Fall 2021 Offensive Preview

(Photo Credit Abiaza Kaneak)

The Jackrabbit offense was prolific again in the spring season. Coach Eck is now in his third season as the offensive coordinator and seems to have a good understanding of who he is as a play caller and what he wants out of his offense.  The offense is fairly balanced but leans towards the run a little more.  They clipped along to the tune of 29.2 points per game and had 231.7 yards per game on the ground and 171.4 through the air.  Early in the spring season the run game struggled to find it's rhythm.  In the regular season SIU matchup the offense seemed to commit to the run and by the time the National Championship game rolled around it was an unstoppable force.  

Quarterback

The QB position is one that everyone will be watching closely.  As of August 23rd, the Jackrabbits have not named a starter.  This is likely Coach Stig showing some gamesmanship.  Why give Colorado State any extra time to prepare for #13 Keaton Heide ((6-3, 200) or #6 Chris Oladokun (6-2, 195)?  CSU has likely reviewed 2019 tape on both Heide and Oladokun as they prepare for both.  

• Heide has been in the system for three years, knows the playbook, and has played in plenty of huge moments for the Jacks.  During his true freshman campaign, Heide passed for 1,072 yards and 7 TD while completing 67% of his passes. The highlights from fall camp show Heide throwing a better deep ball and displaying a little more arm strength.  He was put into an impossible situation against Sam Houston.
• Oladokun enjoyed a great 2019 for Samford and had a promising start to his career at South Florida where he earned two starts in 2018.  In 2019 he threw for 2,064 yards, 18 TDs, and completed 62% of his passes. He was replaced in the lineup at Samford early in the 2021 spring season but throughout his career has displayed a strong an accurate arm that is paired with an innate ability to make plays with his feet.  Whoever is named the starter will not have to do it alone.  There is plenty of other talent on the offensive side of the ball.  
• #1 Rudy Voss (6-3, 205) will likely assume the role of the third QB.  Rudy has a good arm and is a good enough athlete to make plays with his feet when needed.  

Running Back

The RB room features two of the best backs in the FCS in #20 Pierre Strong (5-11, 205) and #22 Isaiah Davis (6-1, 220).  These two compliment each other so well.  

• Pierre Strong is the slasher, the homerun threat, and an elite receiving running back.  The spring 2021 season started with Pierre turning an ankle and I don't believe he was ever 100% again as the season went along.  However, he still finished with 707 yards, 3 TD, and a 5.4 ypc average.  He was also third on the team in receptions (20) and finished with 178 receiving yards and a TD.
• Isaiah Davis led the team in rushing during his true freshman campaign with 818 yards, 10 TD, and an 8.5 ypc average.  His 85 yard run in the National Championship game will be something that Jackrabbit fans will be talking about for years to come.  He also showed soft hands with 7 receptions for 107 yards.  
• The depth at running back is a bit of question entering the season given the graduation of Jordan Meachum and the injury retirement of Jefferson Lee.  #3 Amar Johnson (5-11) and #38 Josh Buri (5-11, 210) are true freshman that will likely be counted on to carry the ball at various points this year.  Both were decorated preps and highly regarded recruits.  The four game rule could be in play for both this season, if not a complete pull of the redshirt pending the health of the lead dogs.

Wide Receiver

The Jackrabbits return #10 Jaxon Janke (6-2, 210) and #9 Jadon Janke (6-3, 205) who enjoyed really strong spring seasons.  This group was a huge question mark entering the spring season with the departure of Cade Johnson but emerged as a talented young group that has a bright future.  

• Jaxon led the team in both receptions (32), yards (473), and TDs (6).  He showed improved hands in 2021 and really became a powerful runner in the open field.  Plenty of opponents felt how strong he was and how hard he was to bring down.  Jaxon also serve as the primary punt returner where he had 8 returns for 106 yards.  Jaxon can still grow in this area by catching the ball in the air and not allowing additional yards on the role.  
•  Jadon became a deep threat with an average of 20.2 ypc on 21 receptions which was good for 425 yards and 5 TDs.  Jadon's catch and run ability was a nice addition to the office.  Both Jadon and Jaxon showed up as willing and able blockers.
•  #5 Landon Wolf (5-11, 175) is a grad transfer from Oklahoma State.  In 2020, he had 24 rec, 229 yards, 1 TD.  In 2019 he had, 25 rec, 189 yards, and in 2018 he had 33 receptions for 362 yards and 2 TD.  This is really nice production that typically isn't seen from an FBS to FCS transfer.  Coaches and teammates raved about him and he was named scout offensive and scout special teams player of the week multiple times throughout the spring.  Coach Stig has raved about his maturity and leadership.  I'm excited to see what the Jacks are getting and if there can be some greater production from the slot.
• #4 Canyon Bauer (6-0, 195) and #19 Mason Leighton (5-9, 180) are the other two receivers who played significant snaps in the spring.  Canyon had 5 receptions for 34 yards and Mason had 3 receptions for 26 yards and 1 TD.  Both have been recognized by Coach Schleusner as having strong summers. 
• #83 A.J. Coons (6-4, 210) and #86 Devon Cole Jr. (5-9, 165) are two second year players who are poised to emerge as contributors this fall.  Coons enjoyed a great prep career in Iowa for the powerful program in Solon while Cole Jr. is a converted QB who is still learning the receiver position.

