The Jackrabbit running back room was again incredibly productive in 2024 thanks to Amar Johnson and others. In 2025, the running back room is essentially starting over. One would think this is pretty bleak but after interviewing new position coach Deonte Cooper, I am incredibly excited about this group. Cooper was one of the first assistants to get to town with head coach Dan Jackson after coaching with him in Idaho in 2024. Cooper has a really positive energy about him that seems perfect for this program in this moment. Obviously, there is adversity and tragedy in this room with the passing of Nate White who had transferred to SDSU from Wisconsin in January and was the lead back through spring ball. Cooper believes that this tragedy will serve as motivation and has created a sense of urgency for this group. Even with Nate’s tragic passing, Cooper believes this group can carry on the SDSU standard of being a great backfield.
The lead back on this team is #15 Julius Loughridge (6-0, 215, SR) who transferred in after 3 dominant years at Fordham. Loughridge has embraced SDSU since arriving in Brookings and according to Cooper he loved the hunting and fishing he got to experience on the senior trip and has spent time with Quinten Christensen at his family’s ranch. For a kid a who grew up in Houston and went to college in New York City it has to be pretty surreal to experience our rural traditions in South Dakota. But back to the player. Loughridge is a physical downhill running back who has sneaky speed according to Cooper. He was obviously productive at Fordham having rushed for over 1,000 yards 3 times. Cooper credits him with coming in and being a positive leader and mentor for the group. He came to SDSU because of the tradition of greatness and he wants to win. I look forward to seeing him in action!
The next man up is 2024 recruit, #35 Quinton Renfro (5-11, 185, RFR) who is from the same high school as Isaiah Davis. Due to the depth of the room in 2024, Renfro was able to redshirt but he was productive during that time earning scout player of the week for the offensive skill on 3 separate occasions and once for special teams. In his senior year of high school, he rushed for 1,600 yards (200 ypg) and 18 TDs. Cooper said he is playing and working with a chip on his shoulder. He is motivated and understands that he will play a big role this season. Cooper complimented him saying that he has a natural feel for the position. Don’t sleep on Quinton… he’s in line for a big year!
South Dakota prep legend #24 Brendan Begeman (6’2, 200, SO) will play a big role this season for the Jacks. Begeman broke the South Dakota single season rushing record in 2022 when he rushed for 2,976 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior. In 2024, Begeman had 25 carries for 83 yards and 1 TD. Cooper loves his physicality and knows that he can trust Begeman to do exactly what he needs to do. Cooper says that this is a big fall camp for Brendan!
The room is rounded out by 4 freshmen in #34 Josiah Johnson (5-11, 210), #32 James Basinger (5-10, 195), #44 Joshua Myers (6-0, 190) and #29 Corey Blair Jr. (6’3, 200). Cooper commented how happy he is with their work and he also noted how different they are and the skillset they bring to the table. Cooper credits Johnson with stepping up in a huge way. He has had zero missed workouts this summer and it is showing as he brings a physical presence to the group. Cooper said that Johnson is always studying and hungry for knowledge and calling him with questions. Basinger is a really complete back and has a good ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield. He has had lots of coaching and comes from a strong program in Colorado. He has a really high football IQ. Myers is from Sioux Falls powerhouse Lincoln and he brings elite speed to this group. Myers attacks his workouts and it shows according to Cooper. He too has good ability running and catching the ball. Blair Jr. is sort of the swiss army knife of the group as he spent time playing all over the field in his high schools offense playing RB, TE, and WR. Cooper believes he is a raw ball of clay at this point with unlimited potential as he is just learning the intricacies of the position.
Go Jacks!
Matt
