The Jacks have already secured three of the top players in the state for the 2020 class in Adam Kusler, Aaron Kusler, and Max Baloun. However, there is still plenty of talent out there that the coaches should work to secure. SDSU has made a concerted effort to make sure the best in South Dakota stay home and become #SoDakJacks.
Here are the top 5 (in no particular order) with a handful of Honorable Mentions.
Brady Hawkins, LB, 6’3, 200, Bridgewater-Emery
I’m very excited to announce that I have received a scholarship to play football at South Dakota State. Huge thanks to the coaching staff! pic.twitter.com/AMrPHNcBra— Brady Hawkins (@bradyhawkins34) March 23, 2019
Hawkins is a Swiss Army knife for his high school team. He serves as the quarterback and can make plans with his legs and arm. He also plays middle linebacker and returns punts and kicks. At the next level he projects as a linebacker. He can really run and is truly a great athlete. Adding a third South Dakota linebacker would be big for this class and the future Jackrabbit defense.
Grey Zabel, OL, 6’5, 245, Pierre
After a great day at SDSU, I am excited to announce I’ve received a scholarship offer to play football❕🏈💙💛 Thank you @HolyNutmeg and @Coach_Eck and @Coach_Spencer11 #Jack20nTop #GoJacks pic.twitter.com/yG9hP5QUXK— Grey Zabel (@GreyZabel) March 30, 2019
Zabel serves as the anchor for the state champion Pierre offensive line. He is incredibly strong for a high school player and has the athleticism to get out and make blocks on the next level. Zabel has the frame to add good weight and function as a mobile all-conference lineman for the Jacks.
Mitch Eichacker, DE, 6’4, 225, Sioux Falls Lincoln
After a great camp, I’m excited to say that I have received an offer from SDSU!! Thanks @GoJacksFB and staff for the awesome opportunity and camp!! #GoJacks 🐰 pic.twitter.com/hgEihuSmIy— Mitch Eichacker (@EichackerMitch) June 10, 2019
It’s evident form his film that Eichacker can really set an edge in the run game. He looks equally adept at getting to the quarterback as well. It would be nice to add another hard-nosed player to the defensive end rotation. Eichacker earned his scholarship after an especially strong effort at the June 10th prospect camp.
Tyler Hiatt,OL, 6’3, 260, Sioux Falls Lincoln
Thank you @Coach_Spencer11 and @Coach_Eck for the invite to the Junior Day at SDSU! The campus is amazing and the atmosphere is awesome!! pic.twitter.com/LtDXtKkgWq— Tyler Hiatt (@tyler_hiatt2020) March 30, 2019
Hiatt will have a difficult decision to make in regards to playing track or football at the next level. This powerful young man was the 2019 state champion in both shot and disk. This type of power translates well to the football field; especially in the trenches. If he chooses football, he would make for a great #605Hog.
Jett Lamb, DL, 6’3, 270, Sully Buttes
Had a great time at SDSU today! 🐰 pic.twitter.com/iikvaHAsDi— Jett Lamb (@LambJett) November 17, 2018
Lamb is a monster in the middle for the Sully Buttes defensive line and functions as a nasty pulling guard on the offensive side of the ball. He has the size and athleticism to really destroy an opponents game plan. The Jacks have been home for some of the best 9 man players in the state, Lamb should be next.
Honorable Mention
Brady Dannebring, QB, Roosevelt
Tip Reiman, DE, O’Gorman
Bridger Nesbit, WR, Rapid City Stevens
Zach Norton, ATH, Sioux Falls O’ Gorman
Will Washenberger, OL, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
Kaden Eng, WR, Castlewood
These are my projections after watching the visits, offers, and spending time watching the HUDL highlights (when available) for these players. Again, this is an especially strong class in South Dakota this season and I’m excited about adding more #SoDakJacks to the roster.
Go Jacks!
Matt
One Response
I am not as high on Dannenbring as a lot of people. Watched him play against Pierre at Howard Wood last season and wasn't overly impressed. Reiman seems to work hard in weight room and could be a good one. The five you highlighted would be amazing gets.