Center of attention: Glacier alumnus Joel Horn settles in as signal caller for Bobcats' offensive line

Joel Horn has touched the football more than any other player on Montana State this season, though you may not have noticed.

The redshirt junior center doesn’t get the accolades of some of his teammates at the skill positions but has quietly led the Bobcats stellar offensive line that lets those players flourish.

“It’s been pretty exciting,” Horn said. “It’s nice to be playing a consistent amount of reps again. It’s been a lot of fun, pretty stressful, all around a good time.”

In his first season as a starter, the stress wasn’t from opposing defenses, but from his own nerves entering Bobcat Stadium.

“The first time starting, obviously, you get those nerves coming in every game wondering if you’re going to make all the right blocks or get all the calls in, make sure you’re doing your job well enough to keep your teammates successful,” Horn said.

“Making sure all the other guys are able to score touchdowns and do their jobs.”

A “quarterback” of the offensive line, it’s Horn’s responsibility to call out pass protections and run blocking schemes for his fellow offensive linemen. It’s something that didn’t come naturally to the Glacier grad.

“When I first got moved to center it definitely didn’t (come easy),” Horn said.

“It took me quite awhile. About halfway through last season was when I finally started to be able to relax playing center. Being able to have the game slow down. It all started clicking and making sense for me.”

That understanding came through constant work by the civil and mechanical engineering double major.

“I go into each offseason expecting a battle for the starting spot,” Horn said. “I’ll just keep working hard and preparing like this isn’t my spot next year and see what happens.

“Even now (in season) I meet with (offensive line) coach (Jason) McEndoo to go over the stuff that I might need to know for a game.”

Even with two different starting quarterbacks and a constantly rotating backfield behind them, the Cats rank ninth nationally in total offense, seventh in rushing offense and third in passing completion percentage thanks in part to its solid offensive line.

With that foundation, MSU is staring down a spot in the FCS playoffs after missing out on the dance last year.

“Getting the starting spot has been my biggest acheivement this season,” Horn said. “I hate losing, so every win has been enjoyable.

“Obviously, we’re playing pretty well this season, so it’s pretty fun.”