AUGUSTANA PICKED OVERALL IN NSIC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
AUGIE picked in South - BSU favorite in North

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Augustana University was selected by the league coaches as the overall and south division preseason favorite in the NSIC for 2022. The Vikings received five first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) and amassed 153 points, 8 points ahead of Bemidji State (145), which was the unanimous choice in the north division. Minnesota Duluth was third with 142 points while Minnesota State and Sioux Falls were tied for fourth at 136 points.  The Mavericks garnered three first place votes and the Cougars two. 

NSIC football will consist of 14 teams divided into two divisions (north/south). 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

• Unanimous All-American in 2021 following a record-breaking season
• The 2021 NSIC Offensive Player of the Year led all four NCAA college football divisions in receptions (128) and receiving yardage (1,723) and his 18 receiving touchdowns ranked third
• Set UMary and NSIC single season records for receptions and yardage and single game marks for yards (278)
• Set the UMary and tied the NSIC single game record for catches in a game (19), tied the UMary record for TD catches in a game (4) and broke the UMary single game record for all purpose yards (378)
• Also led NCAA D2 in all purpose yardage (204.6 yards/game)
• Ranks 3rd in NCAA D2 history for catches in a single season, 5th in receiving yards, 5th in catches per game (11.6) and 6th in receiving yards per game (156.6)
• Cracked the century mark for receiving yards nine times and exceeded 200 yards three times
• His 19 catches in a single game is the 12th best mark in NCAA D2 history

• 2021 First Team All-NSIC
• With 18 tackles, he finished third in the NSIC in tackles in 2021
• He led the team in tackles with an impressive 51 solo and 41 assisted for 92 total tackles (2021)
• Five sacks for a loss of 41 yards, while also intersecting two passes and securing two pass breakups.
• Sixth on the team in total tackles with 31 (2019)

• Nominated for 2021 Harlon Hill Award
• Named Don Hansen All-American & All-NSIC First Team honors in 2021
• Led the NSIC and ranked 15th in NCAA DII in rushing with 111.5 yards per game
• Was second in the league in rushing TDs with 10 (31st in DII)
• Had 174 carries for 1,114 yards in 2021
• Totaled six 100-yard plus rushing games
• Has 365 carries for 2,366 career yards (10th all-time at USF)

• Two-time First Team All-NSIC South Division honoree
• Totaled 63 tackles and intercepted two passes in 2022
• Of the 12 games started, totaled five games of five or more tackles
• Over three seasons, has accumulated 171 tackles including 118 solo
• Two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree

SEASON PREVIEWS & PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

Augustana football, celebrating its 100th season, is a defending conference champion for the first time in 62 years after claiming the NSIC Championship with a 9-2 record while earning the South Division title with a 5-1 mark. Augustana reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second-straight season while head coach Jerry Olszewski is the first head coach at AU to lead the Vikings to three playoff appearances (2015, 2019, 2021). 

It'll be a new look under center as four-year starting quarterback Kyle Saddler has graduated. Augustana has six quarterbacks on its roster with Connor Neill leading with the most experience at AU. He has played in 19 contests while tossing for 69 yards. The Vikings also have Montana State transfer Casey Bauman who figures to be high on the depth chart. First Team All-NSIC South Division running back Jarod Epperson is back with his 1,051 yards. Second Team All-NSIC South division honoree Logan Uttecht leads the returning wide receivers with his 55 receptions for 709 yards. Devon Jones is also back after totaling nine receiving touchdowns and 559 total yards. Augustana has had a high-powered offense for many years and ranked 14th in the nation last season with 38.2 points per game. 

Defensively, Augustana was the nation’s best a year ago at stopping the run. The Vikings allowed just 41.8 rushing yards per game. The scoring defense was second-best in the NSIC, giving up just 21.4 points per game. The defense is led by several standouts including First Team All-NSIC performers Grayson Diepenbrock, T.J. Liggett, Eli Weber and reigning NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year Peyton Buckley. Diepenbrock was a stalwart on the defensive line and led AU with six quarterback sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season. Liggett was the team leader with 78 tackles. Weber totaled 63 tackles last season and was marked as the Vikings’ Defensive Player to Watch this season. Buckley earned the Newcomer of the Year honor after ranking second in the NSIC with five interceptions, a mark that placed him 21st in the nation. 

Augustana kicks off its NSIC title defense at Concordia-St. Paul on Thursday, Sept. 1 with the home debut on Saturday, Sept. 10. Augustana plays six games inside Kirkeby-Over Stadium, a home field that AU has won 11-straight regular season games on.

