Editor's note: Throughout Spring Football, GoJacks.com will take an in-depth look at various position groups. The sixth installment of the Spring Report focuses on the Jackrabbit defensive tackles.
A strength of the team during a playoff season in 2016, the interior of the South Dakota State defensive line is anchored by senior Kellen Soulek.
A senior from Yankton, Soulek registered 46 total tackles from his defensive tackle position last season. Soulek led the Jackrabbits with 10 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks, while adding a fumble recovery and blocked kick. A second-team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honoree, Soulek also returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in the regular season finale at Northern Iowa as SDSU clinched their first-ever MVFC title.
A leading candidate to fill the holes vacated by departed seniors Cole Langer and Shayne Gottlob is Blake Whitsell. A junior, Whitsell was off to a solid start in a reserve role during the 2016 season before being sidelined by injury. He was able to return for the Jackrabbits' playoff run and finished the year with seven tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in eight games.
Sophomore Spencer Hildahl got a taste of collegiate competition in 2016, along with junior Matt Fry. Redshirt freshman Thomas Stacker also will vie for a spot in the rotation for a unit directed by first-year assistant coach Christian Smith.
Next installment: Running Backs
