Montana head coach Bob Stitt unveiled his second recruiting class Wednesday, welcoming 31 players to the University of Montana on national signing day.
The incoming class of 2016 is comprised of 23 high school seniors, and eight college transfers who will join the program in time for spring drills.
Stitt, who led the Grizzlies to the second round of the FCS Playoffs in his first year as head coach, unveiled one of the largest classes in program history, in terms of both numbers and physical size.
“Overall, I’m ecstatic. I couldn’t believe that our assistant coaches put this type of class together,” said Stitt. “Not only are they great football players, they are high character kids, high GPA kids that will go to class, guys who will be great teammates and guys that the coaches can really trust.”
In total, 15 offensive players, 13 defensive players and a pair of special teams players joined the program. Twelve states are represented in the class, stretching across the country from California to Virginia.
Twenty-two of the recruits are from the high school ranks while eight are transfers from other colleges.
Recruits from Montana included defensive lineman Trace Bradshaw of Bozeman, linebacker Trase LeTexier of Boulder, linebacker Jace Lewis of Townsend and wide receiver Jed Nagler of Whitefish and defensive lineman Cole Rosling of Helena.
“I feel like we got the best talent out of the state of Montana that we project to be great college players,” added Stitt.
Among the transfers, Montana gained a wide receiver from Nebraska. Lane Hovey is transferring to Montana for his final season. Nebraska Coach Mike Riley announced the departures on Wednesday.
Hovey started five of the Cornhuskers’ 13 games last season, catching 12 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Riley said Hovey left to pursue more playing time. He’s eligible immediately at the Football Championship Subdivision school.