The Jackrabbit linebacker group is the deepest position on the roster. The Jacks return 7 guys with starting experiencing. Playmakers. Difference makers. Big hitters. Ball hawks. Whatever you want to call them, the Jacks have a bunch of good ones! In my conversation with Coach Bobbit it was obvious that he is excited about this group and the defense as a whole. There are a lot of experienced players on defense and a lot of young talent chomping at the bit for their shot. The coaching staff has the difficult task of threading the needle and making sure that the young guys are worked into the rotation so that guys have some experience before they are thrust into starting roles. However, the focus of this year and winning a national championship is the main focus. The best part of having this type of depth is limiting the wear and tear that guys have on their bodies when it is time for the playoffs.
Mike
The group is led by #32 Adam Bock (6-1, 225, SR) who is entering his 4th season as a starter and is a multi-year All-American. Last year he missed 4 games and still end up second on the team in tackles with 76. He also added 7.5 TFL, and had 4 sacks along with a forced fumble. Bobbit shared that Bock is 100% healthy and ready to go for the season. He has become a vocal leader in the room and on the entire defense and is sharing his knowledge with the younger linebackers in the room. As of now, he is attacking this season as if it will be his last in Brookings and he has not yet determined if he will head to the NFL or not. #6 Saiveon Williamson (6-1, 205, SR), was praised heavily last year because of his breakout performance in the absence of Adam Bock. He finished with 37 tackles and was just really really steady. Bobbit credited Saiveon for being the vet in the room who is about to bring the energy, humor, and leadership. He said that when Saiveon talks, guys listen and he has been very intentional about coaching the young guys. Saiveon has earned the reps and will be big contributor this fall.
#43 Adam Kusler (6-3, 225, JR) has been in the program for awhile and has taken a jump on the mental side the game. Bobbit says he just needs to make the plays that are in front of him now. Expect Kusler to be a heavy contributor on special teams again this year.
#41 Joe Ollman (6-1, 215) and #46 Cullen McShane (6-1, 225) are two young guys that are still growing in the program. McShane has freaky athleticism according to Bobbit while Ollman has really picked up on the mental part of the game. Ollman had an awesome spring and summer.
Will
Bock is flanked by #11 Jason Freeman (5-9, 215, SR). Freeman’s story is well documented and is impact on last years team cannot be overstated. He just made plays and was a physical presence! He led the team with 84 tackles, had 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT, and 4 passes defended. Bobbit thinks he is going to take another jump this season with an entire offseason to learn and digest the defense. However, the Jacks also have another seasoned vet in #29 Graham Spalding (6-2, 210, SR). Spalding is a competitor and is a physical presence across the middle. He is not as athletic as some of the other guys in the room but he just keeps making plays. In 12 games he had 39 tackles and 2 TFL.
#40 Aaron Kusler (6-3, 225, JR) improved a ton in spring ball according to Bobbit. Like his brother, he knows the system but now he just needs to make the play. This is a big fall for him! He will be a contributor on special teams.
#49 Bryce Johnson (6-3, 210) has been called a cyborg, an athletic freak, and a weapon in the last year while I have visited with coaches. He looks the part physically. Bobbit shared that Bryce is super smart and can over analyze at times. When he cuts it looks, like he did in the spring game, he is special! Johnson has big expectations for himself so it will be exciting to watch him develop this fall.
Sam
The Jacks have three guys at Sam with starting experience in #2 Isaiah Stalbird (6-1, 215, SR), #9 Caleb Francl (6-1, 195, SR) and #0 Daeton Mcgaughy (6-0, 210, SR). Stalbird is so versatile and has the ability to play linebacker, in the slot, and at safety. His speed and athleticism make him special and I was excited to see him on the Shrine Bowl watch list. Bobbit talked about his freak athleticism and the flexibility that it creates. If he can stay consistent with his physicality and technique he’s in for a huge season. In 12 games last season he had 55 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and 4 PBUs. Next is Caleb Francl. He played probably the greatest half by a Jackrabbit linebacker ever. Period. He was awesome in the one half against Iowa (which he started). He ended that half and his season (unfortunately) with 3 tackles, 1 INT, 1 passes defended, 2 PBUs and a QBH. I’m so excited to see how he returns and how he fits into this defense. He’s listed as a senior but he has to have 2+ years remaining of eligibility. Bobbit pointed out Francl’s ability to cover ground and move in space while finding the windows to make plays. He is healthy and should be good to go. Finally, we have Daeton who has the ability to play Will and Sam. Daeton had a breakout year after moving to linebacker from safety and finished with 25 tackles and an INT in 11 games. Bobbit credits Daeton’s instincts and feel for the game with how he stepped up last season. The positive energy he brings to the group is recognized by Coach Bobbit as well.
#42 Davion Sterner (6-0, 195, JR) is another player who has plenty of experience in the program and has appeared on the depth chart from time to time. Bobbit loves his special teams ability and shared that his movement and physicality are assets to those units. He also provides good depth because his traits are special when he is dialed in.
#38 Trevor Scott (5-10, 195) and #47 Kytan Fyfe (6-2, 205) are two players who will look to compete for spots on the special teams units this year. Scott contributed on the covered units last year because of how explosive he is. He is a bit banged up right now and will need to get healthy. Fyfe is another hard worker that is smart and just makes plays.
The Jackrabbits add just one freshman to the group in #28 Chase Van Tol (6-1, 190). Van Tol was a standout in all three phases of the game for Tea and will be a player to watch in future years. Bobbit thinks he has the potential to be special for the Jacks and is excited to see him in fall camp.
Go Jacks!
Matt