The Jackrabbit wide receiver room entered last season full of question marks. The Jacks had last their top wide receiver to the transfer portal and the returning wide receivers were unproven or transfers who had limited snaps at their previous stops. What a difference a year makes! The Jackrabbits have the best wide receiver trio in the FCS with the return of #1 Lofton O’Groske (6’2, 210, JR), #12 Grahm Goering (6’2, 210, GR), and #2 Jack Smith (6’0, 195, SO). Coach Luke Bengtson loves this room and agrees that his top three are as good as anyone. He stressed that he wants to have 6 guys who are ready to go because injuries do pop up. He said that special teams is critical for his guys and will play a role in who makes the travel roster.
Before getting injured, O’Groske was putting together an All-American season and it is why you see him on preseason AA lists, even though his overall production isn’t at that level. He was incredible. In just 6 games (2 of which he was injured), O’Groske managed 27 receptions for 355 yards and 4 TDs. He also added 50 yards rushing and a TD. His diving leaping TD reception against NDSU in the northwest corner was spectacular. Coach Bengtson said that Lofton is one of the most talented wide receivers he has coached. He said that 50/50 balls feel more like 90/10 balls with Lofton and that he is fully healthy and looks awesome.
Goering has dealt with ups and downs throughout his career but last year emerged as a very reliable target for the Jackrabbits. Most of us expected Grahm to graduate last season but he was able to get a medical redshirt and is back a year after he recorded 43 receptions for 656 yards and 2 TDs. Early in his career, Grahm was thought of as just a speed guy on the outside to stretch the defense. Now Grahm is super gritty, consistent, and well rounded. Coach Bengtson credits him with really showing up as a run blocker, a pass catcher across the middle, and a leader within the room.
Jackrabbit fans were excited that local product Jack “Smitty” Smith emerged last season after an outstanding prep career at Sioux Falls Lincoln. He had 33 receptions for 396 yards and 4 TDs. He also had four runs for 91 yards, including a 75 yard game opening scamper against USD. Bengtson said the he is consistent, reliable, and very intelligent. He shared that people think of Jack as a slot guy but he can play all positions and is a dominant run blocker. He is very athletic and quick and it just makes him tough to tackle.
While this trio is established, the spots after are full of potential but have yet to truly show out on Saturdays. #8 Sammy Dresie (6’2, 195, So) did contribute last fall with 5 receptions for 61 yards. He has some real speed and has come a long way changing his body from a track athlete into a football player. Bengtson emphasized that Sammy needs to be ready to go this fall and that he is on the cusp of reaching his potential. #0 Landon Dulaney (6’2, 200, RFr) is a player very similar to Dresie. Track speed that is now being transformed into a football player. Bengtson said that Landon has added 30 pounds since arriving in Brookings last summer. Even with that weight, he’s still just as fast and explosive. Coach said that there were flashes this spring where it all came together. It is now about doing that rep in and rep out. He’s improving in his physicality and making contested catches. #80 Zac Van Meeteren (6’6, 215) is another guy similar to Dresie and Dulaney in the fact that he has been blessed with speed and athleticism. The learning curve from 9-man to 11-man was initially pretty steep but Zac is catching up. Coach Bengtson said that Zac’s large catch radius is obvious and he’s improving on using that big frame to go win. Coach reiterated that he wants 6 ready to go. Which of these guys jumps up and is able to consistently use their big bodies to make plays, provide physical blocking in the run game, and can contribute on special teams will really determine who makes that cut.
Anther guy who is different in type but is also competing for that top-6 role is #3 Joe Kolega (5’11, 190). Coach Bengtson said that he is like Jack Smith in that he can play anywhere. He credits him with being tough, scrappy, and tough to tackle. He also said he was a great catcher of the football and has outstanding ball skills. Throughout the year Kolega made acrobatic receptions in practice. Finally, Bengtson said he is an elite student and he really understands how to use leverage. Another guy who may be in that slot role is former Iowa transfer #14 Reese Osgood (5’11, 185, Sr). Unfortunately, Reese missed spring due to injury. Bengtson said he is a great kid with skill and talent that just wants to show what he can do. He credits Reese with being an excellent special teams player last year and thinks he can be again this year if healthy.
The Jackrabbits did bring in 5 very talented freshmen who each bring a little something to the room. #18 Jhace Woods (6’2, 195) is from Sioux Falls Washington and will be a big time 50/50 ball type. His athleticism is undeniable and they’ll just have to see how quickly he can master the playbook according to Bengtson. #20 Alex Uctman (6’1, 190) is another speedster who has 10.5- 100m dash speed. Coach says Alex is smart, has good ball skills and is picking up the playbook quickly. #85 David Joiner (6’2, 175) is an interesting story in the fact that he didn’t play football after 7th grade until his senior season when he decided to give it a try. Bengtson says that Joiner has already added 15 pounds since getting to campus. He’s digging into the playbook and has a good natural feel for route running. He too is a great jumper and a 50/50 ball target. #9 Harrison “Harry” Mullens (6’1, 190) is a big time player that can fly so much so that Bengtson thinks he may be one of the fastest guys on the team. He too has added 17 pounds since getting to campus. Bengtson says that he is very intelligent and that his ability to stretch the field is evident. #86 Jovan Green Jr. (6’2, 190) comes from one of the best programs in the midwest (Brother Rice HS) according to Bengtson and that level of coaching has paid off for Jovan. He’s very mature about how he handles his business in the fact that he just shows up and works. He’s learning the playbook, ready to be coached, and has a good combination of strong hands, speed, and jumping ability. Bengtson is very excited to see how these guys develop this year and into their careers at SDSU.
There is bigtime opportunity after the top three for playing time. The Jacks have a history of using lots of wide receivers and injuries are common at this position. The young guys will have every opportunity to earn time out on the playing field. This is certainly a group to watch this season!
Go Jacks!
Matt
One Response
Thank you!
Really surprised, and a little worried your fine review did not once mention the OC.
I would think the WRs are an integral part of Eidsness’ approach to every opponent. If he has no input as to who plays in his offence and when, there is a problem.