He’s still got two years of eligibility and returns after leading the Jacks to a second straight national championship in January. He said in April he would return for one more season with SDSU.
BROOKINGS — Mark Gronowski is returning for his final season at South Dakota State. Despite having two years of eligibility remaining, he chose to come back for one more season in blue and yellow after leading the Jackrabbits to a second consecutive national championship in January.
While some may see this season as a farewell tour, Gronowski views it differently: he’s a quarterback with a mission.
The 6-foot-3, fourth-year player from Naperville, Ill., has consistently put in the effort each offseason since debuting as a true freshman in the spring of 2021, but this year has been particularly productive. Named the 2023 Walter Payton Award winner as the FCS player of the year, Gronowski attended the Manning Passing Academy, where he trained with Peyton, Eli, and several NFL coaches, and played alongside top quarterbacks from across the country. He gained around 10 pounds, arriving at fall camp at a solid 233 pounds, resembling a defensive end more than a quarterback. Since practice began, he’s been throwing fast and accurate passes all over the field.
Now considered the best player in the country, Gronowski’s performance has impressed his teammates, who are in awe of his arm strength, accuracy, footwork, and overall physicality.
How good can he be this year? The possibilities seem limitless.
“He’s making some incredible throws in camp,” said safety Tucker Large. “He’s been great, and he looks even better. He’s going to have a huge year.”
That’s certainly the aim. Gronowski might take his talents to an FBS program next season, and if he plays his cards right, he could be ready for the NFL.
Last year, he completed 68% of his passes, throwing for 3,058 yards and 29 touchdowns while only tossing five interceptions. He also rushed for 402 yards and eight touchdowns. Over his career, Gronowski has amassed 7,590 passing yards and 70 touchdowns, along with 1,387 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. He holds a remarkable 37-3 record as a starter and has two championship rings, with the pursuit of a third being a major reason for his return to SDSU.
“The national championship,” Gronowski stated, “is the biggest achievement and the top goal for me and our team.”
This sentiment is genuine. Having already won two national championships, the Walter Payton Award, and a couple of Valley offensive player of the year titles, Gronowski has little left to prove at the FCS level.
However, both national championship teams boasted NFL-caliber talent at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and on the offensive line. Critics might argue that Gronowski has had an easy path at SDSU.
He could put that argument to rest with another stellar season.
“He stayed here for a reason,” said coach Jimmy Rogers. “He’s aware of how some view last year’s team and his success in relation to his surroundings. But he’s demonstrated that he’s as good as any quarterback in the country.”
Rogers didn’t specify, but it seemed he was comparing Gronowski to quarterbacks beyond just the FCS level. The Jackrabbits firmly believe their QB can compete with anyone in college football, and Gronowski feels the same way.
Attending the Manning Passing Academy allowed him to measure himself against top talent and connect with some legendary NFL figures.
“It was incredible,” Gronowski said, noting he roomed with Rocco Becht from Iowa State, Donovan Smith from Houston, and Graham Mertz from Florida during the camp in Louisiana. “Competing with those elite quarterbacks was fantastic, and I was able to forge relationships and ask questions to Peyton and Eli Manning. I even met Bill Belichick and Sean McDermott, soaking up as much knowledge as possible.”
“It was an excellent chance to see how my throwing stacked up against SEC, Big 12, and ACC players, and I believe I can hold my own with any of them.”
When Gronowski returned to Brookings three weeks after his time in Louisiana, it was clear he had become a better version of the player who won MVP in the national championship game.
He looked bigger, his passes were more precise, and they definitely had more velocity.
Despite the change in offensive coordinator, with Ryan Olson taking over for the departed Zach Lujan, Gronowski is stepping up to take a bigger role in leading the offense. With eight new starters and guard Mason McCormick no longer calling protections, this is crucial. Gronowski looks physically sharper than ever and has a better grasp of the offensive scheme.
“He’s really understanding the game and using his skills to outsmart the defense,” Rogers noted. “He can still run effectively; weighing in at 230 pounds, he’s tough to bring down and remains composed under pressure.
“Having someone like him who stays calm and can deliver accurate passes where the defense can’t touch them—he’s primed for the next level. But he needs to lead us for one more year.”
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