MINNESOTA STATE PICKED OVERALL IN NSIC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
MSU picked in South - UMD favorite in North

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato was selected by the league coaches as the overall and south division preseason favorite in the NSIC for 2021. The Mavericks received 12 first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) and amassed 168 points, 24 points ahead of Minnesota Duluth (144), which was the unanimous choice in the north division. Augustana was third with 140 points and a first place vote while Sioux Falls was fourth at 135.  Winona State was picked fifth overall with 126 points and the final first place vote.

NSIC football will consist of 14 teams divided into two divisions (north/south). Concordia-St. Paul will move to the north division in 2021 as each team will play 11 conference games that will count towards the NSIC Overall Championship as well as six divisional games that will count towards the NSIC North/South Division Championships. In all, three league champions will be awarded (Overall Champion, North Division Champion, South Division Champion). Ties will not be broken for overall or division champions. The first four weeks will be cross divisional contests, with the final cross divisional contest taking place randomly during the remainder of the season.  

Preseason Players of the Year

• Named 2021 & 2019 NSIC North Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
• Returns as a 6th year QB for UMD, a four year starter and a two-year captain
• Notched a TD/Interception ratio of 19 TD’s to just six interceptions in 2019
• Led the Bulldogs in passing yards with 1,527 yards, while also throwing for an average of 218.14 yards per-game in 2019
• Named All-NSIC twice in career

• Named 2021 & 2019 NSIC North Division Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
• Three-time NSIC North Division All-Conference Defense selection
• Totaled 38 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks and one interception in 2019
• Tallied 159 tackles, 22.0 tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks and three interceptions in his career

• Entering a season in which he will be a four-year starter at quarterback
• In 26 starts, has tallied nearly 7,000 yards throwing with 53 touchdowns
• Quarterbacked AU to an 8-2 record before injury to close the 2019 season
• Tallied a pair of 300-yard plus games through the air in 2019
• Named team captain

• In 2019, racked up 47 tackles for the Warriors - including 34 solo stops – and lead the team in pass breakups with nine
• Has appeared in 30 career contests for WSU, one of the most experienced defensive players on the 2021 squad
• Has 85 career tackles, six INT’s and 19 pass break-ups while leading the WSU secondary
• Earned 2019 All-NSIC South Honorable Mention honors

SEASON PREVIEWS & PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

The Vikings return several key players from a team that advanced to the 2019 Division II Playoffs and ended with a 9-3 overall record. In all, Augustana returns six starters on offense including four-year signal-caller Kyle Saddler. The defense returns four student-athletes that started all 12 games in 2019 including First Team All-South Division selections in Eli Weber and Logan Swanson. Looking all around the field, the Vikings have the experience and depth to compete at the top of the NSIC South Division and NSIC again.  Saddler was second in the league in 2019 with 225.5 passing yards per game while then true-freshman Jarod Epperson racked up 732 yards rushing while playing in just 10 complete games. Fellow back, Rudolh Sinflorant, is a season removed from 905 yards rushing and an All-NSIC South Division selection in 2018. At the receiver slot, Sean Engel is a returning First Team performer. 
Defensively, Swanson is as good as they come in the NSIC with his eight sacks in 2019 and 15 tackles for loss. Weber, an Academic All-America selection, totaled four interceptions and ranked second in the NSIC with 13 pass breakups.  Luis Guarita earned an honorable mention to Don Hanson’s All-America squad after ranking fourth in the nation with an 88.9 percent field-goal accuracy. He tied the school record with 16 made field goals in 2019, a mark of 1.33 made field goals per game which ranked him 11th in the nation. 
Augustana begins its 2021 campaign at home where it puts the nation’s seventh-longest home winning streak on the line against Minot State. The Vikings went undefeated in Kirkeby-Over Stadium in 2019. 

