Position Preview: Defensive Tackles


(Photo by Abby Fullenkamp)

The Jackrabbits lose a dominating force in Kellen Soulek but return three players who were part of the rotation last season and are joined by a promising red-shirt freshmen.  This group could be the biggest question mark on the team and we really won't know until they take the field September 1st.  Iowa State will be a big test as they are a big offensive line.  If they can hold up in that game, they should be more than okay the rest of the season.

The group is coached by Christian Smith who is in his second year with the team. Smith said that while the loss of Soulek is big, he expects the rest of the guys to fill the void.  He said he has challenged the younger guys to step up and make plays when they have the chance.
  

#96 Spencer Hildahl (6-3, 290) started for much of 2017 and finished with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks.  Hildahl got hurt towards the end of training camp and never seemed to get fully healthy after a strong spring season and start to the 2017 fall camp.  The junior is now the elder statesmen and will be counted on to provide leadership to this group.  Smith credits Hildahl for holding down a full-time internship this summer and not missing a single workout and said that it shows a great work ethic and dedication to his team.   

#67 Xavier Ward (6-2, 290) played as a true freshmen and seemed to get stronger as the season went along; playing key minutes down the stretch. He finished with 10 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.  Smith was quick to praise Ward for his effort on and off the field.  He also said that Xavier's quickness and athleticism are what make him you unique.  He's improved mentally, physically, and upped his weight from where he was last fall.

#69 Krockett Krolikowski (6-2, 290) red shirted his freshmen season but had a dominant spring season and will be counted on to disrupt opposing offenses.  Smith said that he may have had the best spring ball out of anyone on the team.  He was close to playing last fall and probably would have had the new red-shirt rules been in place.  Krockett is great at getting off a blocks and making plays according to Smith and he brings physicality and a nasty attitude to the group.


#95 Thomas Stacker (6-4, 285) had his moments during his red shirt freshmen season.  Stacker ended the year with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks.  Stacker moves well for his size and is in much better shape entering the 2018 season according to Smith.  He brings the energy to the group and is very vocal with his teammates.  Smith said that Stacker may have made the biggest strides during the spring of anyone at the position.  

#51 Andrew Mueller (6-0, 260) and #59 Zach Dorgan (6-2, 260) are undersized but provide high motor energy.  Both are converted defensive ends.  Dorgan is the most athletic of the group while Mueller is the strongest squatter.  They will have a role this year if they can prove that they can hold up in the run game. 

The incoming recruits are #98 Ryan Van Marel (6-4, 245) from Sheldon, IA, #76 Caleb Sanders (6-1, 260) from Glenwood, IA, and #73 Trajan Walhof (6-5, 250) from Sioux Center, IA were all here this summer working out and learning from the veterans.  They have brought lots of questions and all will have an outside chance to play this season.  #64 Sam Willmott (6-3, 250 from Rosemount, MN and #65 Matt Borowicz (6-4, 255) from Lakeville, MN are big kids and will also be joining the group as true freshmen and will work hard to get stronger and learn the system.

Additional Position Previews
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Linebackers

Go Jacks!

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