The Jackrabbits investment in the #ChainGang is one of the reason the team went from perennial semi-finalist to 2x National Champion. The architect of that vision was Christian Smith who has been the defensive line coach at Northwestern for the past few seasons. Logan McCormick, his assistant the past few seasons is now the position coach for the Jackrabbits. McCormick was a great player for NDSU in his own right and played the game the right way. I’m excited to what he does with this VERY talented group.
Defensive Tackles
The preview of the defensive line group has to start with #94 Kobe Clayborne (6’0, 275, SR) who burst onto the scene after transferring up from D2 powerhouse, Northwest Missouri State. He has now appeared on multiple preseason All American lists and was selected as a team captain. He racked up 34 total tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 4.5 sacks. McCormick credits him with being an unbelievable leader and coach on the field. He said that Kobe just has intangibles that make up for his lack of length. His explosive movement and instincts allow him to take advantage of the mistakes that offensive lineman make. McCormick believes he improved from spring to summer and that he is in line for a huge season. Kobe gives the defensive line some flexibility as well with his ability to play end and tackle.
#51 Logan Green (6’4, 290, JR) returns for an expanded role in 2025 and was selected as a team captain. In the previous two seasons he has been part of the rotation and has been a dominant run stuffer. Last year he had 8 total tackles, 3 TFL, and 1 sack. However, McCormick thinks he can do more and that he has taken a big step forward. He said that Logan is big, stout, smart, and has been well coached. He thinks he may be the strongest guy on the team. He said that Logan also has a terrific work ethic and that he is doing a good job of leading and holding the guys accountable.
Sacramento State transfer #95 Mason Brosseau (6’3, 275, SR) has done a great job of jumping right into this room and matching the culture of the room. He’s played a lot of ball but he still attacked every day according to McCormick. He said that Brosseau is explosive and moves really well. Last season he had 20 total tackles, 5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks. In 2023 he also had 3 sacks. The Jacks needed to add some additional experience to the room to be ready for MVFC play and they found a really good one in Brosseau.
A player I am excited to see in an expanded role is #55 Aaron Wolfcale-Holsten (6’2, 285, SR). “Wolf” has battled injuries in his time in Brookings but when he’s healthy he just makes splash plays. McCormick said that he is indeed healthy and that he’s looking really good. He credits Aaron with bringing good energy and an encouraging presence to the room. Last season he total 14 tackles, 3 TFL, and 2.5 sacks. I’m expecting a big year!
The next three guys are competing to be in the rotation and make the bus for away games. Jace Sifore (6-4, 305, JR) is a local product that has a chance to really make an impact this year. He has filled out that frame and has gotten bigger and stronger. McCormick said that he is just a tremendous athlete and that he thinks he will show up and surprise people this fall. Iowa Western Community College transfer #52 Brody Targgart (6’2, 295, JR) was in Brookings for spring ball and learned a lot according to McCormick. Targgart played plenty of ball the past two years for the JUCO powerhouse. He is competing and has transformed his body and is now stronger, faster, and leaner. Targgart should be reliable and provide quality depth this fall. #98 Mac Muller (6’1, 270, RFR) is a young guy who is working very hard. McCormick said he’s been growing in the weight room and the meeting room. He thinks Mac has a bright future for the program.
#93 Reggie Kloehn (6’1, 270, FR), and #57 Sam Christensen (6’2, 250, FR) are the incoming freshmen and McCormick has been really impressed with how these guys have performed so far. He credits Kloehn with being a big strong kid (powerlifting background) and Christensen for his intelligence and his powerful strike. He thinks both will play a huge role for future Jackrabbit teams!
Defensive End
The Jackrabbit defensive end room may not have the experience of the defensive tackle room but there is still some real quality and potential here. The group is lead by #99 Dawson Ripperda (6’4, 245, JR) who appeared to be headed towards a huge season before nagging injuries slowed him. Still, he finished the year with 23 tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 2.5 sacks. “Ripp” commands the room and strikes a good balance of being encouraging and demanding. He said that Dawson has a ton of power in his hips that help him to be explosive. He said he also has really heavy hands which mean he is able to move the power from the ground all the way through his body into has hands, which he uses to strike and jolt the offensive tackles. He said that Dawson had an outstanding offseason and that he leaned up but gained weight.
Jackrabbit nation was relieved when #8 Reis Kirschenman (6’4, 245, SO) announced he was coming back to Brookings. He was part of the rotation last year and seemed to make plays when he was on the field. He had 10 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and 5 more quarterback hurries. McCormick said that he is a very good athlete who has a great speed rush but he still plays the run so well. McCormick said he has bought into the scheme and they are giving him a little more freedom to make plays this season. Watch out for both Dawson and Reis on the post-season award lists.
A new face to the room is #91 Kevin Spelman (6’5, 260, SR) who transferred in from Valparaiso. McCormick said they were intentional about finding someone who could be the right fit. Kevin was productive in his four years at Valpo and had 4 sacks, 33 tackles, and 6 TFL last season as he earned 2nd Team all-league honors. McCormick loves his experience and maturity. He plays the game the right way and has been unbelievable this summer and has fit into the room seamlessly.
#50 Nick Wells (6’4, 260) was really starting to turn it on last fall before he injured his knee during the first matchup with NDSU. He had 6 total tackles and 2 TFL in five contests. McCormick said he is still working his way back. He’s been good in the meeting rooms and McCormick is excited to see him with pads on. McCormick thinks he will make a big difference when he returns to full activity this fall.
A trio of redshirt freshmen will push to make the bus this fall. #96 Rhett Schaefer (6’3, 240, RFR), #92 Sam Watts (6’3, 245, RFR), and #97 Blake Leiferman (6’5, 250, RFR) all had good redshirt years. Watts earned scout defensive linemen 3x while both Schaefer and Leiferman took the honor twice. Schaefer also won the special teams award once. Schaefer is very intelligent and analytical right now. He is starting to cut it loose and just play. He has a bright future, with lots of growth in front of him but is competing to play now. Watts continues to find ways to make plays according to McCormick. He’s improving his confidence and consistency and that is the key to him earning his spot. Leiferman is still really raw as a college defensive end after spending his first fall as a tight end. However, he has tremendous size and athleticism and had a terrific spring.
The incoming freshmen are an impressive group. #90 Daniel Bradley (6’4, 240) and #40 Liam Shaw (6’3, 240) were both signed in the late class and both had huge senior seasons! They each had 14 sacks their senior year with Bradley having 46 tackles and Shaw having 98. Both are stacking success in the weight room. Both have a desire to be great and are soaking in a ton of information at this point. Both have the potential to contribute this season.
Local products #46 Mavrick LeBrun (6-5, 205) and #49 Luke Krempges (6-4, 235) are really attacking the weight room and nutrition program this summer. McCormick thinks both have incredibly high potential. Mavrick has some real length while Luke is very intelligent and is picking things up really quickly.
Go Jacks!
Matt
