This is part three of a Jackrabbit position preview series for the offensive side of the ball. We have previously covered the quarterbacks and the tight ends.
This year the Jacks return an abundance of experience to a unit that rushed for over 1800 yards last year. Gone are the days of having Zach Zenner tote the ball 20+ times per game. Now the Jackrabbits deploy a platoon approach where multiple running backs will receive touches each game. Coach John Johnson is in his second year withe Jackrabbits and says “the running back room is incredibly talented and as a group they are best in the MVFC.” He cited their academics, character, and performance on the football to back up that statement. They all bring a team first approach and are happy for one-another if someone else succeeds.
Running Back
#44 Brady Mengarelli is the senior leader of the group and returns as a team captain for his second season. Mengarelli was named to the MVFC Preseason team this fall. The former walk-on is all business and seems to just do things the right way both on and off the field. Last season, Mengarelli rushed for 770 yards on only 134 attempts which was good for 5.6 yards per carry average. Mengarelli also was the third leading receiver on the team collecting 34 receptions for 333 yards and 1 touchdown. Because he also served on kick return, Mengarelli led the Jacks with 1643 all purpose yards in 2016.
#26 Mikey Daniel was starting to emerge in his redshirt freshman season before an injury ended it prematurely. Daniel is the power back of the group and will be in on goal line and short yardage sets. Daniel recorded 83 yards rushing and one touchdown. Daniel also served as a kick returning in 2016 and is competing for the job again in 2017.
#35 Isaac Wallace is a now junior and is a big play threat. Wallace was the second leading rusher on the team with 536 yards with an 87 yard long run to go along with 4 touchdowns. If Wallace can stay healthy, look for him to expand his role this season. He is the most dynamic of the group and can take one to the house on any give carry.
#5 Blair Mulholland returns to the running back position for his redshirt freshman year. The much heralded recruit out of Wisconsin played at linebacker last fall but the coaches felt that he was too good of a running back to not have on the offensive side of the ball. Mulholland has also displayed good hands out of the back field and could be a receiving threat.
#42 C.J. Roths is a hard nosed runner who is ready to contribute as a redshirt freshman. Roths is a power runner who will contribute on special teams this season but is capable of toting the rock when called upon.
#29 Pierre Strong is a true freshman who will add depth and explosive power to the running back room. Expect him to redshirt this fall.
Fullback
#41 Kane Louscher enters his senior year as a three year starter and a MVFC preseason 1st team selection and STATS 3rd Team All-American. Johnson believes that his maturity and intelligence sets the tone for the fullback group. Louscher has been a great lead blocker for the Jacks and is incredibly powerful and strong. Here’s hoping offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness can get Louscher into the end zone this year.
#36 Luke Sellers is back from injury for his sophomore season. Johnson believes the injury allowed Sellers to get bigger, strong, and faster. Sellers will contribute as a valuable backup and will be relied upon to play meaningful minutes in order to keep Louscher fresh.
#33 Thomas Hopp transferred to SDSU last year and is moving to fullback for his senior season. Johnson believes that Hopp’s name would be mentioned as the best fullback in the MVFC had he started his career as a fullback. Johnson called Hopp a “headbuster” because of his love to hit and get physical.
#40 Turner Blasius is entering his sophomore year and will look to provide physicallity and energy to the special teams units and will serve as a reserve at fullback.
Go Jacks!
Matt
