The defensive line group, AKA The Chaingang, is still in good hands going into this season according to position coach, Jalon Bibbs. This may be surprising to those outside the program given the loss of Quinton Hicks, Cade Terveer, Caden Johnson, Ryan Van Marel, and Brian Williams. Those five formed the core of a very formidable group but the unit returns a half dozen guys who were part of the rotation last season and others who have contributed throughout their careers but their 2023 was derailed by injury. None of the stats from the returning players will blow your mind but we have to remember that this group rotates at an insane clip allowing the guys to stay fresh for the entire game and season. Bibbs believes this group has just as much talent, just as much depth, but they just lack the experience overall.
Defensive Tackle
The lone returning starter is #52 Jarod DePriest (6-5, 285, SR) who is one of the best defensive tackles in the MVFC as evidenced by his selection to the All-MVFC preseason team. Bibbs shared that Jarod had a terrific spring and summer and his expectation is for Jarod to have an All-Conference and potentially All-American type of season. DePriest had 20 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 batted balls, and 3 QBHs. His movement and bend for a man his size are traits that make Jarod unique. He has had lots of reps throughout his career and he is now doing a good job of leading this group according to Bibbs. He clearly has the respect of his teammates as he was selected as a captain for the 2024 season.
He is joined by #93 Max Baloun (6-6, 285, SR) who was part of the defensive tackle rotation for a second straight season in 2023. He pitched in with 12 total tackles and 3 TFL last season. Bibbs says that Max is like Van Marel because of his intelligence and understanding of what everyone on the defense is supposed to do. He is also similar in the fact that he is great in the run game and tough to move off his spot. Bibbs says that he is a workaholic and he is making big strides as a pass rusher. He too has grown as a leader and is doing a good job of helping with the younger guys.
One of the twitchiest guys in the group is #55 Aaron Wolfcale-Holsten (6-1, 275, JR). In 2023, Aaron showed flashes of a player who can be really disruptive as he finished with 7 tackles but 2 sacks. Health and nagging injuries have continued to be a problem for Aaron but if healthy he is an exciting player to watch. Bibbs says he is powerful and good in both phases. For someone who has dealt with his share of injuries, Bibbs credits him with bringing good energy and positivity to the room.
A young player who is being counted on to make a leap in 2024 is #51 Logan Green (6-4, 290, SO). Green appeared in 15 games in 2023 but only registered 2 total tackles, 1 being a TFL. Bibbs says that Green, pound for pound, may be one of the strongest guys on the team. He’s powerful and has heavy hands that allow him to be a force in the run game. He will see lots of reps on early downs. Bibbs says Green is fully comfortable with the defense and is now able to play fast and cut it loose. I expect a big season out of Logan!
One of the more hyped individuals who is new to the rotation is #96 Bryce Hawthorne (6-3, 280, R-FR). Bibbs believes he has a really bright future in the program. He has explosive movement skills and really twitchy hands that allow him to be a good pass rusher already. Since arriving in Brookings he has added 30 pounds of good weight!
An offseason addition to this group is #94 Kobe Clayborne (6-0, 270, JR), a transfer from D2 powerhouse Northwest Missouri State. Clayborne has the ability to play inside or outside depending on the situation the defense is in. In two season for the Bearcats, Clayborne had 50 total tackles, 15.5 TFL, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Bibbs said that he is very intelligent and has picked up the defense quickly. What he lacks in length, he makes up for with power.
A player who improved through lots of reps in spring ball was #91 Jace Sifore (6-4, 285, SO). He continues to improve his technique, power, and strength. Bibbs thinks he is improving and figuring it out. Sifore is a great athlete and when it clicks, watch out!
The two incoming freshmen are #71 Max Chapman (6-3, 300, FR) and #98 Mac Muller (6-1, 270, FR). Bibbs was excited talking about both of these guys because of their elite wrestling backgrounds. He said that Chapman is just a massive guy who is tough, has strong hands and plays with great leverage. He’s a worker who will be a terrific run stopper for the program down the road. Muller also plays with great pad level and has strong hands. He’s improving his technique and adding weight this season.
