Roster

• LS #48 Jaden Mueller (6-1, 205, So)
• K/P #10 Hunter Dustman (6-3, 230, Jr)
• K/P #97 Luke Fenton (6-0, 185, Fr)
• K #99 Jack Green (6-3, 195, RFr)
• K #96 Zach Brummels (6-4, 190, Fr)
• P #47 Michael Drotzmann (6-3, 210, Jr)

The Jackrabbit specials were solid during the fall 2022 season. The Jacks don’t need to be spectacular in this third of the game but they do need to be competent and not “lose” in this area. The group graduated two really solid specialists and it will be interested to see how the Jacks move forward.

In the spring season, due to injury, the long snapping situation was a challenge. That was solidified last fall by the return of All-American Bradey Sorenson but he is now graduated. Jaden Mueller filled in admirably for a few games before he was lost with a knee injury. It’s exciting to get Jaden back into the full because he was a highly recruited long snapper who really works hard to perfect his craft. It appears that for field goals and extra points, Keaton Heide will be the holder and that is a role that he is excellent at. As the team breaks in a new kicker, having a good long snapper and a good holder ensures that the operations of the attempt will at least be solid.

Speaking of the kicker, Hunter Dustman may become the Jacks first dual kicker/punter in the D1 era. When I visited with Coach Erickson, he mentioned the mental and physical strain that happens when one individual is expected to handle all three roles because the motion and mechanics are so different for all three. Dustman was a highly regarded punter and kicker coming out of high school so it’ll be interesting to see how it goes early in the year. The Jacks did have two kicks blocked in 2021 so it would be nice to see better protection overall. Erickson said that Jack Green has really improved in his time on campus and that it is all coming together. Zach Brummels continued the Brandon Valley pipeline to SDSU and has a big leg with accuracy.

Last year with Cole Frahm and his big leg, the Jackrabbits were mostly able to decide if they wanted a touchback or if they wanted to try to pin their opponent inside the 20. He had 99 kickoffs and 48 were a touchback. As long-time readers are aware, kicks out of bounds really boil my blood (last year we had 3) so let’s hope that Dustman (or whoever handles the kickoff duties keeps that in mind this season). Luke Fenton has a really big leg and could be utilized as a kickoff specialist at times this season.

Dustman handled the punting duties last season where he enjoyed a 42.4 yard average on 32 punts. He had a long of 59, only had 1 touchback, forced 11 to be fair-caught and landed 13 inside the 20. These are pretty good numbers but I think it is the overall consistency that can improve. Dustman is uber talented as evidenced by his 7 that traveled 50+ yards. Michael Drotzman is really punting the ball well according to Erickson and there may be opportunities for him this fall.

The return duties were wide-open when I spoke to Erickson before camp. Tyler Feldkamp had an up and down freshman season as a punt returner but really flashed the potential to be a high-end return guy. He had 12 returns with a long of 14 yards. What impressed me is his maturity and ability to get under punts and not let them role 10-20 yards further downfield. This is a tough job and one that I do not envy. Devon Cole and Tim Croskey were other players mentioned who may have a shot at this job. Landon Wolf started last season as the punt returner against Colorado State but I’m not sure we’ll see him back there again this year.

The kick return duties were again primarily handled by Feldkamp but he was also joined by Amar Johnson in this role. Feldkamp had 14 returns with a 17.7 yard average and a long of 41. Amar had 6 for a 17-yard average and a long of 29. Jadon Janke is also a threat in the return game and he had 8 returns for a 25-yard average including a 44 yarder. Isaiah Davis is also an excellent kick returner and he will be utilized in certain situations if the moment calls for it.

The coverage units are led by Payton Shafer. He is such a smart and physical player and he plays with such passion. I think he has become Jackrabbit fans favorite special teams ace following guys like Dalton Cox, Don Gardner and Preston Tetzlaff. Another player who I really loved last year was Kevin Brenner. The big man is a maniac on special teams and his relentless play really stood out. Saiveon Williamson was really playing well on special teams and on defense during the spring season. He is just another big bodied, athletic dude who can make plays. Other guys who I’d watch out for include Daeton Mcgagughy, Matthew Durrance, Tim Croskey, Abe Hoskins, and Steven Arrell. They all have physical attributes and abilities that make them a weapon on the coverage units.

At the start I mentioned this group doesn’t have to be “great” but I sure think they can be. Dustman showed plenty last year, the return game with last years’ experience should only improve, and the coverage units are filled with freaks and players who give 100% effort. I really think this specialist group can be special in 2022.

Go Jacks!

Matt