Jackrabbit football is right around the corner.  2017 brings a new rule that bans two-a-day practices.  The 2017 edition of the Jackrabbit football team reports in just one week.  Last year was a great season but there are some questions as the Jacks enter this season.

7. Who steps up as the third receiving option?
Everyone knows about Jake Wieneke and Dallas Goedert.  Both have had prolific careers and will be drafted next spring.  The big question is, who emerges as the third option?  There are many candidates who may fill that role.  Adam Anderson (20 rec 222 yds), Marquise Lewis (12 rec 166 yds), Alex Wilde (9 rec 114 yds, 2 TD’s), and Jacob Brown (2 rec 4 yds) are the primary candidates.  However, there are redshirt and true freshman who are also incredibly talented.    Opposing defenses will do everything they can to slowdown Wieneke and Goedert so someone will need to step up.  This is prime opportunity for a young receiver to step up and make a difference.

6. Can the defense improve from last year?
Last years defense had it’s up and downs.  Will a more consistent pass rush show up every week?   Will Chase Kern returning and the addition of Daniel Callender help out? Will the new OLB’s be able to hold up?  Who steps up in the middle to replace Langer and Gottlob?   Will the young cornerbacks push the returning starters for playing time?  Personally, I think there is too much talent for the defense not to improve.  The key to going further this year is to get off the field on third down.  The offense will put up plenty of points most weeks but the defense will also have to do it’s share.  There are lots of questions but I think the talent and hunger is there for great improvement.

5. How will the right side of the offensive line shake out?
Heading into spring ball, I thought I had a good feel for how the offensive line would stack up this year.  Nick Carr graduated so I thought it would only be natural for Wes Genant to fill that position as he was a super sub as a true freshman when Carr needed a break.  However, Genant moved to right guard and Tyler Weir moved to right tackle.  Genant will have to battle with Matt Clark who has been a two year starter for the Jacks at that position.  No matter what the lineup looks like on opening day, I’m confident that Coach Eck will put the best 5 lineman out there.  I think we will be in good hands.

4. What role will the redshirt freshmen play on this years team?
I’m excited to see how last years redshirts improve our team.  The cornerback room is full of young and hungry players who gained weight and muscle.  The outside linebackers have a few redshirts that will play, the defensive line has a few players that will see time in the rotation.  There are also multiple weapons on offense who used the year to get stronger and learn the playbook.  I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table.

3.  Who emerges in the running back bottle neck?
For the last few seasons the Jacks have deployed a platoon method at the running back position.  Brady Mengarelli has been the statistical leader the last few seasons.  Isaac Wallace has had his share of big plays.  Mikey Daniel was just starting to emerge before his injury.  Adding to these three is Blair Mulholland who Jackrabbit fans are eager to see carry the ball.  CJ Roths had an impressive spring game and Pierre Strong is a promising looking true freshman.  However, because of the pass-first tendency of SDSU’s offense (when you’re throwing to Jake and Dallas who can blame them) there are only so many carries to go around.  Who gets those carries this season?

2. Can the offense match last years production?
Last years offense was prolific.  There is no other way to put it.  The team had over 3800 yards passing and nearly 1900 yards rushing.  This production will be hard to top!  However, I’m confident that another year of experience for the young receivers, another year of growth for the lineman, and continued improvement from quarterback Taryn Christion will help the Jacks offense blow past last years numbers.

1.  Is this the year the Jacks win it all?
Yes, this is the year.  The stars have lined up and anything other than a deep run in the playoffs will be a disappointment. Obviously the Jacks will need to avoid injury and go “1-0” every week for this to happen.  In the Missouri Valley Football Conference there are no easy weeks.  However, this collection of talent can be matched by only a few other FCS programs.  If the defense improves and another playmaker emerges on offense, the Jackrabbits will make a title run.

What questions do you have surrounding the 2017 Jackrabbits?
Go Jacks!
-Matt