Jackrabbit Illustrated

The Jackrabbit quarterback room returns one of the top QBs in the FCS in #11 Mark Gronowski (6-3, 220, JR). Mark’s starting record is well documented (22-3 and 22-1 in games vs. FCS and finished). According to Coach Lujan, Mark has taken another jump athletically this offseason. He says that Mark also has full ownership of the offensive playbook. In 2022 he passed for 2,967 yards and 26 TDs to 5 interceptions while completing 65.2% of his passes. For much of the regular season the offense protected Mark and didn’t ask him to run the ball very frequently as he recovered from his knee injury. However, he still finished with 543 gross yards and 12 more touchdowns. The Jacks unleashed Mark’s running ability in the post season where in the four playoff games alone, he rushed for 229 yards on 33 carries with 4 touchdowns. After working off some rust early in the season, Mark showed his ability to make all the throws that this offense needs. One of the things that truly sets Mark apart is his ability to extend plays with his legs AND still make good decisions with the football. If Lujan’s statements are true about Mark making a jump athletically and having complete ownership of the playbook, watch out MVFC!

The starter is known but behind Mark are questions due to the retirements of Keaton Heide and Rudy Voss. The number two spot is up for grabs between #7 Chase Mason (6-4, 225, SO) and #5 Jon Bell (6-3, 190, SO). certainly looks the part and appears to be fully healthy after recovering from a knee injury suffered before spring ball in 2022. During the 2023 spring game, Chase showed off the athleticism and arm talent that made him one of the top high school athletes in South Dakota. I’m interested to see if there will be certain packages for Mason in the offense this year. Bell continues to grow as a quarterback. The former walk-on is now on scholarship and looked more comfortable with the offense this spring according to Lujan. He has a huge arm and it is now just a matter of putting it all together.

#17 Jeff Becker (6-0, 205) had a strong freshman campaign and was named the scout team offensive player of the year. His high school highlight tape showed a player who has a bit of a gunslinger in him. He is mobile and has a strong and accurate arm. Lujan shared that he is a really gifted athlete that is still growing in the playbook. #13 Jack Amer (6-3, 215) was added to the 2023 recruiting class in the late signing period. Amer plays a very physical brand of football right now. His highlights showed a QB who had a guy in his face nearly all the time but his arm strength and athleticism allowed him to make some terrific throws.. Amer also was big enough to run through defenders when he chose to tuck and run. I think the expectation is for Amer to redshirt this year and develop as a passer.

Again, with Mark leading this group there is little to worry about. However, it should be an interesting competition to see who earns the #2 and #3 spots on this roster and travels. This group has plenty of talent and the depth should get an opportunity in some contests this season.

Go Jacks!

Matt