Preparation is the name of the game for Montana State's Michael Jobman. The redshirt sophomore out of Huntley Project, a class B Montana school, has bounced between the Mike and Will inside linebacker positions throughout the 2018 season. Alternating between the two positions certainly isn't easy, and it was clear after talking with him he has been putting in the work.
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Immediately, you can tell when talking to Jobman that he takes his preparation seriously. He explained to me each week he spends all his free time watching film on the upcoming opponent, trying to put himself in the linebacker position so he can know precisely what to expect.
"I need to know nothing they can show me is going to surprise me," he said. He emphasized that his extensive preparation helps him play fast and loose on game day, which is exactly how he likes to compete.
When it comes to game time Jobman is always thinking. He walked me through his thought process before each play: "Pre-snap you have to identify the formation, get the call and know what your reads do. Based on your reads you have to know exactly what to do in pre-snap, and you have to know what you’re thinking they’re going to do and be ready for it."
This week the Cats take on Cal Poly, another Big Sky Conference opponent who could be a challenge defensively. Jobman spoke to this, pointing out, "You go from playing Idaho State's spread offense last week to a triple option this week, and it’s totally different."
He also added the Cats did see a similar offense in Kennesaw State last year. He went on to say, "It's going to be fun."
Beyond football, Jobman attributes his success to his parents, Randall and Christy Jobman. Both were college athletes. His mom played basketball at Nebraska Wesleyan and his dad played football for Nebraska during the late 80s when the Cornhuskers were a perennial national title contender. Because of his parents' experience playing college athletics, Jobman said, "My parents are always there to support me. With their athletic background in college it has helped me through any tough times. And they are always there to push me to get better and have the right mindset going into everything."
Saturday's contest is going to be a grind for the Cats, but one thing is for sure — Jobman is ready.
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