The Jackrabbit safety position was really solid in 2022. The group has an awesome mix of experience and talent right now and I could see any of these guys looking at a breakout season. I discussed the group with Pete Menage who is back in Brookings after stops at Northern Illinois and at Winona State last year. Pete shared how great it is to be back in Brookings and at SDSU. He too is impressed with the depth of the group and said that it will be a week to week decision regarding snaps. He credits the group with having a competitive maturity and for being passionate, extremely hard working, and gritty guys.
One player who is criminally underrated is #25 Cale Reeder (6-0, 180, SR). Cale makes plays when he is on the field. He is hard hitter and creates turnovers. He finished last season with 36 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, and 4 passes defended. Menage says he is a model of consistency and that he knows the defense inside and out. His teammates respect him and he is really looking for Reeder to stay healthy and maximize his potential. Maybe this is the year he earns recognition for his high level of play. #14 Colby Huerter (6-1, 195, JR) spent time in the starting lineup last season and performed well. His near pick-six against Missouri State was awesome and he continued to make plays throughout the year. His instincts are exceptional! Menage thinks Huerter is the best teacher in the group and credits him for helping the young guys. His athleticism has improved and Menage is excited to see what he can do this season. Colby was fourth on the team with 41 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT, and 4 passes defended. #1 Tucker Large (5-11, 170, SO) also emerged in 2022 to earn a few starts. Menage shared that he had the best spring of anyone. He has a natural feel and instincts for the game. He’ll be used in multiple ways this season on defense, similar to last fall. He may not be the biggest guy at the position but he always goes 100 miles per hour and gives outstanding effort. Tucker recorded 28 tackles, 2 passes defended and 1 QBH. Matthew Durrance (6-2, 195, SO) battled through injury in 2022 to play in all 15 games and he earned a start as well. He had offseason surgery and missed spring ball but is now 100% healthy and good to go. Menage says that Durrance is the biggest safety and maybe the fastest of the group. He has a ton of potential and I’m excited to see what he does with it!
#3 Dontay Johnson (6-1, 170, RFr) was well on his way to having his redshirt pulled before a leg injury ended his season. Luckily, the injury didn’t prevent him from winter conditioning and spring ball. He’s improved his body and strength according to Menage. Also, he says that Johnson is dedicated to everything (playbook, body, movement) and that he expects a big season from him. Coaches raved about his athleticism, instincts and football IQ in his true freshman year prior to his injury. He certainly is a breakout candidate in 2023! #27 Noah Thompson (6-1, 180) spent a year on the scout team and coaches have raved about his consistent effort. He is good in man coverage according to Menage and made big strides this spring. Thompson will compete for a special teams spot this season
The Jacks added #26 Kolten Tilford (5-9, 170) as part of the 2023 class and I think the Jacks landed another outstanding #NebraskaJack. Yes, he is undersized but turn on the tape and you see a player who is absolutely explosive! #35 Beau Giblin (6-1, 185, Fr) is a player that joined the class late but when you watch the highlights you see an absolute monster that makes play after play. He just seems to have a nose for the football and really led the Sioux Falls Jefferson defense. Menage sees a bright future for these two.
Go Jacks!
Matt