Note: All photos are from Hanna Owens of The Owens Effect. Be sure to support her work! This article is a combination of thoughts from guest contributor, Josh Hofman, and Matt Tollefson.
The Jackrabbits recognized an incredible group of seniors this weekend. The way they elevated the program simply cannot be overstated. With over 50 wins, The Jackrabbit 2023 senior class will leave as the undisputed greatest senior class in history in terms of win-loss record (for now). For a lot of them, the 5-6 years many of them have given to this program have raised the bar to heights we dreamed about but doubted it would come true. Multiple conference titles, deep playoff runs, memorable games, unheard of depth, difference makers both on and off the field, as well as most notably the first national championship in program history. For this article I will be going through number by number each senior.
1 Jadon Janke
Josh: I’m writing this whilst watching the YSU game. His stat line so far is 6 catches for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jadon has been a big play threat since the day he stepped on the field. His ability to block will also be missed. I remember him being a lead blocker on multiple touchdown runs in the playoffs as he would come in motion and I knew where it was going. Yet we still ran it right at the opposition and would come away with a touchdown. Being a local kid from Madison is also hopefully inspiring the next
generation of young Jackrabbits.
Matt: I remember when Jadon and Jaxon signed in the late signing period and I remember thinking, “How were these guys still unsigned?” It came out later that coaches didn’t really know if they wanted to play basketball or football at the next level. Also, the story about Jimmy wanted them to play linebacker for the Jacks is pretty funny. The broken tackles and blocking effort that Jadon has are something that all Jackrabbit wideouts should aspire to. His big games over the past few weeks have been incredibly timed!
2 Isaiah Stalbird
Josh: I remember when he transferred to SDSU from Nebraska after being a PWO for the Big Red. One time, I was in class with him and he was a little late. The professor (Mrs. Tracy Nelson shoutout if you’re somehow reading this) joked that it was some sort of chemistry class, but she then said what the class actually was and he came in. Similar to what you need with some classes, Stalbird is such a quick learner as he did transition from safety to linebacker and it seemed like such a natural fit.
Matt: Isaiah felt like such a gift from Nebraska when he transferred to SDSU. His ability to play safety and linebacker was so impressive and it really took our defense to a whole different level. Seeing him elevate his game this season and become elite has been a treat. I don’t know what his future plans are but I hope he takes a shot at the NFL.
5 DyShawn Gales
Josh: DyShawn is going to make a difference somewhere. He always cared about how you were doing in class. As for on the field, DyShawn plays his heart out and commits 100% to what he does. I think of the pick 6 he had at UND back in 2022 how it took the team and inspired the furious comeback.
Matt: DyShawn is one of my favorite stories from this class. A former quarterback who walked onto the team as a cornerback that didn’t know how to backpedal but would eventually become an All-MVFC cornerback is hard to imagine. However, DyShawn did it. His playmaking ability is tremendous but it is his run support and hard hits that I will remember.
6 Saiveon Williamson
Josh: Saiveon was always a player I wanted to see the field but he battled injuries. However, when injuries occurred he was ready and stepped up. It’s been fun to see his progression from a special teams savant to big time playmaker on defense.
Matt: Saiveon came to SDSU as a safety but it became apparent pretty quickly that he was still growing and was destined to become a linebacker. I remember when I was doing my position previews and Jimmy said something to the effect of “If Saiveon ever figures it out, watch out!” Thank God something clicked because his impact on the program over the past two years is hard to quantify. He stepped up as the middle linebacker while Adam Bock has been out and the defense hasn’t missed a beat. In the spring season, Williamson was a special teams ACE before getting injured in the national championship game. Saiveon is a great story of hard work and perseverance!
10 Jaxon Janke
Josh: From a punt returner who would be a boom or bust option, to one of the more consistent WRs in school history, Jaxon showed that he can be a dynamic player on any level of the field. His size and athleticism will be missed as well as the versatility he brought to the offense. He was a true #1 WR for the QBs, possessed a willingness to block, and was always a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Matt: Everything that I had about Jadon transfers to Jaxon as well. I think another thing about both of them is how much fun they have playing football. The celebrations and dances after the touchdowns are fun to watch and you can tell it is just pure joy. Jaxon just has made big play after big play throughout his career as a Jackrabbit. I’m excited to see how he finishes his career as a Jackrabbit.
11 Jason Freeman
Josh: Jason is one of the, if not the, best stories on the Jackrabbit roster. He came from NAIA ranks and got on the coaches radar because he is cousins with DyShawn Gales. He has turned these humble beginnings to being a starter and even was named as one of the possibilities for the top FCS defensive players by FCS Fans Nation’s own, Jamie Williams, last week.