#11 Kyle  Saddler (QB, 6-0, 195, Sr., Frisco, Texas / Frisco Independence HS)

• Entering a season in which he will be a four-year starter at quarterback
• In 26 starts, has tallied nearly 7,000 yards throwing with 53 touchdowns
• Quarterbacked AU to an 8-2 record before injury to close the 2019 season
• Tallied a pair of 300-yard plus games through the air in 2019
• Named team captain

#17 Eli Weber (S, 6-1, 200, Jr., Dawson, Minn. / Dawson-Boyd HS)

• Named a team captain for what will be his third year in uniform for the Vikings
• Coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him earn First Team All-South Division and earn a nod on the Don Hansen Super Region Four team
• Ranked second in the NSIC with 13 pass breakups while starting all 12 games
• Recorded four interceptions over the season

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

The much delayed 95th season of Bemidji State football will begin Sept. 2 as the Beavers return 12 starters, including six on both offense and defense, and 38 letter winners from the 2019 season. BSU went 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the NSIC North Division under head coach Brent Bolte, who has averaged eight wins per season since taking over the program in 2016. The Beaver offense averaged 30.4 points per game to rank fourth in the NSIC, 200.6 rushing yards per game to rank third, 232.9 passing yards per game to rank fifth, and 186.0 passing yards allowed per game to rank fourth. BSU’s Offensive Player to Watch is senior wide receiver Malik Williams, who was named a 2019 NSIC North Division All-Conference First Team selection. Williams averaged 60.8 receiving yards per game and ranked 27th nationally with 5.9 receptions per game. The Gang Green defense averaged 20.8 points per game and boasted a 28.7 percent third-down conversion rate, which ranked 13th best in the nation. The red zone defense ranked fourth-best in the country at 60.7 percent and also ranked among the top 10 nationally in interceptions and pass defense efficiency. BSU’s Defensive Player to Watch is senior linebacker Gabe Ames, a three-time NSIC All-Conference selection and 2019’s NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Ames played in nine games with 38 total tackles during his junior season, setting a season-high nine tackles versus Augustana and three tackles for a loss at Minnesota Crookston.

#6 Malik Williams (WR, 5-9, 190,  Sr., Lake Worth, Fla.  / Lake Worth HS)

• 2019 NSIC North Division All-Conference First Team
• Averaged 10.3 yards per catch and 60.8 receiving yards per game in nine games in 2019
• Ranked 27th nationally with 5.9 receptions per game and 35th in receiving touchdowns
• Totaled 547 receiving yards on 53 catches for nine touchdowns

#9 Gabe Ames (OLB, 6-0, 220, Sr., Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount HS)

• Three-time NSIC North Division All-Conference Defense selection
• Totaled 38 tackles, 5.0 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks and one interception in 2019
• Tallied 159 tackles, 22.0 tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks and three interceptions in his career
• 2019 NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

While the Golden Bears enter the 2021 season faced with the task of replacing most of the starting offensive and defensive lines along with a number of skill position players, the program had already planned for those vacancies before the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19. In the winter of the 2019-20 academic year, Concordia brought in 12 players from the St. Cloud State football program and another from Minnesota Crookston including a pair of defensive linemen, five offensive linemen, three wide receivers, a tight end and a linebacker. The program has also added a handful of Division I transfers to bolster the lineup, with a high percentage of the transfers spending last season acclimating to campus life and the football program to boost continuity entering this fall.
And while the program will undoubtedly miss the production from the high volume of experienced players who turned the program from a 1-win squad the year before head coach Shannon Currier rejoined the University into a winning team at 6-5 in 2019, there are still a number of key contributors back to lead the way in 2021 including all three starting linebackers: Academic All-American Dalton Smerchek, All-NSIC honorable mention pick Jake Portz and Gabe Nkumu along with nearly the entire starting secondary led by standout cornerback Preston Piltoff. Up front, Academic All-American Shawn Aarhus has logged considerable playing time opposite NFL Draft pick Chris Garrett while Richard Ficociello is on the verge of a breakout campaign.
Offensively, sophomore guard Matthew Montgomery and All-NSIC North Second Team transfer Robert Kraklow lead the deepest offensive line unit the program has had in Currier's tenure, junior running back Lajuan Preston returns his 5.9 career average per carry in a backfield that includes Purdue transfer Brian Lankford-Johnson and Northern Iowa transfer Jaylin Richardson. While the quarterback will be a competition between a number of returners along with freshman Conner Cordts, the eventual signal-caller will have an array of targets including SCSU transfers Nathan Gimza, Nick Webley and Mason Van Zeeland, a host of returners led by junior Jake Shepley and a tight end group led by returning senior Kevin Ventura-Cortes and SCSU junior transfer Luke Shepherd.