#4 Jarod Epperson (RB, 6-0, 195, Jr., Omaha, Neb./  Skutt Catholic HS) 

• Ranked fourth in the NSIC in 2022 with 1,051 rushing yards
• The 1,051 yards rank sixth all-time for a single season at Augustana
• Totaled five games of 100 or more yards rushing
• A dual threat, totaled 253 yards receiving last season
• After two complete seasons, has rushed for 1,782 yards over 23 games
• Returns as a First Team All-NSIC South Division honoree

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

• Two-time First Team All-NSIC South Division honoree
• Totaled 63 tackles and intercepted two passes in 2022
• Of the 12 games started, totaled five games of five or more tackles
• Over three seasons, has accumulated 171 tackles including 118 solo
• Two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2021 Beaver squad finished 10-3 overall, securing the first 10-win season and the first NCAA postseason appearance in program history, as Head Coach Brent Bolte was named the 2021 NSIC Coach of the Year. He led BSU to its sixth overall NSIC Championship, first since 2006, and first NSIC North Division Championship outright. The Beavers opened the NCAA Tournament with a 28-24 win at No. 25 Augustana and advanced as the only NSIC program in the second round. Bemidji State ended its season ranked No. 18 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Media Poll and No. 19 in the AFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, marking the highest ranking in either poll in program history.

Bemidji State returns two All-Americans in wide receiver Brendan Beaulieu and offensive lineman Ty Cobb, along with 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy finalist and BSU Offensive Player to Watch Brandon Alt. The connection between Alt and Beaulieu produced several program and conference records, including an NSIC single-season record of 46 passing touchdowns by Alt. BSU Defensive Player to Watch Zollie Kaplan led the “Gang Green” defense a season ago with 18.5 tackles for a loss and 8.0 sacks, which ranked second and fifth in the NSIC, respectively. 

Bemidji State opens its 2022 campaign Thursday, Sept. 1 at home against Minnesota State University, Mankato.

#10 Brandon Alt (QB, 6-2, 200, Jr., Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park HS) 

• 2021 Harlon Hill Finalist, D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Second Team, All-NSIC North Second Team
• Second in the nation in passing touchdowns, points responsible for and passing yards
• 20th player in NCAA DII history with 4,000 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns
• Holds NSIC single-season passing touchdown record with 46
• Totaled eight 300-yard and two 400-yard passing games, and four games with at least five passing touchdowns

#18 Zollie Kaplan (DE/OLB, 6-2, 245, Sr., St Louis Park, Minn. / St Louis Park HS) 

• 2021 D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Second Team
• 2021 NSIC North Division All-Conference First Team
• Second in the NSIC with 18.5 tackles for a loss
• Fifth in the NSIC with 8.0 sacks

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

The Golden Bears enter the 2022 season focused on a return to health combined with the continued development of a young 2021 roster. 

Offensively, CSP returns quarterback Conner Cordts, who was having an historic freshman campaign under center, just the second freshman to start week one at quarterback since Concordia became a Division II program (1999), joining NSIC Hall of Famer James McNear. He had his breakout performance in week two, completing 20-27 for 249 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions in a win over Upper Iowa. He had his best individual performance in week four against SMSU, completing 22-33 for 260 yards and three touchdowns, adding 41 rushing yards on nine attempts. He went down injured early in week six, missing the rest of the year, but he opened his career with just one turnover in five-plus games including a streak of 111 passes without an interception to start his career.

He'll have his top early season target Nathan Gimza back on the outside, with Gimza producing 153 yards on 11 catches and a touchdown in three games before being lost to a season-ending injury.

On defense, senior safety Rhett Sheehan had his top season with 63 tackles and three interceptions among his five passes defended while adding a pair of forced fumbles. He’s played in all 33 games across the past three seasons and brings 143 career tackles and 12 passes defended to the CSP secondary. 

The defense also returns breakout linebacker Andrew Egnarski who led the team with 68 tackles and 5.0 sacks and is the top returner with 6.0 tackles for loss. 

The squad’s kicking game, one of the best in the Northern Sun, is also coming back led by Fred Mitchell Award candidate Sam Henson who was 10-13 on field goals with a long of 48 and Parker Dahlman who averaged 40.1 yards per punt with 12 of 50-plus yards. Both enter their sophomore seasons.

