Football ’24: South Dakota State goes for the threepeat

BROOKINGS — With a remarkable 29-game winning streak, a season opener against a Top 25 Big 12 team featuring a Heisman candidate, and a farewell tour for the reigning Walter Payton Award winner, South Dakota State’s 2024 season promises to be captivating.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Jackrabbits:

Last Year
The Jackrabbits completed an undefeated 15-0 season, securing their second consecutive FCS championship under coach Jimmy Rogers. They dominated their opponents with a total score of 560-139, triumphed in the playoffs with a combined score of 146-15, and saw several offensive stars get drafted, with a total of eight players joining NFL camps.

Who’s Gone
The team has lost several key players, including running back Isaiah Davis, offensive linemen Mason McCormick, Garret Greenfield, and John O’Brian, wide receivers Jadon and Jaxon Janke, tight ends Zach Heins and Mike Morgan, linebackers Isaiah Stalbird and Jason Freeman, defensive linemen Cade Terveer, Quinton Hicks, and Ryan Van Marel, along with cornerback DyShawn Gales.

Who’s Back
Quarterback Mark Gronowski returns for his final season, having won the Walter Payton Award as the top FCS player. Last year, he threw for 3,058 yards and 29 touchdowns while also rushing for 402 yards and eight touchdowns.

Also returning are running back Amar Johnson, who rushed for 801 yards, center Gus Miller, guard Evan Beerntsen, wide receiver Griffin Wilde with 20 receptions for 399 yards and six touchdowns, linebackers Adam Bock (65 tackles, two sacks) and Graham Spalding (35 tackles), cornerback Dalys Beanum (29 tackles, five interceptions), defensive tackle Jarod De Priest, and safeties Tucker Large (49 tackles, four interceptions), Cale Reeder (58 tackles), Colby Huerter (42 tackles), and Matt Durrance, along with kicker/punter Hunter Dustman.

New Additions
Tight end Davin Stoffel has the potential to be a standout player. Offensive tackle Sam Hagen, who transferred from rival North Dakota, is anticipated to provide strong performance as a starting tackle.
Additional newcomers include wide receiver Elijah Ervin from Snow College, linebacker Hudson Metcalf from Colorado Mesa, and defensive tackle Kobe Clayborne from Northwest Missouri State.

Other Changes

Coaching Changes
Offensive line coach Ryan Olson assumes playcalling responsibilities as coordinator, assisted by quarterbacks coach Danny Freund, who was previously the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at UND. Quentin Christensen, who served as a sixth man on the offensive line last season, is now the starting left tackle, tasked with protecting Gronowski’s blind side.

Best-Case Scenario
The revamped offensive line excels, the new skill position starters maintain seamless performance, and Gronowski cements his status as the top player in FCS with his finest season yet. The defense remains nearly unbeatable, leading the Jacks to a third consecutive championship.

Worst-Case Scenario
The offensive line struggles without McCormick and Greenfield, the new playmakers fail to match the production of the departed stars, and Gronowski feels pressure without his previous supporting cast. Although the defense remains solid, it can’t achieve last year’s level of dominance, causing the Jacks to drop to third in the Valley and miss out on a trip to Frisco.

Realistic Goal
Despite a significant number of graduations, the Jacks begin the season ranked No. 1 in FCS. While not winning a third consecutive national championship may not be seen as a complete failure, it would still be disappointing.

They Said It
Linebacker Aaron Kusler: “The pressure to repeat as champions is evident. That’s a fact. But for us, it’s all about the daily work. We focus solely on the next game and aren’t looking past Oklahoma State.”

Linebacker Graham Spalding: “Our offense is as explosive as ever. Throughout my six years here, I’ve faced plenty of NFL talent, and this offense feels just as fast and physical as any we’ve had.”

Head coach Jimmy Rogers: “Our culture stems from the strong relationships built here, and it reflects the players’ desire for something greater than themselves. This place is unique. Year after year, our players enjoy being here and want to succeed together. There’s no ego at any level. When your best players are also your hardest workers, that’s a recipe for success.”

Opener
August 31 at Oklahoma State.