Update on the 2017 Recruits

Over the weekend, a tweet from Matt Zimmer regarding a quote from Coach Stig raised some eye brows in regards to the freshmen class.

John Stiegelmeier says 10 true freshmen have been told to prepare to have their redshirts pulled. That would obviously be a record.

— Matt Zimmer (@argusmattz) August 19, 2017

Typically, playing that many true freshmen means you are rebuilding and looking to the future.  However, this class is a little bit different as it has been considered a VERY strong class all along and many of the players spent time in Brookings over the summer working with older teammates and living in the weight room.  This certainly isn't a team that is rebuilding but this class certainly enhances a number of things for the Jacks. 

Here is a breakdown of the class, my observations, and who I project will play this season.

Defensive Tackle: Xavier Ward and Krockett Krolikowski are ready to play.  Their emergence is based on talent but also a need because of the injury to  Blake Whitsell.  They are both big beefy guys who are violent with their hands and move well.  

Defensive End:  Daniel Callender has been good and you can look for him to terrorize in passing situations. Anyone that has been to practice might think there is a basketball player out there. He  probably needs to add weight so he can anchor better against the run and be a three down player. As a pass rusher, he's in a league of his own. Reece Winkelman is also very good and if injuries happen at DE, he could be ready to contribute.  He is bigger than I expected for someone who played linebacker in high school. 

Linebacker: Seven Wilson and Noah Urbanek are the second string outside linebackers based on talent. Both were in Brookings all summer working out and getting into the defensive playbook with older players. They'll take their lumps at times but they are ready now.  Both are on various special teams units. Wilson can run and is a thumper. Urbanek is smart and has a nose for the ball.  Levi Brown is hyper athletic but will take some time to add weight and strength.

Corner Back:  As the lone recruit at his position, Malik Lofton is a good kid and is going to be a very good player for the Jackrabbits. Still working on the scheme and all of the little nuances but he will get there.

Safety: Jordan Velez was in Brookings all summer as well. He plays fast and seems to be around the ball. He is super smart and loves to hit. He's on the kick off and kick return special teams.  Tylen Small and Tyler Demartra are very athletic and will make big contributions to future Jackrabbit squads.

Offensive Line: Jack Domandle, Eddie Miller and Eagen Lickiss are just ready. They are big, strong, and very smart. There wasn't a ton of depth on the offensive line, which is why they signed 10 guys, but these three have performed at a level that deserves a roster spot.   The other freshmen offensive linemen just need a season in the weight room. Lots of kids who were multi sport standouts, so a year with Coach Moe will create some monsters.

Tight End: Skyler Cavanaugh has been a great surprise. An All-conference volleyball player and state champion wrestler, Cavanaugh committed to the Jacks late. He's a big guy who catches the ball well and is a more than willing blocker. Caleb Schauf also could contribute this year as he is another big body who has shown flashes in camp.  Arthur Egan was injured earlier in camp but he has looked good when he has had an opportunity.  

Wide Receiver:  This group is loaded with potential but they need some seasoning and the Jacks have great depth already. The emergence of Jacob Brown and Cade Johnson as return men means the coaches don't need to burn a red shirt just for special teams. Deyon Campbell, Isaiah Hill, Keenan Orr and Mike Wandmaker have all made plays in camp though. Their future is bright.


Running Back:  Pierre Strong is going to be a beast. He's in a numbers game right now, but he will be a very good running back for the Jacks down the road.  Again, a season on the scout team and in the weight room will be great.

Quarterback: Ethan Bullock has shown flashes in the limited reps he receives in practice.  He will red-shirt, master the playbook, and look to compete next fall.

Wilson, Urbanek, Ward, Krolikowski, Velez, Domandle, Miller, Lickiss, Callender and probably Cavanaugh. Talent not necessity. #GoJacks https://t.co/tPccW6tBW1

— Jackrabbit_Illstrtd (@JackIllustrated) August 19, 2017

The legacy of this class will ultimately be decided on the field but so far they are off to a good start.

Go Jacks!
-Matt