The #605Hogs return every player from the two-deep from last years dominant squad. #74 Garret Greenfield (6-6, 305, SR) and #60 Mason McCormick (6-4, 305, SR) are rightfully receiving draft buzz and will likely be mid-round picks next spring. Both have exhibited tremendous longevity and have steadily improved throughout their time in Brookings. Greenfield’s athleticism and length make him an awesome pro prospect. McCormick’s power and tenacity have made him one of the highest run graded offensive linemen in the FCS according to PFF. Coach Olson said that these two have become great leaders. They are the ones that are keeping this group focused on this year and have adopted the saying that there is no currency in what happened last year. They’ve challenged the group to stay disciplined, focused, and working hard. The left side of the offensive line is locked down with these two.
The center position and right side were huge questions entering last season but those questions were definitively answered by the end of the year. #50 Gus Miller (6-3, 295, JR) continued the strong run of center play for the Jackrabbits and overcame early season inconsistencies on shotgun snaps. His wrestling background in creating leverage and his intelligence are two assets that he utilizes to win. Olson believes that Gus is the top center in the MVFC and thinks he will be the next leader of the room when McCormick and Greenfield are gone. The tone of the offensive line seemed to change when #61 Evan Beerntsen (6-4, 300, SR) got healthy and joined the lineup. He matches McCormick’s nastiness and is downright dominant at times. Olson thinks he was playing some great football down the stretch last season. I think he was one of the unsung heroes on last years team. #78 John O’Brian (6-5, 300, SR) is one of my favorite Jackrabbit stories ever. As most know, John transferred in from Bowling Green. What is not widely known is that John had stepped away from football in the fall of 2021 thinking he was done with the game. He ended up at SDSU as a bit of a surprise and then competed to start at either spot on the right side. He was almost benched in the first half of the game at NDSU due to poor play but rebounded with a strong second half and then dominated in the National Championship game. Truly a great story about perseverance! Olson believes he will take a big jump this fall because he now has a full year in the offense and is just better acclimated. A player to watch is #76 Bo Donald (6-6, 300, SR). He has had a frustrating experience staying healthy during his time in Brookings. He did start against Iowa last fall but lost his spot due to injury. Olson believes that Donald will fit into the puzzle somewhere and will play at guard, tackle, or serve as a 6th offensive lineman. He’s playing too well and will force his way onto the field.
The Jackrabbit offensive line depth is unproven and struggled at times last fall. I hope to see more consistency and intensity from this group when given the chance this fall. #70 Colby Christensen (6-8, 280, JR.) showed some real athleticism last year when he got on the field. Play strength and down to down consistency are areas where he really grew in spring according to Olson. #69 Quinton Christensen (6-4, 290, RFr) is looking really good according to Olson. He is getting stronger and is your classic South Dakota lineman. Christensen was dressed for the National Championship game so the coaches clearly believe in his ability. #75 Dawson Rudd (6-5, 280, RFr) is a really gifted athlete who has worked hard to get his weight up according to Coach Olson. Rudd’s highlight tape from high school showed a player who definitely has a nasty streak. #54 Jalen Lee (6-2, 305, Jr.) was really settling in at guard but a leg injury set him back last season. Olson says he’s getting back to work and will be fighting to earn a spot on the depth chart. #64 Ethan Vibert (6-4, 305, SR), #66 Brady Beck (6-8, 305, SR), and #79 Jharett Bloomenrader (6-5, 290, SR) are all veterans who need to be ready to go this fall. Vibert and Bloomenrader are competing to be the number two center. They are both tough and intelligent kids. Beck knows the offense, has great length, and has been a great mentor to the younger guys in the room.
The Jacks added 6 young men to the #605Hogs group in the latest recruiting cycle. #62 Kenyon Big Bow (6-5, 275), #65 Cole Jarrett (6-2, 285), #67 Ian Mutchler (6-4, 285), #68 Jackson Kerstin (6-4, 255), #71 Noah Atherton (6-6, 280), and #77 William Paepke (6-5, 270) will likely all spend this season getting bigger, stronger, quicker and will look to compete next fall (2024) with at 3 offensive line positions open. This is a highly regarded group and it will be fun to track their growth going forward.
Go Jacks!
Matt