#13 Nathan Gimza (WR, 6-2, 185, So., Chicago Ridge, Ill. / Richards HS / St. Cloud State)

• Joined CSP football as a mid-year transfer for the Spring 2020 semester from St. Cloud State
• Brings 13 games of NSIC football experience to the Golden Bears
• Has 22 catches, 224 yards and two touchdowns
• Burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2018 with SCSU, finishing fourth on the Huskies with 221 receiving yards while adding 13 catches and a team-high 17.0 yards per catch

#32 Dalton Smerchek (LB, 5-11, 210, Sr., Casco, Wis. / Luxemburg-Casco HS) 

• 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team
• 2019 All-NSIC South Division honorable mention
• led NSIC in fumble recoveries (4) in 2019, ranked second NSIC in forced fumbles (3)
• Had 60 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 3.0 sacks in 2019
• Has played 33 career games with 117 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 6 FR and 4 FF

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

Head coach Craig Bagnell showcases a new-look Marauders team this fall when UMary takes the field for the first time in over 600 days. Of the over 100 players who will report to campus, only 28 have seen action for the Marauders. While the roster may have a new feel for the fans, Bagnell and UMary took full advantage of all practice opportunities available during a 2020 season lost to the pandemic to create cohesive units on both sides of the ball. 
Senior WR Luke Little provides experience and leadership on the offense. The Marauders NSIC Preseason Offensive Player to Watch earned All-NSIC honors as a sophomore in 2018 and enters 2021 as a 3-year starter with big play ability. Defensive Back Tylen Small, who was set to make his Marauders debut last fall, is the team’s NSIC Defensive Player to Watch. The transfer from nationally-ranked NCAA FCS South Dakota State saw action in both 2017 and 2018 with the Jackrabbits. 
A pair of All-NSIC players headline the Marauders offense. One of the best returners in the nation and a threat to score anywhere on the field, junior WR Danny Kittner earned 1st team honors after averaging 145.8 all-purpose yards/game to rank 24th in the country. He had 685 receiving yards on 46 catches. As a true freshman, tackle Drake Lalim anchored the left side of the Marauders line and earned honorable mention honors after starting nine games. Big play QB Logan Nelson also returns. Eight players return on the Marauders defense from the 2019 season, with DB Marquell Evens seeing the most time in a starter’s role. Joining Small as newcomers expected to impact the defense are defensive backs Ty’Rese Gibson and Ty’Rhae Gibson, transfers from Montana State University. 

#88 Luke Little (WR, 6-3, 220, Sr., Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck Century HS)

• Earned All-NSIC honorable mention honors as a sophomore in 2018 after catching 36 passes for 571 yards and two TDs
• Caught 12 passes for 199 yards against Bemidji State and 8 grabs for 162 yards and 2 TDs against Northern State in 2018
• Posted 27 catches for 412 yards and 3 TDs as a junior in 2019
• 3-time NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence Selection

#18 Tylen Small (S, 6-1, 205, So., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Plantation HS)

• Immediately stepped into a key role in the Marauders defense after transferring to UMary in 2019 after two seasons at NCAA FCS South Dakota State
• Played one game in each of 2018 and 2019 for the nationally-ranked Jackrabbits
• A mechanical engineering student at UMary, Small redshirted at SDSU in 2017

