Quarterback Justin Lamson has propelled the Montana State University (MSU) Bobcats to the NCAA Division I Football Championship, set to take place on January 15, 2023, against Illinois State University. Lamson, who previously played for Syracuse University and Stanford University, has emerged as a key player, showcasing his skills with a remarkable performance throughout the season.
A Journey of Determination and Resilience
MSU head coach Brent Vigen has a long history with Lamson, dating back to 2019 when he was scouting high school talent. Vigen recalls, “Justin was a high target of ours, and I had a chance to go to Sacramento, to his high school, talk to his coach, see him throw, get to know him.” At the time, Vigen served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Wyoming. However, by the spring of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted recruitment efforts, limiting Vigen’s ability to connect with potential players.
Despite initially considering Wyoming, Lamson made the decision to commit to Syracuse, stating, “I had a great time in Syracuse, learned a lot.” After transferring to Stanford in 2023 and playing as a backup quarterback, he faced challenges, including a coaching change at Bowling Green that prompted him to explore new opportunities.
From Transfer Portal to Championship Game
After committing to the Falcons, Lamson found himself in a tough situation when head coach Scot Loeffler left to join the Philadelphia Eagles. In search of stability, Lamson began observing MSU’s spring drills, eventually earning the starting quarterback position during fall camp.
Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “I really felt like I had a challenging fall camp. I actually didn’t feel like at the start of fall camp I was playing my best football; I felt like our defense was challenging me a lot.” As the season progressed, Lamson found his rhythm, contributing significantly to the team’s success. With 24 touchdown passes and only three interceptions, he has also added 14 rushing touchdowns, making him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Coach Vigen expressed pride in Lamson’s journey, stating, “It was the way the story was meant to be written. For it to come back to fruition the way it has, I’m just grateful that things work out the way they do.” As the Bobcats prepare for their championship showdown, Lamson’s evolution as a player and leader stands as a testament to his resilience and dedication.
The championship game is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN, giving fans a chance to witness Lamson’s remarkable journey culminate on one of college football’s biggest stages.
