Jake Menage is now in his second season coaching the wide receiver group and he is excited and proud of the growth and the jump they have taken since last season. Jadon and Jaxon Janke were dominant players at the position for 3 years and there weren’t tons of opportunities for other players. However, Menage is confident new guys will emerge and make their own statement at the position. The young guys in this group really had a great few weeks of prep for the National Championship and that rolled over into spring and continued into summer. Menage says that the group has really worked hard in the weight room and it shows!
The group is led by #18 Griffin Wilde (6-2, 195, SO) who enjoyed a terrific true freshman season. Last year at this time we debated if he would redshirt or not and it became clear pretty quickly that he would not. He ended the season with 20 receptions for 399 yards and 6 TDs. He displayed solid hands and excellent route running ability for a freshman. Menage shared that Griff is now up to 200 pounds and just looks different. He has really learned the playbook and will now be able to just play wide receiver this season instead of thinking about everything within the play call so much. I asked about all of the outside expectations and Menage shared that doesn’t bother Griff at all. He just continues to work hard.
A player who had a really nice season was #12 Grahm Goering (6-3, 200, JR) as he finished with 13 receptions for 171 yards including a crucial catch and run against Montana State. Menage credits Grahm with really improving every week last season and playing his best ball in the playoffs and in the national championship. He did miss spring ball due to injury but will be back for camp. Menage said that Grahm loves football and he has really taken a jump over the offseason.
#4 Kentrell Prejean (5-8, 160, R-FR) was a player that received a lot of hype during spring ball and that showcased his talents during the spring game. The Jacks have never had another player of his stature and with his skillset before. I’m curious to see how offensive coordinators Freund and Olson deploy him this year. Menage said he made a huge jump all throughout his freshman year and just stacked success. It was evident to everyone at the spring game that he just makes plays. Again, I’m not sure how they Jacks will use him but I can’t wait to find out.
The group of #2 Marcus Preston (6-2, 195, SR), #15 Devon Cole Jr. (5-10, 175, SR), and #6 Elijah Ervin (6-1, 195, JR) will all be counted on this fall. Preston played last season after transferring in from UND but injuries sort of held him back and he only caught 1 pass for 20 yards. However, it was evident that Marcus is an EXCELLENT run blocker. Menage was quick to compliment Preston with how quickly he picked up the offense and how hard he has worked since getting to Brookings. Cole is the leader of the position group and his competitiveness and love for the game really influence the guys around him. He took lots of reps during spring ball due to injuries and he really made a jump. Last season he tallied 4 receptions for 68 yards. Ervin has yet to see the field yet for the Jacks as he redshirted last fall after transferring in from Snow Community College. Menage said he had a great spring and has really transformed his body. Ervin also received plenty of reps this spring and was able to show his natural bend and lean.
#82 Ky Oday Jr. (5-11, 180, SO) is really intriguing because he has so much talent but just has not been able to stay healthy. He did have surgery to hopefully fix the issue once and for all. Remember, Oday had originally signed with Colorado State and had tremendous speed when he was last healthy. I’m excited to see what he can do! #86 Patrick Hoffman (6-1, 200, SR) had a great spring and summer. Menage said he has learned all 3 wide receiver positions and knows the playbook inside and out He also has been a good coach and is helping the young guys in the room. Patrick will provide excellent depth at wide receiver and will compete on special teams. #36 Dane Miller (6-4, 180, SO) also is looking at a role on special teams this year. He’s continuing to develop and learn the position after playing quarterback in high school. He’s getting stronger and faster and Menage is pleased with his development. #85 Joe Randle (6-3, 210, R-FR) was injured during spring ball but has recovered and had a good summer. He’s gotten bigger, faster, and strong since getting to campus and continues to develop. He is maybe the tallest receiver in the room and has good ability to high point the ball.
#84 Joe Roll (5-9, 175, R-FR) will be starting this fall on the injury list after getting banged up this spring. Joe is an extremely hard worker and everyone in the room loves Joe according to Menage. He emphasized that he is just a great person and he will have a role with this team in the future.
The incoming freshmen are #8 Sammy Dresie (6-3, 180, FR), #19 Jack Smith (6-0, 190, FR), and #80 Lofton O’Groske (6-2, 190, FR). Menage is pleased with how the freshmen have adopted the culture of the team and the room this summer. He believes all have the chance to be good players because of their high work ethic. He’s excited to see them compete in camp with the amount of opportunities they get. This is a really gifted and talented group!
As I shared in the beginning, we don’t know a ton about this group because they haven’t had the opportunity. Wilde and Goering were good last year as the third and fourth wide receiver while Preston and Cole had pretty set roles as depth pieces. This year they all move up the pecking order and are joined by new faces. I can’t wait to see this group develop during camp and throughout the season!
Go Jacks!
Matt
