Offensive Breakout Candidates

(Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

Every year the program has players who seemingly come out of no where and blow up on the field.  The fans turn to one another and say "Who was that?" at least for the first few games and then that player becomes a household name that everyone knew about since they first stepped foot on campus.  This season is no different as there is a whole list of playmakers who are ready to contribute and chomping at the bit to get some live reps. 


#8 CJ Wilson; Running Back
  • 2018 Statistics: 43 attempts, 281 yards, 1 TD
  • CJ was in the middle of a really solid freshman campaign before being sidelined with a leg injury that kept him out for the final six regular season games.  CJ returned for the playoffs and played against KSU and NDSU.  This year, I expect CJ to contribute on punt and kick returns and in the base offense.  CJ is dynamic in space and one of the fastest guys on the team. Look for the coaches to ensure that he gets his touches alongside Pierre and Mikey.  With a more run-focused offense, there should be plenty of opportunity for all three to eat.    


#87 Zach Heins; Tight End
  • 2018 Statistics: None; redshirted
  • Zach is from the South Dakota powerhouse program, Sioux Falls Washington and has made quite an impression on the coaches in his first year on campus.  Heins has terrific hands and has a HUGE catch radius given his 6'7 frame and jumping ability.  Heins traveled and was active for the KSU playoff game last fall but did not record any stats.  The coaches rave about his work ethic and his ability to just get open. I know that tight end is a loaded position group for the Jacks but I think Heins will be able to carve out a role for himself as a redzone target and possession type of receiver in the offense in 2019.  


#10 Jaxon Janke; Wide Receiver
  • 2018 Statistics: 2 punt returns for 34 yards, 1 tackle
  • Jaxon has a lot of hype entering the 2019 season after a strong 2018 redshirt season.  He was awarded the Special Teams Player of the Week for his returns against Illinois State and he was also the Scout Offensive Player of the Week twice.  Janke, a former basketball standout, has great leaping ability and hands to go along with 6'2 frame and 4.5 speed.  Jackrabbit fans are used to tall and fast wide receivers but Jaxon may bring a different level of athleticism.  I'm interested to see how he fits in the offense this season given all the returning talent on offense.  However, I'm excited to see what he does with his opportunities. 


#71 Aron Johnson; Offensive Tackle
  • 2018 Statistics: 3 starts (YSU, UNI, and Illinois St)
  • Aron came to campus as a lanky 235 pound freshman but after 2 years in the program he is up to 290 and is the starter at right tackle for the Jacks entering 2019.  Aron has always been really athletic but the added bulk and strength have made him into a potential 3 year starter at right tackle.  He also has good hands and feet and has worked hard in his understanding of the offense.  I was nervous about the right tackle position after the graduation of Tyler Weir but Coach Eck's confidence when talking about Aron has helped ease those concerns.  Aron started for three straight weeks in 2018 and that experience will be invaluable as he enters as "the man" at right tackle in 2019.  


#2 J'Bore Gibbs; Quarterback
  • 2018 Statistics: None; redshirted
  • This list wouldn't be complete without the new quarterback!  The Jacks have a new signal caller after 3.5 seasons of Taryn Christion calling the shots. J'Bore is a winner who has the ability to make all the throws and make plans with his legs. J'Bore withstood a challenge in the spring from Arizona State transfer Kurt Walding and beat out strong challenges from Kanin Nelson and Matt Connors to be named the starting quarterback.  J'Bore won't have to do it all as he is surrounded by terrific talent.  However, he will have to win a game or two for the Jacks to have the type of season that has become the norm around Brookings.  I'm confident he can do that in 2019!
Go Jacks!
Matt   

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