Jeff Bolton, poised to be drafted in a high round, could be Wood River High School's first-ever National Football League player next fall.
First, Montana State University senior Bolton took care of business by ending his collegiate football career in high style Nov. 19 at Bozeman, Mt.
This year's starting offensive center for the Bobcats, 6-4, 302-pound Bolton played a big role as Montana State (7-4, 5-2 conference) dominated arch-rival University of Montana 16-6 before 15,327 fans at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.
MSU's offensive line anchored by Bolton rolled up 199 rushing yards and 370 yards of total offense in the season-ending victory.
Four days later Bolton earned First Team All-Big Sky Conference honors for the second consecutive year. Bolton, 21, was a three-year starter at three different offensive line positions—guard, tackle and center—during his outstanding career at Montana State.
The son of Bob and Carol Bolton also earned MSU's Dennis Erickson Offensive Coaches Choice Award in 2004 and was second-team Associated Press All-America last season.
After his performance against Montana, Bolton was named Division 1-AA Lineman of the Week by Don Hansen's Football Gazette—an honor he captured for the second straight week. Bolton graded out at 99% by the Bobcat coaches in MSU's domination of the Grizzlies.
Bolton played football, basketball and baseball for Wood River High School and was the football team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.
