard to get a feel of the right footwork and playing in the pocket without being in (game-like situations)."

Carpenter continues to seek consistency using any means possible.

"Taking reps is really the only way to get there," Carpenter said. "Watching film helps. I've been working with Donnell (Wheaton), Ty Lulay, Mike Brown, working on getting the timing down with the receivers."

Kramer said the successful quarterback candidate will need something more than physical ability and mental acuity.

"It has to be metaphysical, almost," Kramer said. "The ball has to have already left his hand (in his mind) as it is being snapped."

While acknowledging the long road MSU's starting quarterback, whoever it may be, must travel, he knows the team will arrive at its destination.

"Both guys are trying very hard," Kramer said. "At some point this fall we will be a very good football team that is ably led by its quarterback. But we have a lot of work ahead of us."

The academic ineligibility of defensive lineman Chris Kolone - his status for the fall is being evaluated - has Dylan Kinkelaar running with the first unit.

"That's good for Dylan," Kramer said of the redshirt sophomore from Winifred. "He's working hard."

But the shuffling in the defensive line and the emergence of transfer linebackers Reyshawn Bobo and Will Claggett has Kramer pondering mathematical equations.

"I don't want us to abandon our whole system, but we will have to play (Bobo) a lot, and Claggett will need to play some," Kramer said. "So we have five linebackers that can play, and two proven defensive linemen up and going. We'll have to see how that shakes out."

On paper, Montana State's receiving situation looks like a question mark. On the field, it looks altogether different.

"It looks like we have a nice combination of guys that are coming along," Kramer said. "Josh Lewis is fast, and he's learning. Deon Toliver has really had a nice couple of days. He learns quick, and he doesn't make the same mistake twice."

Add in Arizona transfer Michael Jefferson, UNLV transfer Donnell Wheaton, returner Mike Brown, and redshirt freshman Derek Green, and the Bobcats have a combination of speed and size at receiver unprecedented in recent years.

"We really have some talented guys at receiver," Carpenter said. "And some pretty fast guys."