Get to know some of South Dakota State’s playmakers as they head to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State this weekend.
It’s game week in Stillwater as the No. 17 Oklahoma State Cowboys look to start off their season with a win against two-time defending FCS national champion South Dakota State.
The Jackrabbits have won 29-straight games and the Cowboys aren’t taking them lightly.
Let’s take a look at the players that will be wearing white Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium.
OFFENCE
Quarterback Mark Gronowski
Specs: 6-foot-3, 230 pounds
2023 stats: 3,058 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 68% completion, 402 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns
Analysis: The reigning Walter Payton Award winner, given to the best FCS player, could have gone to the NFL after last season, but opted to return. He’s got a strong arm, good agility and is the leader of this team.
Running back Amar Johnson
Specs: 5-foot-10, 205 pounds
2023 stats: 801 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 12 catches for 122 yards
Analysis: Johnson has been a backup for the Jackrabbits for three years and now it’s his time to take control of the running back room. He’s a versatile speedster who is South Dakota State’s return man, too.
Wide receiver Griffin Wilde
Specs: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
2023 stats: 20 catches for 399 yards and six touchdowns
Analysis: Saw the field as a freshman in 2023 and really held his own among a group of veteran receivers. Could have gone to a Power Four school, but opted to stay in South Dakota and become the Jackrabbits go-to receiver.
Offensive lineman Evan Beernsten
Specs: 6-foot-4, 300 pounds
2023 stats: Started all 15 games at right guard, 76.9 offensive grade on PFF
Analysis: Beernsten was an All-Mountain Valley honorable mention last season and gives the South Dakota State offense a strong returner on the offensive line after losing several pieces to the NFL.
Offensive lineman Gus Miller
Specs: 6-foot-3, 295 pounds
2023 stats: Started all 15 games at center, 77.2 offensive grade on PFF
Analysis: The 2023 Rimington Award winner comes back to try and win back-to-back awards. He’s been a starter for the last two seasons and has the ability to play at the next level.
DEFENSE
Defensive lineman Jarod DePriest
Specs: 6-foot-5, 285 pounds
2023 stats: 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 field goal block
Analysis: Became the starting defensive tackle midway through the season and recorded at least one tackle in 10 games. Should play a bigger role in the Jackrabbits’ defense this year.
Linebacker Adam Bock
Specs: 6-foot-1, 225 pounds
2023 stats: 65 tackles, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss
Analysis: This will be Bock’s sixth season and he’s had four-straight seasons of totaling at least 65 tackles. He only played in 10 games last season and should be back for a fully healthy campaign.
Safety Tucker Large
Specs: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
2023 stats: 49 tackles, four interceptions, 13 PBU, 396 punt return yards, two total touchdowns
Analysis: One of South Dakota State’s biggest weapons, Large was first team All-Conference defense and second team special teams. He’s a ball hawk and a versatile leader for the Jackrabbits secondary and defense as a whole.
Cornerback Dalys Beanum
Specs: 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
2023 stats: 29 tackles, five interceptions, 12 PBU
Analysis: A player who could have a future at the next level, Beanum is great in coverage for South Dakota State. Don’t expect him to be tested much this season, which is why his stats aren’t super high.
Safety Cale Reeder
Specs: 6-foot, 190 pounds
2023 stats: 58 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble
Analysis: Reeder started the final 14 games of the season and became South Dakota State’s third-leading tackler in 2023. Had three interceptions the year before.