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

Following a COVID-19 cancelled season in 2020, the UMD Bulldogs look to pick up where they left off in 2019. Two years ago, the Bulldogs compiled an overall record of 8-3 while posting an impressive 7-0 record within the NSIC North Division. Despite the impressive regular season, UMD failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. In 2021, the Bulldogs are determined to take that next step. UMD’s road to a conference championship will begin on-the-road at Upper Iowa. However, their biggest test of the season will come in week two when the Bulldogs host defending conference champions, Minnesota State. The game will serve as UMD’s first home game since 2019, as well as their Military Appreciation Game. If the Bulldogs are serious about returning to the NCAA Tournament, they will need to dethrone the champs. Sixth year returning senior quarterback John Larson will look to captain the ship for UMD. The veteran Larson has already played in 24 career games for the Bulldogs and knows what it takes to lead a team. On the defensive side of the ball, junior defensive back Austin Kurylo will serve as a leader for UMD’s defense. A healthy Kurylo will go a long way in solidifying the Bulldogs secondary.  

#9 John Larson (QB, 6-2,  220, Sr., Braham, Minn. / Braham HS) 

• Returns as a 6th year QB for UMD, a four year starter and a two-year captain
• Notched a TD/Interception ratio of 19 TD’s to just six interceptions in 2019
• Led the Bulldogs in passing yards with 1,527 yards, while also throwing for an average of 218.14 yards per-game in 2019

#11 Austin  Kurylo (DB, 6-0, 190, Sr., Bristol, Wis. / Westosha HS) 

• During four games in 2019, posted an impressive 21 total tackles (17 solo tackles and 4 assisted tackles)
• During the 2019 season, Kurylo added one interception and three pass breakups
• During his redshirt-freshman season in 2018, posted 17 total tackles across 12 games

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

The Minnesota State football team, which has won six of the last seven NSIC Championships, will carry its 35-game NSIC winning streak into the 2021 season. The Mavericks posted a 14-1 record during 2019 as they advanced to their second NCAA Championship game in program history. MSU will see 30 letterwinners return from the 2019 season, including senior quarterback JD Ekowa who has played in all 43 games for the Mavericks from 2017-19 and ranks 10th all-time at Minnesota State in career touchdown passes. The Mavericks will also see the return of the NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year in Jack Leius who finished fourth on the team in tackles with 59, to go along with two interceptions. Along with Leius, senior Ty’Shonan Brooks and junior Bedale Naba return as starters on the defensive side of the ball from the 2019 season. Brooks has played in 41 games during his career with the Purple and Gold and claimed All-NSIC First Team honors as a sophomore in 2018 and an NSIC Honorable Mention in 2019. Naba played in all 15 games for the Mavericks in 2019 and recorded four tackles against Slippery Rock in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. Also returning for the Mavericks are four starters on the offensive line including seniors Hunter Toppel, Brandon Krantz and Carter Dowdle and Jared Gossen. Gossen claimed All-NSIC First Team honors in 2019, while Dowdle and Toppel received second team honors.  

#7 JD Ekowa (QB, 6-1, 210, Sr., Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North HS)

• Ranks 10th all-time in career touchdown passes at Minnesota State with 29
• Has thrown for more than 3,000 career passing yards and has tallied more than 1,100 career rushing yards
• Played in all 43 of Minnesota State’s games from 2017-2019, including three starts
• Threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns against Upper Iowa (11/16/19)

#29 Jack Leius (NB, 6-1, 195, Sr., Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong / U of M) 

• Started in all 14 games for the Mavericks during the 2019 season
• Named the NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2019
• Finished fourth on the team in tackles in 2019 with 59
• Recorded a season-best seven tackles in five games during the 2019 season

