Meet The Griz: Former Montana QB Heads To Bozeman For A Huge Opportunity
Meet the Griz is a series that tells the stories of Montana Grizzlies athletes, coaches, and contributors. Here are some past "Meet the Griz" features:
Meet the Griz: The Inspiring Coach Who Runs A Half Marathon Every Month
Meet the Griz: Former Griz WR Keelan White Makes Impact In CFL Year 1
Meet the Griz: Tight End Evan Shafer - Trapped In An Offensive Player's Body
Meet the (Former Griz): Stephen F. Austin QB Sam Vidlak
Griz fans will be big Sam Vidlak fans this Friday night. Vidlak's Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks are travelling to Bozeman to play the #2-seeded Montana State Bobcats. Vidlak's return to the Treasure State.
"I would say it's the same process we've been sticking to each week, but there's an extra excitement for sure from our entire locker room, getting the opportunity to head north," Vidlak said on preparing for the Cats.
Vidlak dismissed any lingering hate for the Cats from his year at Montana in 2023.
"We're just really excited for the opportunity, but it's not for me. Everybody in Montana throws around the terms 'FTC' or 'FTG', it seems like all the time. For me, it's more so I'm focused on our group of guys and what we have to do rather than that mindset."
I joked with Vidlak that a fan suggested that if SFA knocks off Montana State, then Vidlak should raise the 37 flag pregame if SFA plays at Montana for a Semifinals matchup.
"That's funny. I'd definitely be excited about that matchup, so we'll see what happens."
Vidlak spent one season at Montana and played in the first 5 games, but eventually lost the starting job to Clifton McDowell. Vidlak decided to move on to Stephen F. Austin for his final two seasons, and they have treated him well.
This year, he was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year after being named Newcomer of the Year and a second-team all-Southland honoree last year.
"I couldn't have asked for a better fit here. I love the coaching staff here. It was a great fit from a scheme standpoint and a people standpoint."
We're happy everything came up Vidlak after he left Missoula. Good luck on Friday against the Cats, Sam. We'll be rooting for you in Missoula.
Check out the full conversation with Vidlak above.