The Jackrabbits wide receiver room returns 3 players who played quite a bit in 2024 and is also bolstered by impact transfers and freshmen. The room is now lead by Luke Bengtson, who did a terrific job at Virginia Union for the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator. In that time his teams averaged 43 points per game. Coach Bengtson is excited about this group and feels that he has really good depth and that the room is competitive. He stressed that nothing is set yet for this group and a lot will be learned in camp due to new bodies and because so many guys were dinged up and missed chunks or the entirety of spring ball. He said that “every single day guys will need to earn it!”
The first player coach mentioned was last years breakout true freshman, #1 Lofton O’Groske (6’2, 200, SO). O’Groske was a walk-on but in October he became a starter and was an impact performer. He finished the season with 15 receptions for 212 yards and 1 TD. However, it was the big moments when he made his catches, how reliable he appeared, and how much Mark Gronowski trusted him that impressed me. Bengtson thinks he has the potential to breakout after missing part of spring due to injury. He is now healthy and ready for camp. Bengtson mentioned his hands and how he just snatches the ball as one of his most positive attributes.
The first transfer that Bengtson mentioned was #2 Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (6-1, 200, GR). Isaiah spent the past three season at Nebraska and prior to that at New Mexico State and Saddleback College. He battled injuries at Nebraska but he has still amassed 104 receptions for 1,722 yards and 17 TDs at his three different stops. Bengston is really excited about Isaiah’s versatility and ability to line up all over the field. He has a lot of burst and is a terrific route runner but also has good ball skills. He credits Isaiah with being a great leader for this young group.
#84 Alex Bullock (6-2, 205, GR) is another Nebraska transfer who they expect big things from this season. Bullock saw lots of action at Nebraska and played in 27 games the last three seasons. In that time he had 16 receptions for 233 yards and 1 TD. Bengston said he runs really good routes and makes good plays on the the ball. He’s big and physical and will be an asset in the run game. According to Bengston, they expect him to be very productive this season.
A player who has been in the lineup for much of the past two season is #12 Grahm Goering (6-2, 200, SR). In those two seasons he has 38 receptions for 531 yards and 5 TDs. His big play potential and vertical speed is evident and he has shown a knack for making difficult catches. Coach said the he is playing hard and being a good leader. His quick ability to win off of the line scrimmage and get vertical will be huge for this offense. He also shared that Grahm is working to become more of a hands catcher. He is expecting big things out of Grahm this season!
Local product #19 Jack Smith (6-0, 190, RFR) will factor into the rotation this season. Bengston labeled him “Mr. Consistent” and that he just does the right stuff every time. In the spring game this was evident as it felt like he was open all the time. Bengston said he is very intelligent and this makes him dangerous on choice routes and he just finds openings in zones across the field. When I looked back, I was surprised to see that Smith never earned a skill scout player of the week nod. However, I think this is because he was always up with the main offense. It felt like he was a candidate to have his redshirt pulled at any moment. Bengtson shared that Smith has had a great spring and summer!
True freshman #0 Landon Dulaney (6-2, 190, FR) will also be a factor this season. His pure speed makes him dangerous. Bengston said it just depends on how quickly he can pick up the offense but stressed that he is working hard. Dulaney was the top skill player in South Dakota last season and had 82 receptions for 1,025 and 20 TDs. He also won the state 100m and 200m races so the speed is verified.
The best run blocker of the group is #6 Elijah Ervin (6-1, 195, SR.) and he became a weapon in that regard in 2024. However, it did become a tell that when “Erv” was on the field it was going to be a run so I hope the new staff mixes it up and that he gets opportunities to make plays through the air as well. Bangtson did say that he leads by example and that he ended spring on a really high note. He has very good speed and his hands are improving. He thinks he will have a role in the offense and will be an excellent special teams player this season.
#8 Sammy Dresie (6-2, 185, RFR) had a good true freshman season and earned scout team awards on both offense and special teams. Bengston said that he is a really smooth route runner and his potential is through the roof. He was excellent at the end of spring ball and he just keeps getting better as a reliable option. Right now it is just about more reps, more confidence, and being consistent all the time.
#14 Reese Osgood (5-11, 185, JR) is an Iowa transfer. He did not appear in any games at Iowa but his practice tape shows a player who has great hands and runs fantastic routes. However, he struggled to stay healthy at Iowa and missed spring ball this season due to recovery. Bengtson labeled him as a “sleeper” as they really don’t know what they have yet. He is now healthy and if he stays healthy, could really contribute this year.
A couple of guys who have been on the roster for a few seasons but have also struggled with injuries include #85 Joe Roll (5-9, 180, So) and #18 Ky Oday Jr. (5-11, 180). Roll is returning from consecutive knee injuries and has overcome a ton of adversity. He’s getting his legs under him but its evident that he is twitchy and has some speed to him. Bengtson also stressed that he is a terrific teammate. Oday Jr. had flashes in the spring but needs to improve his consistency. The former Colorado State transfer has struggle to stay healthy but again is working hard! Oday Jr. did win Scout Offensive Player of the Week for his work leading up to the Montana playoff game so maybe his arrow is on the rise!
The room added four other freshmen in this class besides Dulaney. #11 Luke Womack (6’4, 205) was in Brookings for spring ball as an early enrollee. He was originally a class of 2024 commit at Washington under Kalen DeBoer and then spent last summer with Eastern Washington but left before classes started. He is a big target who can just go and get the football. He’s working on his route running and is getting stronger according to Coach Bengtson. Next up is Nebraska prep, #23 Joe Kolega (5-11, 175) who had a prolific senior season and amassed 82 receptions for 1,634 yards and 20 TDs. He was a late signing and I have no idea how he was still available. Bengtson said he has already advanced in the playbook and that he has phenomenal ball sills. They are excited about his future! #80 Zac Van Meeteren (6-6, 215) is another South Dakota prep who has tremendous raw athleticism (10.8- 100m dash). Bengtson said it will be a big transition but that Zac has already really grown over the summer. His frame and speed give him a real shot! The final freshman is #86 TyJohn Brooks (5-6, 150) and he is certainly a different body type but his quickness, route running, and speed will be tools that they team will use in the future. Bangtson envisions him being utilized with bubble screens, tunnel screens, reverses, end arounds and other SPAM type of plays to get him touches.
Go Jacks!
Matt