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

MSUM is entering its 11th season under the direction of Head Coach Steve Laqua. MSUM went 6-5 during the 2019 season. MSUM returns an experienced group on defense. Senior linebacker Matt Schoh had 76 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2019 while senior defensive back Shad Vedaa had 73 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. Senior defensive lineman Jordan Magnuson had 60 tackles, including 12 for a loss, while senior defensive lineman Darius Woods-Steichen led the team with six sacks in 2019. Junior linebacker James Eggert also return  MSUM returns its top three receivers, statistically, from 2019. Senior receiver Grady Bresnahan is back; he led MSUM in receiving in 2019 with 59 catches for 716 yards and four scores despite battling injuries. Bresnahan is fifth all-time in receptions at MSUM. Sophomore Ryan Bieberdorf had 44 catches for 451 yards in 2019. MSUM will have a preseason battle at quarterback after the graduation of Jakup Sinani. Junior Troy Casperson and senior Sam Harris return as starters on the offensive line.

#3 Grady Bresnahan (WR, 5-8, 175, Sr., Casselton, N.D. / Central Cass HS) 

• All-NSIC North First Team selection in 2019
• All-NSIC North Second Team selection in 2018
• Is fifth all-time in receptions at MSUM with 173
• Had 59 catches for 716 yards and four scores in 2019

#52 Darius Woods-Steichen (DL, 6-2, 264, Sr., Waubun, Minn. / Waubun HS) 

• All-NSIC North Second Team selection in 2019 after earning All-NSIC North First Team honors in 2018
• Has 14.5 career sacks, all coming in 2018 & 2019 seasons
• Has 23 tackles for loss in career

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

Minot State is entering Head Coach Mike Aldrich’s 5th year at the helm. The Beavers went 3-8 during the 2019 season, matching the most wins in a season during the Division II era.  Minot State returns a majority of its offensive production from 2019 with senior quarterback Ben Bolinske (559 yards rushing, 1,376 yards passing and 14 total touchdowns)  and sophomore running back Ali Mohamed (817 yards rushing, 168 yards receiving and 7 total touchdowns). The receiving corps returns junior Peyton Lamoureux and sophomore Cory Carignan as starters, but will have to replace the graduation of leading receiver Lavonte Bushnell. Senior Sebastian Gutierrez, junior Donovan Moore and junior Troy Kowal return as starters on the offensive line. The Beavers return a wealth of experience to the defense. The defensive line will be led by senior Jordan Will,  who amassed 29 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 QB sacks.  Senior linebacker Derek Wax tallied 56 tackles in 2019 while sophomore defensive back Isaiah Bigby led the team with 66 tackles, three pass break-ups and two interceptions.

#21 Ali Mohamed (RB, 5-10, 185, So., Glendale, Ariz. / Apollo HS) 

• 2019 NSIC Newcomer of the Year
• Led Minot State with 817 rushing yards, averaging 74.3 yards per game in 2019
• Scored seven touchdowns and led Minot State with 1044 all-purpose yards in 2019
• Ranked fifth in the NSIC rushing and tenth in all-purpose yards in 2019
• Set Minot State record for D2 era single season rushing yards

#7 Isaiah Bigby (S, 5-11, 195, So., Las Vegas, Nev. / Clark HS)

• Named All-NSIC Honorable Mention in 2019
• Led team with 66 tackles, including 47 solo and 19 assists in 2019
• Made 4.5 tackle for a loss of 17 yards
• Recorded two sacks for a loss of 12 yards
• Grabbed two interceptions and added one pass breakup

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2021 Northern State University football team will open their second season under the direction of head coach Mike Schmidt and their first official game with Schmidt at the helm. In addition, Northern State is set to open Dacotah Bank Stadium on Saturday, September 11 versus Southwest Minnesota State. The Wolves are coming off a 6-5 record and fourth place North Division finish in 2019. Northern returns four offensive starters and five defensive starters from the 2019 roster with over 80 new additions since the 2019 season finale. Returners Dakota Larson and Hunter Hansen were tabbed as the team’s players to watch this season. Larson was a 2019 first team All-Conference selection, along with 2021 returners Isaiah Cherrier and Chance Olson who were named to the second team. NSU opens the season on the road at Minnesota State on Thursday, September 2. 