Tight End

The TE group is a fun one and one that the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is excited about.  They are still young and the skill set is diverse but there is a ton to be hopeful for in this group because of what we saw in the spring and in the summer workouts.

• #87 Zach Heins (6-7, 250) returned from a knee injury and had a terrific season earning All-MVFC honors.  Heins had 12 receptions for 200 yards and displayed a clutch gene in the big moments.  His inline blocking is something that has really stood out where he has shown an ability to dominate defensive ends and linebackers alike.  
• #85 Tucker Kraft (6-5, 255) feels like a player who is poised to breakout.  He was injured against UNI in the season opener and missed a few weeks of play.  At the time, Coach Stig talked about how this affected the playbook because they had drawn up plays specifically for Tucker.  When he returned, Tucker showed the explosive playmaking ability that we were all hoping for.  He finished with 7 receptions for 90 yards.  I'm looking for a breakout year this fall! 
• #34 Mike Morgan (6-3, 235) is one of my favorite players on the roster.  He's got a unique talent and ability to play RB, FB, and TE.  He also dealt with injuries but finished with 2 receptions for 15 yards.  
• #81 Skyler Cavanaugh (6-5, 240) and #82 Caleb Scharf (6-5, 245) are two veterans who have been with the program for four years.  Skyler contributed last year when injuries piled up at the tight end position and was on a number of the special teams units.

Offensive Line

The #605Hogs were the best unit in the FCS this spring.  They were excellent in the run game and very good in pass protection allowing just 10 sacks.  The unit featured two new starters in the spring and both earned All-American Honors.  The seniors are receiving draft buzz and have played a TON of snaps for the Jackrabbits.

• #71 Aron Johnson (6-6, 300) flipped from right tackle to left tackle and quietly was really good.  He was named to the Reeses Senior Bowl watchlist and was also recognized as a draft-able FCS player in a Sports Illustrated article this summer.     
• #60 Mason McCormick (6-4, 310) may be a nice guy off the field but he is nasty on the field and sets the tone for this unit from his left guard position.  McCormick was named as a Hero Sports All-American for his efforts. 
• #77 Wes Genant (6-4, 300) is back at center.  Wes has played at LT, RT, G, and Center in his Jackrabbit career.  He brought consistency to the position in the spring that was missing while he was out in 2019.  I expect a big year out of Wes as he wraps up a strong Jackrabbit career.
• #56 Eagan Lickiss (6-4, 310) is back at right guard and in my opinion, is incredibly underrated.  Eagan showcased his ability to trap and pull throughout the season but saved his best for the National Championship game where he sprung Isaiah for multiple long runs.  Again, I look for Eagan to put a bow on a very good Jackrabbit career this fall.
• #74 Garret Greenfield (6-6, 295) stepped into the right tackle position as a sophomore and made it seem like he had been doing it his entire life.  Garret is  outstanding as a pass blocker and displays terrific power in the run game.  Because of his stellar play, Garret earned multiple All-American honors.  I'm excited for his continued growth this fall!
• #75 Jon Gruetzmacher (6-8, 315), #68 Ian Bass (6-4, 280), #72 Jason Titus (6-5, 295) bring experience along the offensive line.  All have played and will be counted on to step in and play in a pinch this fall.
• #78 Adam White (6-4, 275), #59 Jalen Lee (6-2, 305), and #70 Colby Christensen (6-8, 260) are young players who may be pushing for time and just need some live reps.
• #54 Eddie Miller (6-5, 315) and #76 Bo Donald (6-6, 295) will be key reserves but will start the season on the injury list and should return as the season progresses.  #61 Evan Beerntsen was the backup at center in the spring but will be out for fall season.  

With all of this talent, the offense should be as good, if not better, than it was in the spring.  That sounds lofty but with all of the live reps that the young pass catchers received plus the addition of experienced players like Chris Oladokun (if he wins vs. Keaton) and Landon Wolf, I really see the Jackrabbit offense taking another step forward.  

Go Jacks!

Matt