Matt: I remember being on the sideline for one of Jason Freeman’s first games in Brookings. The sound that the pads made when he hit people just sounded different. MVFC offensive players have felt that pain for the past two seasons. Everything I have learned about this guy is impressive. His ability to come in an learn a complicated defensive system and translate it to still playing fast on the field is virtually unheard of. I’m thankful for his two years in Brookings!
22 Isaiah Davis
Josh: For all things good and holy, I am still shook how Isaiah Davis’s only D1 offer was SDSU. 8 yards per carry anywhere but particularly down in Joplin, MO should get you some looks from schools down there. But it didn’t matter. I am very thankful for Isaiah’s hardworking attitude and bull-nosed running style. I am anxious to see how this translates to the NFL as the coaches and media constantly rave about how he works harder than everyone else, and with that being said, he will succeed in any situation he finds himself in.
Matt: It became abundantly clear that Isaiah was going to be a dude when he showed up to prospect camp and defenders were unable to tackle him. I could never understand how this guy had so few other offers to go play ball. Just watch the tape! That was reinforced with his effort in the spring playoffs and culminated with the stiff arm in the National Championship game. Isaiah’s effort and the professional approach he takes to keeping his body healthy is something that I hope many many more generations of Jackrabbits copy. Wherever he ends up after the draft, they are getting a tremendous player and person.
34 Michael Morgan
Josh: When a fullback after Luke Sellers emerged on the roster, I immediately became a fan. So when he makes a big play TD in the national championship game and no one is within 4 yards of him, it gets etched in your brain forever. His versatility will be missed and he knows what his job is and it always feel good to see him get rewarded with targets.
Matt: The Swiss Army Knife! Mike did it all for the Jackrabbits. His catch in run in the National Championship is the play I think I will always remember from that game. It felt like the dagger that had finally slayed the Dragon. I didn’t learn/realize until this fall that Mike came to Brookings as a walk-on as well. What a selfless individual who has continually done the dirty work throughout his career in Brookings.
48 Quinton Hicks
Josh: Q has been part of the chain gang rotation every year he’s been here which says a lot for how deep it is and that not many guys find the rotation right away anymore. His strength, leverage, and leadership will be missed next year.
Matt: I knew I was going to like Q when he came to prospect camp expecting to workout as a linebacker but was asked to play defensive end. He did so well that he was offered a scholarship and then committed right after. His joy for the game of football and for his teammates is palpable. His impact as a pass rush specialist as a true freshman was so cool to watch. I’m grateful for Quinton’s time as a Jackrabbit!
53 Caden Johnson
Josh: Tanner Castora (follow him if you haven’t) has said he plays with his hair on fire. A never give up and can do attitude is part of how you make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
Matt: As Josh mentioned about, Caden’s non-stop motor is how I think most fans will remember him. He has become a really good football for the Jackrabbits. However, it sure sounds like Caden is an even better person off the field. He’s a two time winner of the team’s Winston Wright award, which is given to a player who goes above and beyond in community service. I have also heard stories about his character off the field, doing what is right, and standing up for those in need. I wish we had him for one more year but I’m excited for whatever he does next.
60 Mason McCormick
Josh: An absolute mauler and mammoth of man who I would not make mad. Mason has been one of the best offensive linemen in school history and is a guy who can determine how the offense runs. He is also very disciplined and keeps cool but is honestly on the outside a guy who cares about more than just football.
Matt: Man, if I had to choose one player to ever have my back in a back ally brawl, it would be Mason. However, when you meet him off the field he is incredibly kind. I think of Mason as the “cheerleader” for this recruiting class. He was that guy on social media getting excited when guys committed and encouraging others to join in. That love for SDSU has continued because Tucker Kraft named him as a person who influenced him to stay at SDSU and not chase the NIL deals that were offered elsewhere. His tenacity and physicality that he plays offensive line with are qualities that will be hard to replace.
74 Garret Greenfield
Josh: Yes, there are some personal anecdotes in here but we need at least one more. I remember almost five and half years ago when I attended new student orientation over the summer leading up to attending SDSU. One of the guys at my table was a Garret. I didn’t expect him to see the field right away but I never could expected the outcome that was about to be revealed. He became an All-American, a guy who the Jacks could trust when the game was at its highest, and a guy who still wanted to prove that they could be better.
Matt: Garret was a really big signing for this class. He had interest from Power 5’s but stayed committed to SDSU throughout. He was an outstanding right tackle who became an elite left tackle over the past two years. His love for SDSU football and the #605Hogs brand is clear. I’m still waiting for him to catch a TD on some sort of tackle eligible play however. Again, I think if Garret gets a true shot to prove himself in the NFL, he will have a long and successful career.
