Tre’Von Strong unexpectedly broke into Montana State’s starting lineup as a true freshman defensive back. During eight games as a starter, he took his lumps in the offensively prolific Big Sky Conference and improved as the 2015 season went on.
In the first game of his sophomore season, the Billings Skyview product gave up two explosive pass plays in the first half. But the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder showed his growth as a player during the second half of a 20-17 loss at Idaho to open the Jeff Choate era. On a fade pass intended for Idaho standout tight end Deon Watson, the same pattern the 6-foot-4 senior beat Strong with in the first half, Strong adjusted and snared a key interception that kept the Bobcats in the game against the FBS Vandals.
The moment served as the high point in Strong’s Bobcat career. That career came to an end on Wednesday afternoon.
MSU cornerback Tre’Von Strong/by Colter Nuanez
“My life in Bozeman and career as a bobcat is over. Time to move on to the next opportunity,” Strong posted on Twitter at 4:04 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
A Montana State official confirmed Strong leaving the program, adding he wanted “a fresh start.”
Strong’s strong start to the 2016 season faded during the second half of the campaign. Strong notched two solo tackles in a 27-24 win over Bryant the week after the 20-17 loss at Idaho. Strong started against Western Oregon but did not record a statistic. He made one tackle against North Dakota in MSU’s Big Sky opener. He notched four tackles at Sacramento State before losing his starting spot.
Redshirt freshman Chris Harris made his first career start in MSU’s 20-14 loss to Northern Arizona. Harris started against Weber State, the last game Strong appeared in, and against Eastern Washington. Naijiel Hale, a transfer from Washington who missed the first two months of the season, earned his first start against Southern Utah. Junior Bryce Alley started against UC Davis and Hale returned to start in MSU’s season-ending win over Montana.
Strong came to Montana State after earning Class AA second-team all-state honors for the Falcons. Strong finished 2016 with 13 tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.He finishes his Bobcat career with 13 starts, 33 tackles, the Idaho pick and seven pass breakups.
Strong is the third known departure from the Bobcats. Junior linebacker Blake Braun medically retired. Redshirt freshman safety Sidney Holmes asked for his release. MSU graduates 14 seniors from the 2016 roster and holds verbal commitments from 18 incoming players.
Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
