Editor’s note: Throughout Spring Football, GoJacks.com will take an in-depth look at various position groups. The 10th installment of the Spring Report focuses on the Jackrabbit offensive line.

BROOKINGS – The South Dakota State University football team will continue to look for more production from its defensive ends as the Jackrabbits near the final week of spring practices.

Last season, Jackrabbit defensive ends combined to register only 5.5 of the team's 30 sacks. Sophomore Ryan Earith, who has the most starting experience within the unit with nine starts under his belt in 2016, shared the lead among defensive ends last season with two sacks among his 32 total tackles. Fellow sophomore Austin Smenda contributed 20 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and an interception.

The unit is expected to regain the services of junior Chase Kern, who played in a combined 22 games over his first two seasons, but missed the entire 2016 season after suffering an injury last spring. Kern 's career totals include 28 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.

Redshirt freshman and Omaha native Elijah Wilson was one of the more highly touted recruits in the 2016 signing class and appears on track for being a major contributor to the Jackrabbit defensive line. Fellow redshirt freshman Kaden Roy brings additional size and athleticism to the position.

Several other players are contending for spots in the rotation at defensive end, including senior Mason Leiseth, who has seen limited action during his Jackrabbit career. His younger brother, Tristan, another redshirt freshman, also is getting reps at defensive end this spring.

Next installment: Punter (April 14)