78 John O’Brian
John: If I recall correctly, John thought his career was over after Bowling Green. Thankfully it was not! His improvement throughout the 2022 season has carried right over into 2023. Where would the Jacks be if they didn’t have him? Also, being the lone Michigan Jack on the roster and the fact I spent this summer working in Michigan made me happy.
Matt: John’s story ranks right up there with DyShawn’s in my opinion. As I have said on the podcast countless times, I don’t think we win the National Championship last year without John O’Brian at right tackle. His resilience in the face of adversity is something we all could learn from. His awful first half against NDSU in Fargo last fall, followed by an outstanding second half and national championship game is the thing that defines a career. John has been even better this season and I’m thankful he decided to become a Jackrabbit!
79 Jharret Bloomenrader
Josh: Jharrett is the one member of this class that I played competitively against. Although it was in high school, I knew this guy would be a beast and he has done what the coaches have asked and for all intensive purposes, exceeded expectations and also is part of how you can even be a small town kid and still make an impact for the Jacks.
Matt: I think many small town South Dakota farm kids grow up dreaming of becoming Jackrabbits. Jharret came in as a tight end but moved to offensive line after a few years. He probably never played as much as he would have liked but he stuck it out and I think that says something for his character. I don’t know what’s next for Jharret but I’m glad he realized that small town South Dakota dream of playing for the Jackrabbits.
87 Zach Heins
Josh: The man played a game on a broken foot. On a stinkin’ broken foot! His picture with crutches and a boot after the game while smoking a cigar is legendary! Oh, did I mention it was the National Championship game? This guy seems to keep fighting after every adversity you set his way. I hope he gets a chance to showcase his many talents on Sundays!
Matt: I think the first time I remember thinking this guy is going to be good was against the Gophers up at The Bank where he had just a single reception but it was for 13 yards and a TD. His size was unique, even at the FBS level. His blocking is so selfless and it is part of the reason why he has NFL teams interested in him. I’m grateful he came back for the 6th season and for all he has done over his career for the Jackrabbits.
92 Brian Williams
Josh: Transferring from a D2 power to an FCS power, Brian has poured his heart out as it pertains to being a Jackrabbit. He saw the rotation right away and always plays hard, and also is a difference maker off the field.
Matt: I’m grateful that Brian decided to join his friend Zach Wilson up here in Brookings for his final two years. I remember watching his highlight tape from Valdosta State thinking “this guy is an animal!” but his injury against Iowa kind of put a damper on his first season in Brookings. However, he has been able to showcase his talents fully this year. I think his ability to move so quickly laterally for a big man is something that makes him special. Again, good luck to Brian in whatever he chooses to do next.
94 Cade Terveer
Josh: Mr. December himself! Cade always shines the brightest when the spotlight is the brightest! He is smart and always plays with his motor in 5th gear, something that feels even higher when it gets to later in the year. He knows the game and will also always have a better flow than me. (Josh is bald, FYI).
Matt: I remember interviewing Cade over the phone for a commitment article I did and I just remember him being so matter of fact about his commitment to the Jacks. It was just a “Yeah, of course I wanted to be a Jackrabbit. Why would I go anywhere else?” Cade was a high motor rotational player early in his career but he has become an all around player over the last three. As Josh points out, his motor never stops and he has become “the guy” to get a sack when the team needs it this season. His three career interceptions may never be matched again by a Jackrabbit defensive lineman.
98 Ryan Van Marel
Josh: Ryan is such a great addition to the defense, his size and ability to create leverage makes the rest of the team look the part. He gives interior offensive linemen fits and is great at finishing plays, which is something very important when it comes to scrambling type QBs.
Matt: Ryan was a player who was almost NOT a Jackrabbit due to Iowa coming in and trying to flip him at the last moment. However, he stayed true to the Jackrabbits and has had a hell of a career. He has started for much of the past three seasons and has made impact plays when the Jacks need it. His ability to block kicks is really unique and will certainly be missed. As a defensive tackle, it is a challenge to really standout in the stat sheet but when you really focus in and watch Ryan, you see a player who is really challenging to move off of the line of scrimmage and who has contributed to the Jackrabbits being so dominant in goal line and short yardage situations.
Thanks for reading this far if you have. I want to thank all of these seniors for their contributions to the Jackrabbits both on and off the field. Their contributions should not go unnoticed even the ones that do not play as much or get the accolades that they deserve. Let’s give them our support and thank them for their loyalty and enjoy watching them get back to Frisco!
Go Jacks!
Josh
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Josh Hofman is 2023 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Sport and Recreation management. He currently is employed by Daktronics and enjoys volunteering with kids at church, golf, NASCAR, and slow cooking meats. Fun fact: He was the admissions office Jack the Jackrabbit.
