The offensive line room is certainly a position group of interest entering the 2024 season. Gone are All-American’s Mason McCormick and Garret Greenfield along with the reliable John O’Brian and depth guys like Brady Beck and Jharrett Bloomenrader. However, offensive line coach Ryan Olson feels good about the group and feels that the competition at left guard and right tackle will pay off. However, the group does return 2 starters and All-American level players and another who excelled in 2023 in a sub-package role.
The best center in the FCS is #50 Gus Miller (6-3, 290, SR) and the 2023 FCS Rimington Award winner is back for his senior season. His intelligence, leverage, strength, and leadership make him a great player for the Jackrabbits. Olson says with two years of starting under his belt, there are still things Miller can improve upon but staying healthy is really the key. He has been impressed how he and Beerntsen have embraced their leadership role with the graduation of Mason and Garret. Miller was recognized by his teammates as a captain for this season.
The most underrated guy on SDSU’s 2023 offense was #61 Evan Beerntsen (6-4, 300, SR). He is a terrific run and pass blocker and again, Olson believes he can reach still another level with play. Beerntsen’s name has popped up on a few preseason “Top Interior OL” lists and with a healthy season he should end up on a few All-American lists at the end of the season. Beerntsen may not be the strongest, biggest, or fastest guy in the room but he just finds ways to make his blocks, move guys off their spot, and provide excellent protection for Mark.
No, he will no longer be wearing #83 and playing as a tight end but instead #69 Quinten Christensen (6-5, 300, SO) will start the season at left tackle. Quinten’s versatility and athleticism are what make him special. He can play guard or tackle and can probably play both sides if needed. His reps at tight end last year were really valuable in terms of just getting on field experience. Olson shared that he was mentored by McCormick and he has adopted the demeanor and mentality that Mason brought to the field.
Right Tackle Competition
When I asked Olson what he is looking for in this competition he said that he wants someone who is going to be consistent from day to day. There has to be trust that they will be able to hold up in man pass protection. John O’Brian wasn’t the flashiest the last two years but he was consistent and did his job.
#76 Sam Hagen (6-6, 315, JR) transferred in from UND this spring and was in Brookings this summer working out with the team. He started last year at UND and was a good player for the Fighting Hawks. Olson said that he fits well in the room and he’s hit it off with the guys. Obviously he has MVFC experience, playoff experience, and Olson shared that he’s also a hard worker and has a mind for the game. He also happens to be a massive human!
Another massive human is #78 Marcus Hicks (6-5, 305, SR) who transferred to Brookings for the spring semester after 4 years at Oklahoma. He did get through some of winter workouts but missed all of spring ball with injury. Olson says they need to see what Marcus can do as they just don’t know at this point. They really want to see him compete for this spot but he needs to stay healthy.
An impressive young player is #62 Kenyon BigBow (6-5, 290, RFr). Olson said that Kenyon is really detail oriented and has done a great job in the meeting room picking up the offense and knowing his assignment. Now it is about consistently translating it to the field. He too missed some of spring ball with injury but has had a good summer.
Another young guy who is still developing physically is #75 Dawson Rudd (6-5, 280 SO). Olson credited him with really working hard and shared that he is a twitchy and fluid athlete. He just needs to keep his weight up. Rudd made big strides over the summer according to Olson!
A player who we all hoped would be competing to start was #70 Colby Christensen (6-7, 295, SR) but he will be away from the team this fall as he deals with some medical stuff.
Left Guard Competition
A player who has been in the program for a long time is #64 Ethan Vibert (6-4, 300, SR) and Olson said that Vibert is really looking to take advantage of this last opportunity. He shared that Ethan has always had the ability and he’s been a top-backup on the interior spots but he’s just been in a tough spot playing behind some great players. He has good athleticism and intelligence as evidenced by his ability to be the backup center.
One of the bright young players of the group is #77 William Paepke (6-5, 290, RFr) who also happens to be a legacy Jackrabbit. I thought Paepke looked pretty good during the spring game. Olson said that he is adding weight, moving well, and working really hard in the weight room. We’ll see if he can continue to build off a successful spring and really challenge Vibert.
Readers of the blog know that I am a fan of #54 Jalen Lee (6-3, 310, SR), especially in the run game. He returned last year after suffering a brutal knee injury in 2022 and it took him awhile to get himself back. He has some experience and will challenge Vibert and Paepke. He continues to work hard to transform his body and has had a good summer.
#58 Jackson Kerstin (6-4, 275, RFr) is another young guy who is working at both center and guard. He has a great mentality and frame according to Olson. He is a good athlete and he keeps getting better everyday. Kerstin played tackle in high school so the slide inside and snapping the ball has been an adjustment but he has done well with it.
#67 Ian Mutchler (6-3, 275, RFr) is a younger guys who is working hard and improving every day. Mutchler had a great summer according to Olson and will be battling to make the travel roster with guys mentioned previously.
The freshmen offensive line class is really talented and the expectations are sky high for this group. Kyan Rauk (6-7, 270, FR), Nick Bakken (6-5, 240, FR), and Hayden Venenga (6-6, 270, FR) are all very gifted athletes and project as tackles. Rauk and Bakken have already been able to showcase this during their short time in Brookings while Venenga is recovering from an injury suffered during basketball season. Olson is definetly excited about this trio!
On the interior Shane Willingbring (6-5, 250, FR), Caden Hotz (6-3, 280, FR), and Thomas Martian (6-3, 290, FR) are also all high ceiling players. Olson said that Willingbring is a really gifted athlete, Hotz is a very good all around player, and Martian is really raw but has tons of physical tools to work with.
This group has some big shoes to fill but I’m excited to watch them do it! Bringing back two All-American caliber players is a good place to start and I think the talent is there in the room to have another really good group of #605Hogs. It may take some time to gel but they will get there!
Go Jacks!
Matt
