Note: Throughout Spring Football, GoJacks.com will take an in-depth look at various position groups. The fifth installment of the Spring Report focuses on the Jackrabbit running backs. Spring practice culminates with the annual Spring Game on April 20 (6 p.m. kickoff).
Two main contributors in the Jackrabbit running game return, with a couple others working to take the next step as the South Dakota State football team nears the halfway mark of spring practice.
Senior Isaac Wallace and junior Mikey Daniel lead the backfield after placing second and fourth on the team, respectively, for a balanced rushing attack last season. Wallace, who has rushed for 500-plus yards each of the past two seasons, gained 516 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry with five touchdowns in 2017. The Omaha, Nebraska, native scored five touchdowns last season as a backup to three-time leading rusher Brady Mengarelli, who graduated.
Daniel, a Brookings native, was the Jackrabbits’ primary option in short-yardage situations a year ago and totaled 482 yards. He scored a team-high 11 rushing touchdowns, including a career-best four in an October road win at Missouri State.
Others in the mix at running back this spring include sophomore Blair Mulholland, who saw limited action at running back last season, and Pierre Strong, a redshirt freshman who impressed on the practice field last fall. Freshman C.J. Wilson also is going through spring drills after sitting out last fall.
The Jackrabbits also have incorporated a fullback into their offense. Juniors Luke Sellers and Turner Blasius are the top returners at that position after previously backing up departed senior Kane Louscher.
Photo from www.gojacks.com.