#7 Dakota Larson (WR, 6-2, 185, Jr., Spring Creek, Nev. / Spring Creek HS)

• A two-time NSIC All-Conference selection (2nd – 2018, 1st – 2019)
• Don Hansen All-Region second team and CoSIDA Academic All-American
• 2018 NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year
• 22 career starts with 1,792 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns

#17 Hunter Hansen (Sr., 6-4, 210, Jr., Delle Rapids, S.D. / Dell Rapids HS) 

• Appearances in 22 games in 2018 and 2019
• 43 career tackles with 33 solo stops
• 3 career interceptions and 7 career pass break-ups

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

The University of Sioux Falls, directed by fifth-year Head Coach Jon Anderson, return 38 letter winners and 13 starters (seven on defense, six on offense) from 2019. In 2021, USF will look to win its second NSIC title and qualify for the DII playoffs for the fifth time. USF, which finished third in the NSIC South in 2019 (8-4, 8-3 in the NSIC), will also look to extend their consecutive season winning streak to 27 years, which ranks fourth best across all divisions of NCAA. Among the returnees is USF’s Offensive Player to Watch, second team all-league running back Thuro Reisdorfer (1,150 yards, 19 TDs) and USF’s Defensive Player to Watch Harvey Enalls (134 career tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, five FR) , who was a second team All-NSIC selection in 2019. In 2019, the Cougars had 12 selections to the All-NSIC squad. In that playoff season, USF will look to again put together one of the nation's top defenses as they have consistently done over the past several years. In 2019, USF ranked fifth in DII with a 260.7 yards per game allowed. USF was fifth in the final DII rankings in passing efficiency defense at 94.15.USF's offense averaged 427.6 yards per game, which ranked third in the NSIC.  USF Football, which received votes in the final 2019 AFCA Poll, dropped a last second 24-21 road loss in the NCAA DII playoffs at nationally-ranked Colorado Mines. The Cougars have recorded seven wins or more for the fifth straight year and the sixth time in seven seasons.

#34 Thuro Reisdorfer (RB, 6-1, 220, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington HS)

• Second Team All-NSIC selection in 2019
• Had a career-best 1,150 (3rd in NSIC, 17th in DII), 19 TDs (13 by rush), 1,474 all purpose
• Set a school record with a 98-yard run and had 80-yard kickoff return
• 1,252 career rushing yards (6.55 avg), 114 career points
• Ranked in six rushing and scoring categories in NCAA DII
• Accumulated five games of 100 yards or more 

#31 Harvey Enalls (LB, 6-1, 230, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington HS)

• Two-time All-NSIC honoree – second team in 2019
• 134 career tackles (77 solo stops) with 12.5 TFLs, four sacks, five fumble recoveries
• Four or more tackles 17 times with double-digit tackles twice
• Had 54 tackles – 30 solos – with 7 TFLs and 5.5 sacks in 2019
• Part of defense that ranked fourth in DII (2nd in NSIC) at 260.7 yards per game allowed

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Southwest Minnesota State University football team will have a new look on both sides of the ball in 2021, returning just one starter on offense and four on defense.  The lone starter on offense is sophomore right tackle, Brad Gould, who started the final nine games in 2019. Senior transfer, Andrew Haidet, will be a leading candidate to start at quarterback, after transferring from Northern Illinois in the spring of 2021. Another senior quarterback, Steven Nava, returns after playing in two games in 2019 with one start, combining to complete 24 of 39 pass attempts for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the two games.  Sophomore running back, Duce Reynolds, is the team’s top returning rusher from 2019. He scored four touchdowns and rushed for 405 yards on 93 attempts in 11 games. He amassed 100 yards on 20 carries versus Bemidji State and also scored a touchdown and finished with 92 yards on 21 carries at Upper Iowa.  On defense, SMSU returns its leading tackler from 2019 in All-NSIC South first team honoree, junior linebacker Onte Burns. He led the NSIC with 108 tackles and also recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and had one interception. Also back is senior linebacker, Gage Roberson, who amassed 69 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss in 2019. Senior linebacker, Adihia Bell, is another returning starter who racked up a team-high nine tackles for loss and led the team with four sacks. Senior cornerback, Marshawn Reese, started all 11 games in 2019 and tied for the team-high with two interceptions and had four pass break-ups. 

