Handful of young talents showing promise as Jackrabbits look to continue NFL pipeline
BROOKINGS — In recent years, South Dakota State has earned a reputation as a ‘Tight End U,’ recognized for developing elite talent at what has become one of the most dynamic positions in modern offensive football.
Former players Dallas Goedert and Tucker Kraft were drafted in the second and third rounds, respectively, and are now impactful in the NFL. Rookie Zach Heins is currently at training camp with the LA Chargers, while Steve Heiden, who played during the Division II era, enjoyed a lengthy NFL career. Numerous other tight ends may not have reached the highest level but significantly contributed to the Jackrabbits.
Currently, however, this position group is experiencing a transition at SDSU.
The Jackrabbits have an impressive total of 10 tight ends on their preseason roster, but collectively, they have recorded just three receptions in their careers.
Kevin Brenner, who plays a hybrid H-back role, is the only senior among the group, while the other nine are all freshmen or sophomores. Despite being a veteran in his sixth year with the program, Brenner spent his first three years as a defensive end.
This means the group is quite inexperienced.
Should this raise any concerns? Not at all. The tradition of strong tight end play at South Dakota State is set to continue in 2024.
“Fans might anticipate a drop-off this year,” Brenner notes. “But they wouldn’t believe the talent we have here. These guys are ready.”
Davin Stoffel, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound redshirt freshman, is starting to stand out as a potential key receiving tight end. However, it’s evident that the talent at this position goes beyond just a few players. Head coach Jimmy Rogers is known for being discerning with his praise, yet he has hardly been able to hide his enthusiasm for the tight end group since spring practice. Without mentioning specific names, he suggested that there could be as many as three players with future NFL potential in this group.
“We’ll see how good they really are once they demonstrate they can make plays in live situations, but the potential is immense,” Rogers stated. “I won’t compare them to some of the best we’ve had here, but they possess an incredible skill set and are all very physical.”
Alongside Stoffel, there are three sophomores: 6-7, 245-pound Brody Gormley, 6-6, 240-pound David Alpers, and 6-4, 235-pound Greyton Gannon, as well as redshirt freshman Joey Neumann. Additionally, a trio of highly-rated freshmen joined them in the latest recruiting class.
Their size and athleticism are impressive, but each player brings unique skills, adding diversity to the group. The Jacks experimented with three and four tight end sets in 2022 with Kraft, Heins, Brenner, and Mike Morgan, and it seems they might explore similar strategies again. Even if they don’t go that route, it’s evident that the Jacks will utilize various formations with multiple tight ends. The key will be how quickly they can grasp the schemes.
“We’re progressing together,” Stoffel said. “We have many players who can make plays, and we’re all supporting each other as we get into the rhythm. Having diverse talents makes it easier to excel in situational football, and it also allows us to cheer for one another when we’re not on the field.”
Brenner is ready to take on a mentoring role this year. Having won two national championships, he notes that most tight ends on the roster have never experienced a loss as a Jackrabbit. At some point, they will face challenges, and Brenner, who refers to himself as the ‘grandpa’ of the group, believes it’s his responsibility to prepare them for those moments. So far, they’ve made it easy for him.
“It’s a group that stays motivated,” Brenner said, praising tight ends coach Chris Meyers. “I don’t have to constantly push them. They’re catching on quickly, and their confidence grows with each practice.”
With Ryan Olson taking over as the new offensive coordinator and the departure of key players like top rusher Isaiah Davis and leading receivers Jadon and Jaxon Janke, there are multiple questions surrounding the offense, particularly regarding tight end roles. This adds an element of uncertainty about the Jacks’ offensive scheme and ball distribution. However, the return of quarterback Mark Gronowski alleviates some concerns, and the young tight ends recognize the importance of the senior quarterback’s leadership as they acclimate to the offense.
Expectations are set high, and the tight ends are aware of this. The team has achieved 29 consecutive wins and secured back-to-back national championships, while their position has produced three NFL players in less than ten years.
“There’s a standard we’re all striving to maintain,” Stoffel said. “Many of us in this room are aiming for that level of excellence, and I believe there are those who can reach it.”
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