Lights loaded at receiver as the building process continues

As a young football team last season, the Montana State University-Northern Lights have experienced players returning at a number of positions.

Yet, in terms of talent and production coming back, it's hard to compare any group of players to what the Lights have coming back at wide receiver.

And while Northern suffered some losses there too, MSU-N returns one of the most productive wideouts in the Frontier Conference in Bryce Bumgardner. Another one of Northern's leading pass catchers, Marvin Williams, is also back, setting the stage for what could be a prolific passing attack.

"I think that we have some more experience and more depth honestly," Bumgardner said. "Last year, most of the spring we had four or five receivers and this spring, we have nine and honestly, it sounds cool to take all the reps, but at the same time, you get gassed and it's hard to keep to continue to go full speed and so I think our effort is better."

One of the big differences this spring for Northern is the fact that the Lights are getting used to a new quarterback. Redshirt freshman Brenden Medina was part of the rotation last fall, but things have changed. He's now the only quarterback, which has given guys like Bumgardner and Williams a chance to develop a rapport with Northern's likely starter next fall.

"Brenden has done a really good job," Bumgardner said. "He is just stepping up into that role and making it his own. But he has made huge strides and I don't think there has been really any hiccups with the position. We all know he can make the plays. He is dropping dimes and putting the ball right in our chest. He's still a freshman and there is a lot of pressure there I'm sure, but he has handled it really well."

"He's been really impressive," Williams added on Medina. "We know that he can make all the throws, and it has been great to be able to build that chemistry."

One thing that has helped Medina's transition is having experienced pass catchers like Bumgardner, who was among the Frontier leaders in receiving yards last season and actually 17th nationally in receptions and 25th in yards. In addition to Bumgardner, the Lights return their other top three pass catchers from last season in Williams, rising sophomore Keagan Stroop and running back Jett Robertson.

Robertson has been bothered for most of the spring with an injury, but Bumgardner, Williams and Stroop have each stood out, but with the addition of others like Tim Robinson, Cal Holgate and the healthy return of Jake Horner, the Lights aren't just talented at wide receiver, they are deep, too.

"We have a lot of guys that are capable of going out there and making plays," head coach Andrew Rolin said. "Marvin has been having a really good spring and Bryce has been out there making plays. Those guys have been doing what they do and some of these other guys have come in and added some quality depth."

Depth is a good thing to have but impact plays are an essential part of winning football games and last season, Bumgardner was the Light's go-to guy, hauling in 65 passes for 871 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 79 yards per game, and one of his best attributes is his ability to win jump balls down the field. It's something he has done frequently this spring, too, as well as finding the end zone.

"It's something that our coaches really demand of us," Bumgardner said. "I think part of it is my competitive nature. I want to come down with the ball but that's something these coaches have really instilled in us, too. I just have to give a lot of credit to my coaches.'

No matter who gets the credit, Bumgardner's increase in production was impressive, catching 48 more passes and racking up 597 more yards receiving than he did in 2017 when he caught one touchdown.

Williams and Stroop also combined for 60 receptions and four touchdowns last season and now, in their second year in Rolin's system, each will try to make a similar leap in production to Bumgardner.

"Last year I was just trying to find my role in the offense," Williams said. "I really just had to figure out what to do and how to get comfortable within the offense and now it has allowed me to be a lot better. The key for me is just knowing what I'm doing."

Whether it's Williams, Bumgardner, Stroop, Robinson, Horner, Holgate or another newcomer, Hunter Lane, the Lights have a lot of guys shining this spring and with all they have to offer, they hope to drive defenses crazy.

"As a group, I think we all have our strengths," Williams said. "Every receiver in this group has something different to offer. Tim (Robinson) with his size and his strength, Hunter (Lane) being able to go get those difficult balls and (Jake) Horner doing that, as well, and running those quick routes. Bryce is out there making big plays. I think we all just compliment each other really well. We hold each other accountable and after practice, we are always doing things for dropped ball and stuff and as a group, I think we are really trying to be great."

The Lights will wrap up spring football this Saturday with their annual spring game at the MSU-N practice field.