#11 Andrew Haidet (QB, 6-5, 230, Sr., Plano, Texas / John Paul II HS) 

• Transfer from Northern Illinois University, joining the SMSU program in the spring of 2021
• Appeared in four games during the 2020 season at NIU and completed 3 of 6 passes for 44 yards and one touchdown
• Spent four seasons at Houston Baptist University (2016-19) appearing in 11 games and completing 23 of 57 pass attempts for 348 yards and three touchdowns

#0 Onte Burns (LB, 6-0, 210, Jr., Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper HS) 

• Named first team All-NSIC South in 2019
• Named third team All-American by Don Hanson Football
• Led the NSIC with 108 tackles and also finished the season with 5.5 tackles for loss
• Recorded a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown at Upper Iowa
• Two-year starter 

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

The Upper Iowa football team is anxious to get onto the turf in Harms-Eischeid Stadium this August under new Head Coach Jason Hoskins. Hoskins took over the program prior to the spring practices in 2020 and would have already have his first year of competition under his belt, but with last season cancelled due to the pandemic, the 2021 season will serve as the debut of his head coaching career. In 2019, the Peacocks posted a 2-9 record highlighted by a win over the University of Minnesota Crookston, 45-24, at home and the program's first win over the University of Minnesota Duluth, 23-13. The Bulldogs were receiving votes in the AFCA Top 25 at the time of the game. UIU lost four other NSIC battles by a combined 20 points. Returning to lead the Peacock defense is 2019 Don Hansen All-America Third Team selection Erik Hansen. The senior defensive end picked up two all-region second team honors on the Don Hansen Super Region Four team and the D2CCA All-Super Region Four team. Hansen also earned a spot on the All-NSIC South Division First Team. Hansen registered 47 tackles including 32 solo stops, 18.5 for loss and 12.5 sacks. He also forced and recovered a pair of fumbles. His 12.5 sacks ranked as the fifth-highest total in the nation, while his 18.5 tackles for loss ranked fourteenth in all of NCAA Division II. On the offensive side of the ball, the Peacocks return a veteran group of pass catchers led by Alex Stevens. The senior wide receiver pulled in 102 receptions during his sophomore and junior seasons for 1,464 yards and 15 touchdowns. Stevens earned NSIC South Division Honorable Mention honors following the 2019 season. DJ Emsweller also returns as a main target in the passing offense with 50 catches for 604 yards and 6 touchdowns over the last two seasons. The Peacocks will open their 2021 season at home on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. when they host the Bulldogs of Minnesota Duluth.

#13 Alex Stevens (WR, 6-2, 190, Sr., Romulus, Mich. / Romulus HS) 

• 2019 NSIC South Division Honorable Mention
• Grabbed 46 catches for 656 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior
• Played in 26 games with 1493 career yards and 15 touchdowns on 106 receptions over three years

#38 Erik Hansen (DE, 6-3, 250, Sr., Burlington, Ill. / Burlington Central HS) 

• 2019 Don Hansen All-America Third Team, Super Region Four Second Team, D2CCA All-Super Region Four Second Team, and All-NSIC South Division First Team
• Registered 47 tackles including 32 solo stops, 18.5 for loss and 12.5 sacks
• His 12.5 sacks ranked as the fifth-highest total in the nation, while his 18.5 tackles for loss ranked fourteenth in all of NCAA Division II
• Played in 31 games with 97 career tackles including 56 solo and 15 sacks

