The Jackrabbit tight end room is in a good spot as they start camp. The group has a balance of experience and young raw talent that has also been bolstered by a couple of transfers and talented incoming freshmen. The new position coach is former Jackrabbit tight end, Vince Benedetto. Vince helped lead Sioux Falls Jefferson to a state championship after just a few years of the programs existence. Vince is encouraged by the work ethic of the group; they are working hard in the meeting room, in the weight room , and on the field. He stressed that the older guys are doing a good job of leading. Similar to last season, the different body types and skillsets that are in the room will allow the offense to be really flexible when they go into 12 or 13 personnel.
A player who has really stood out to Benedetto is #88 Greyton Gannon (6-4, 235, JR). Gannon started last season hot but an injury interrupted his season and caused him to miss almost all of MVFC play. He returned in the playoffs and had 3 receptions for 33 yards against NDSU. He finished the season with 9 receptions for 113 yards and 1 TD. Benedetto said that he is a player who is always in the right place and is doing a great job of leading. He also echoed previous things that I have heard about Gannon in that he is a super talented pass catcher but Benedetto also credited Gannon with really working hard to improve as a run blocker. Benedetto wrapped with saying that Gannon is just a player who brings consistency to everything he does.
#4 David Alpers (6-6, 240, JR) is a player who came on as the season went along in 2024. In the first 8 games of the season he had just 2 receptions for 22 yards. In the next 6 games he had 7 receptions for 142 yards and 1 TD. He also drastically improved his run blocking as the season went along and he became very effective as someone who could seal the edge or get to the next level and move bodies. Benedetto said that Alpers missed spring ball due to injury but he is back and healthy for camp. Coach stressed that Dave has all of the potential and can be great.
A new face in the room is #82 Coleman Kuntz (6-3, 240, SR), a transfer from Sacramento State. At Sac State he played in 34 games across 3 seasons and tallied 50 receptions for 498 yards in that time. Benedetto also shared that he was a team captain last year for Sac State and that his leadership ability is evident. He is also a worker who brings the right mentality which has been really good for the room. He has position versatility too as Sac State used him as a short yardage back in 2023 when he had 4 TDs on 6 carries.
Two players that Benedetto spoke about together were Iowa transfer #33 Jalyn Thompson (6-2, 255, SO) and Spearfish product, #10 Brayden Delahoyde (6-5, 220, SO). Coach Benedetto said that both players are extremely talented and will contribute this season but neither has any experience. He said that they are both learning and gaining confidence in their craft but it will take game reps to see exactly where they are at. This year they will contribute on special teams but will be used in the offense if they are ready. Delahoyde is also a player that the previous staff tried to take with to Washington State but Coach Jackson was able to keep him in Brookings. The future is bright for these two.
At fullback/h-back is #43 Andrew Gustad (6-1, 235, JR). Benedetto said that he will have a special teams role this year because of his absolute effort. He is a really hard worker and that has shown up over the years as he’s been recognized as a scout player of the week on both sides of the ball.
The freshmen are loaded with potential and have 4 guys who split into pairs in terms of body type. #87 Ben Brooks (6-8, 215, FR) is from Madison, SD and #46 Shane Henderson (6-6, 230, FR) is from Mobridge, SD. Brooks played QB and WR for Madison so will be learning a new position. Obviously, they both possess incredible frames to build upon. Both have been multi-sport standout athletes and focusing on football, nutrition, and the weight room is already paying dividends. Benedetto stressed that these two are really talented and have done a good job of taking care of business since getting to Brookings in June. The other two freshmen in the room are #49 Jozef Reisz (6-3, 200) and #89 Sebastyen Fries (6-2, 225). Reisz had a wildly productive senior season where he had 50 receptions for 1,034 yards and 11 TDs. He functioned as a wide receiver and will be adjusting to playing as a tight end. Fries is more of an H-Back type but he also had a stellar season with 32 rec for 442 yards and 3 TDs. Again, Benedetto stressed that these two are doing things right and working hard.
Go Jacks!
Matt
