Evan Epperly didn’t have a problem getting on the field in his record-setting football career at Glacier High School.

In fact, the Wolfpack coaching staff had to find plays to give him off, as the three-year starter garnered first-team all-state honors on offense, defense and special teams in his final season in Kalispell. A talented cornerback, wide receiver and kick and punt returner, Epperly’s speed and savvy made him a dangerous weapon for Glacier. He helped guide the school to its first top-seed in the playoffs, its first semifinal appearance and its first trip to the state finals.

His exploits and accolades made him an easy offer for the University of Montana coaching staff.

But even the most decorated recruits have to work their way onto the roster.

After a redshirt season in his first year in Missoula, Epperly has only found spot time on special teams this year, playing in two games on kickoff coverage: at Liberty and at home against North Dakota.

The transition is tough, but one he was prepared for.

“It’s definitely different,” Epperly said.

“At this level, you just want to get on the field in any way possible. Whether that’s getting in on special teams or whatever, I just want to get on the field.”

Since settling in Missoula, where he is studying to become a teacher and a coach — a profession that runs in his family — Epperly has moved inside on defense, transitioning to safety from a prep career on the edges playing cornerback and receiver.

“It took a little time to adjust to playing safety,” Epperly said. “It’s the first time in my football career I’ve played safety. It took some adjusting to learn how to play the position.

“I feel like with a couple years of playing the position, I’m pretty comfortable and confident in my ability to play at this level.”

The big adjustments were both physical and mental as he got acclimated to the speed of the college game.

“It’s a lot faster, guys are a lot bigger,” Epperly said.

“You go from playing 18-year old kids to playing against grown men real quick. The physicality and the speed of the game, once you get a hang of that, it’s the mental part of the game. You have to pick up on that fast. Learning the defense, becoming an expert on the defense, learning offenses, coverages, offensive formations. There’s a lot bigger mental side to football at this level that takes a lot for young guys to pick up on.”

He’s had help along the way. The veteran Griz secondary corps has been there every step of the way.

“All the older DBs are great and encouraging,” Epperly said. “If I have a question about the defense or something on offense, they’re pretty helpful. Really I try my best to learn from the older guys.

“We have a good group of seniors in the secondary this year. I just try to pick their brains and learn as much as I can from them.”

While he waits, he’s been there for some exciting finishes. He was on the sidelines when the Griz opened the season with a stunner against then-No. 1 North Dakota State, the defending national champions, and the team has made a late charge for the playoffs, including an improbable finish at Idaho State, winning on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown.

Montana’s push towards the postseason ends this weekend against Montana State, a game that will see Epperly standing opposite from six former teammates on the Bobcats.

All that said, he knows the hard work will eventually pay off.

“It’s a process that every college football player goes through,” Epperly said. “You start at the bottom and you have to work your way back up.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge that I embrace. It’s fun to go out there and compete every day knowing what you’re working for.”