Defensive End
The veteran of this group is #95 Zac Wilson (6-3, 250, SR) and he has seen plenty of snaps over the past two seasons. Wilson finished with just 8 total tackles but had 2 sacks. Wilson is another player who has battled injuries throughout his time in Brookings but he is healthy now. Bibbs says Wilson has great burst and acceleration. He is now “The guy” and he is training great in preparation for that role.
#57 Levi Vanden Bos (6-3, 250, JR) appeared in 10 games last season and registered 6 tackles, 2 TFL, and 2 QBH. Levi is someone that has always been labeled as really consistent and Bibbs credits him with never missing a day. He’s very intelligent and knows everything about the defense. He brings an intensity, fire, and tremendous effort to the field. Bibbs said he plays very similarly to Caden Johnson.
The next guy to know is a player who Coach Rogers mentioned multiple times last fall as a true freshman. #97 Reis Kirschenman (6-3, 245, R-FR) is a player that staff considered pulling his redshirt last fall because of how gifted he is as a pass rusher. Reis capped a tremendous spring ball with a standout performance in the spring game when he and the next guy on this list were truly dominant. Bibbs says that Reis has terrific hands, bend, and balance; traits elite pass rushers have. He is crafty in his approach and he has added good weight since getting to Brookings.
There is buzz around #99 Dawson Ripperda (6-4, 240, SO) entering the 2024 season after injuries derailed a promising start to his 2023. He is now healthy and like Kirschenman, had a great spring. He has maybe the most violent hands and is great in the run game and Bibbs believes he has all-conference potential down the line. I think Dawson will challenge to be one of the starting defensive ends this season after what I saw in the spring game and because of the effort he plays with.
I think a player we can all root for is #90 Randy Keumogne (6-3, 240, SR). Randy has battled injuries since getting to Brookings but you would never know it according to Bibbs. He brings positivity and juice to the defensive end room every day. Bibbs says they are trying to keep Randy healthy and that he can have a role this season because of his work ethic, high ability, and athleticism.
Last year everyone was excited about Iowa State transfer and Beresford graduate #8 Blake Peterson (6-4, 255, GR) but injuries derailed his season and he only appeared in 7 games, recording 6 total tackles. Luckily, Peterson is now healthy and ready to go full swing. He was able to go through some of spring ball as well. Bibbs knows that Peterson is an incredible athlete and has rare burst, twitch, and snap but wants to see him be consistent with his technique. Peterson will push to start and at the minimum will provide terrific depth for the defensive end rotation.
Another promising redshirt freshman is #50 Nick Wells (6-3, 250, R-FR). Wells has really violent hands and is just behind Ripperda and Wilson in this category according to Bibbs. He’s recovering from an injury that cost him his spring ball but he is learning the defense. His power, violence, and physicality give him a chance to be a really good defensive end for the team. Bibbs loves his attitude and mentality and says that he plays through the whistle and wears on offensive linemen.
The incoming freshmen are #56 JR Lecuona (6-2, 238, FR), #92 Sam Watts (6-3, 235, FR), and #66 Rhett Schaefer (6-3, 220, FR). Bibbs is really excited about this group and what they bring to the room. JR has the potential to play inside and outside after a truly dominant senior season at Millard South in Omaha. His pad level is really good for a freshman and his burst bend and balance are very good according to Bibbs. He has a chance to contribute this year. Watts brings lots of juice to the position and has some real twitch and snap. He showed his explosiveness as an elite thrower on his high schools track and field team and through a really high vertical jump for a defensive lineman. Bibbs credits him with being really intelligent and picking up his role in the defense quickly. Schaefer is another elite wrestler from Iowa and he has some terrific frame and length. He needs to add weight but he will be a good player for the program because of his heavy hands and physicality.
Again, this group has lots of guys who have contributed but now they need to have an expanded role. There are also a number of guys who have barely played that will be asked to have substantial roles this season. That is exciting and bit nerve racking because it has been 4+ years since we have had real questions along the defensive line. The talent is there and I’m confident that the competition for playing time will bring the best out of the guys in the room. This will be a fun position group to watch as new names emerge!
Go Jacks!
Matt