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

Controlled scrimmage wins last spring over in-state rivals Nebraska-Kearney (14-7) and at Chadron State (12-3) have Wildcat fans anxiously awaiting the Wayne State 2021 season under new head coach John McMenamin.  Senior center Ryan Kennedy and senior defensive back Kevin Ransom are Wayne State Preseason Players to Watch.  Kennedy was All-NSIC South Division honorable mention in 2019 and has started two seasons on the offensive line.  Ransom is the most experienced Wildcat defender and tied for third in tackles in 2019 with 57.  WSC returns their top two receivers in junior Mason Lee (32 catches, 464 yards, 5 TD) and senior Taurean Grady (27 catches for 406 yards and 5 TD’s).  Sophomore quarterback Tavian Willis returns and will vie for the starting spot along with transfers Matt Romero (New Mexico State) and Nick Bohn (Central Missouri).  The Wildcat defense showcases the team’s top returning tackler from 2019 in junior linebacker Nicholas Joynt (92 tackles).  Veterans Ryan Parker and Josh Taylor will anchor the defensive line while Ransom and J’Von France are returning starters in the secondary.  Wayne State opens the 2021 season at home on Thursday, September 2nd hosting the University of Mary.   

#62 Ryan Kennedy (C, 6-0, 280, Sr., Norwalk, Iowa / Norwalk HS) 

• 2019 All-NSIC South Division honorable mention 
• Two year starter at center
• NSIC All-Academic selection
• Only returning Wildcat with All-NSIC honors

#21 Kevin Ransom (S, 6-0, 205, Sr., Port Allen, La. / Port Allen HS) 

• Two year starter at safety 
• Tied for third in 2019 season with 57 tackles
• Team-high six pass break ups in 2019
• Career-high 16 tackles at Winona State (9/7/19)

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Long-time Winona State football coach Tom Sawyer announced he will retire at the conclusion of the WSU 2021 season and the Warriors are poised to send Sawyer out in style. Sawyer has been the head coach at Winona State for 25 years, one of the longest-tenured coaches in NCAA Division II football.  Sawyer is 190-85 overall and most recently led his team to the 2019 Mineral Water Bowl.
Fittingly, a veteran roster will take the field this year, with several impactful returners lining up on both sides of the ball.  Quarterback Owen Burke returns for his final season, having led WSU to a pair of 8-win campaigns in 2018 and 2019. Burke has thrown for 42 TD passes in his career and will enjoy a receiving corps led by Jake Balliu and Tyler Anderson, both senior standouts. Sam Santiago-Lloyd leads the backfield, having earned All-NSIC South Team accolades in 2019, running for 956 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Cam Gavin will patrol the secondary, combining tackling prowess and pass disruption skills. The defensive line is anchored by Luc Leszczynski, a CoSIDA Academic All-American.  The Warriors are excited about the development of Carter Duxbury, a linebacker who has been a key leader during the extended offseason.  
On special teams, WSU fans will look to the electric Jake Balliu in the punt-returning department.  The senior sparkplug has already accrued 1,124 return yards in his career. Kicking and punting duties have yet to be determined, as a handful of newcomers will vie for those roles in preseason. 

#18 Owen Burke (QB, 6-3, 220, Sr., Lakewood, Colo. / D’Evelyn HS)

• In 2019, threw for 1,986 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading WSU to its 11th post-season appearance at the 2019 Mineral Water Bowl
• The Lakewood, Colorado product is currently 17th all-time in the WSU record book in total offense, having amassed 2,634 since 2017
• Is eighth all-time in Warrior history in both passing yards (4,735) and touchdown passes (42)
• Led Winona State to back-to-back eight-win seasons in 2018 and 2019

#20 Cam Gavin (S, 6-1, 200, Sr., New Lennox, Ill. /  Lincoln Way West HS) 

• In 2019, racked up 47 tackles for the Warriors - including 34 solo stops – and lead the team in pass breakups with nine
• Has appeared in 30 career contests for WSU, one of the most experienced defensive players on the 2021 squad
• The New Lenox, Ill. native 85 career tackles, six INT’s and 19 pass break-ups while leading the WSU secondary
• Earned 2019 All-NSIC South Honorable Mention honors