2018 Football Recruitment: Quick Roundup

It feels like it wasn't that long ago that many of us were doing back-flips about the football signing class of 2017.  However, the  coaches have been busy this spring and summer putting together another strong class.  Because the 2017 class had over 30 scholarship and preferred walk-on players, the 2018 class will be smaller.  Another wrinkle that has been added is the earlier signing date, December 20th.  Before we had to wait until February to find out who had signed. Now we get an early Christmas present!

Here is who has verbally committed so far along with their twitter, their tape, and who I think they compare to (Remember, I've only been closely following SDSU football since 2006 so I may not have all the historic names as some of you).  As new verbals get on board, I will dedicate a unique post with along with a quick update for the player.  At this point it would just be too much to go back do one for each individual player.

Commitments:

QB - J'Bore Gibbs, 6'3" 205, Chicago, IL (Phillips) - HUDL
Compares to: Taryn Christion

• Watch the tape and you will see similar size, speed, athleticism and the pure ability to throw the ball from a variety of spots.  SDSU continues with its move of having a dual threat QB. 

TE - Zach Heins, 6'6" 230, Sioux Falls, SD (Washington) - HUDL

Compares to: Cam Jones

• When Cam came to SDSU, he was a polished receiver who won with his athleticism.  Heins possesses similar athleticism and will look to another title for the strong Washington football program.

OG - Mason McCormick, 6'4" 275, Sioux Falls, SD (Roosevelt) - HUDL 

Compares to: Alex Parker

• McCormick has really good feet, size, and strength like Parker had.  Could be a very good get for the Jacks!

OT - Garret Greenfield, 6'6" 270, Rock Valley, IA - HUDL

Compares to: Bryan Witzmann

• Yes, I'm comparing Greenfield to Witzman who has been around the NFL for the last few years; Greenfield has that type of potential.  He is quick and has long arms.  A red-shirt year in the weight room will turn Greenfield into a monster. 

OT - Max Howard, 6'7" 345, Brandon, SD (Brandon Valley) - HUDL

Compares to: Mitch Erickson

• Howard is a mountain of a man but he also moves really well and can pass block in Brandon Valley's spread offense.  These characteristics really remind me of Erickson.  

DE - Ryan Van Marel, 6'5" 250, Sheldon, IA - HUDL

Compares to: Jake Steffen

• Another high-motor Jackrabbit.  Steffen started his career at linebacker but quickly moved to defensive end.  Van Marel appears to possess great size and athleticism for the position.

DT - Caleb Sanders, 6'2" 260, Glenwood, IA - HUDL

Compares to: Eric Schroeder 

• Schroeder dominated in the middle for the Jacks defense with pure strength and a motor that never stopped.  Sanders has these same qualities.  His tape shows him throwing around his opponents.  At SDSU's elite camp, he did the same against the best competition. 

LB - Seth Benson, 6'1" 205, Sioux Falls, SD (Washington) - HUDL
Compares to: Mike Lien

• Similar size and build.  Lien was incredibly good at diagnosing the play and making the tackle. The tape shows Benson making play after play while quickly analyzing what is in front of him.  Benson's high school coaches rave about his leadership and that is exactly what you need out of your middle linebacker.   

LB - Joey Johnson, 6'3" 210, Gretna, NE - HUDL

Compares to: Not enough film on Joey to make an accurate comparison.  

CB - Tijaih Davis, 6'0" 175, Boys Town, NE - HUDL

Compares to: Winston Wright

• Looks to be a smooth cover corner.  Wright was one of the best both on and off the field.  Tijaih has a great story and appears to be a leader and high-character player both on and off the field.  

CB - Nick Garlisch, 5'11" 190, St. Charles, IL - HUDL

Compares to: Conrad Kjerstad

• I realize that Conrad was a safety but I think that is where Garlisch ends up.  He just looks like the type of play making ball-hawk that you want on the back end of your defense.  Kjerstad did this for the Jackrabbits before an injury ended his career early.  

Safety - Saiveon Williamson, 6'1" 190, Waseca, MN - HUDL

Compares to: Brock Campbell

• Williamson and Campbell have a lot in common.  First, they could both probably play receiver (Campbell did play receiver for one year for the Jacks). Second, they both are/were ball-hawks.  Watch how many interceptions Saiveon has in this film.  Finally, they both aren't/weren't afraid of contact and making a tackle.  

Kicker - Brock Walker, 5'10" 190, Sioux Falls, SD (Washington) - HUDL
Compares to: Justin Syrovatka 

• Appears to have a strong leg and with good accuracy.  Walker will be another kicker from Sioux Falls which is something we have had for awhile! 

Later this week I will dive into the position changes that have happened since spring ball and also additions and subtractions from the roster.  

Go Jacks!
Matt