#5 Conner Cordts (QB, 6-2, 195, So., Peoria, Ariz. / Cactus HS) 

• Passed for 857 yards and a 58.2 completion percentage (82-141) in 5-plus games
• Committed just one turnover (INT) as a redshirt freshman starter in 141 passing attempts
• Produced six touchdown passes
• Added 82 rushing yards including a single-game high of 41 yards
• Was just the second freshman to start at QB in week one since CSP moved to the NSIC in 1999

#5 Rhett Sheehan (S, 6-0, 190, Sr., Menomonie, Wis. / Menomonie HS) 

• Led Concordia with three interceptions, compiling 85 return yards with a long return of 44
• Ranked second on the defense with 63 tackles
• Produced at least four tackles in each of the last nine games of the season
• Had a season-high 10 tackles with an INT and a pass breakup against Bemidji State (10/9)
• Compiled 143 tackles across 33 career games in the CSP secondary with 12 passes defended

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

Senior All-Americans Danny Kittner and Logan Nelson lead a veteran Marauders squad into 2022 expecting to build on the program’s positive momentum from 2021. UMary doubled its win total from the previous season to four and held fourth quarter leads in three other games. With nine starters back on offense and seven on defense, the Marauders are poised for further improvement under head coach Craig Bagnell. 

Kittner, the reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Year, led all levels of the NCAA in catches (128) and receiving yards (1,723) and was 3rd in touchdown receptions. UMary led NCAA D2 in passing offense in 2021 under the direction of Nelson, the All-NSIC North 1st team quarterback. Nelson broke the UMary and NSIC record with 3,732 yards passing. He threw a program-record 41 TDs and was intercepted just six times. Entering their 3rd year as starters, juniors Drake Lalim and Conner Paul lead a veteran offensive line. All-NSIC 2nd team RB Dave Small Jr. ran for 95 yards or more in a game six times and keys the ground attack.    

CB Ty’Rese Gibson earned All-NSIC 1st team honors in his first season at UMary. The junior broke up five passes and made two interceptions. His twin brother Ty’Rhae starts at the other corner and disrupted eight passes. Safety Tylen Small, who led UMary in tackles with 72, rounds out a loaded defensive backfield for the Marauders. Senior linebackers Nate Eschleman (47 tackles), Devyn Charles (40 tackles) and Devin Beck (31 tackles) provide big play capability in the middle of the field. Sophomore Tanner Vaughan looks to grow into a force on the defensive line after demonstrating the ability to rush the passer (2.5 sacks) and stop the run.   

#11 Danny Kittner (WR, 5-11, 187, Sr., Gilbert, Ariz. / Higley HS) 

• Unanimous All-American in 2021 following a record-breaking season
• The 2021 NSIC Offensive Player of the Year led all four NCAA college football divisions in receptions (128) and receiving yardage (1,723) and his 18 receiving touchdowns ranked third
• Set UMary and NSIC single season records for receptions and yardage and single game marks for yards (278)
• Set the UMary and tied the NSIC single game record for catches in a game (19), tied the UMary record for TD catches in a game (4) and broke the UMary single game record for all purpose yards (378)
• Also led NCAA D2 in all purpose yardage (204.6 yards/game)
• Ranks 3rd in NCAA D2 history for catches in a single season, 5th in receiving yards, 5th in catches per game (11.6) and 6th in receiving yards per game (156.6)
• Cracked the century mark for receiving yards nine times and exceeded 200 yards three times
• His 19 catches in a single game is the 12th best mark in NCAA D2 history

#1 Ty'Rese Gibson (CB, 6-1, 175, So., Los Angeles, Calif. / Paramount HS)

• 2021 1st team NSIC North Division All-Conference selection
• Picked off a team-leading two passes and totaled 51 return yards
• Both interceptions led to points for UMary
• Broke up 5 passes, 2nd best total on team behind twin brother Ty’Rhae’s total of 8
• Posted 29 tackles (22 solo) in his first season on the field for the Marauders  
• NSIC All-Academic Team selection

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

The Bulldogs are locked in and ready to go for the 2022 season. The team is heading into their 89th season and are set to play 11 conference games. They will be led by six veteran players- wide receiver Armani Carmickle, linebacker Brad Dati, offensive lineman Brent Laing, tight end Zach Ojile, linebacker Cole Refsnider, and running back Wade Sullivan. The team has a deep pool of talented returners but is excited to welcome 24 new freshmen. The Bulldogs will start the season off Sept. 1 at 6 p.m., with a home opener against Southwest Minnesota State. With previous success against this team, a strong win at home would be the ideal start to the season. The Bulldogs will then pack their bags for week two as they take a trip to Minnesota State- Mankato. Week five will be the team’s homecoming game against Minnesota State Moorhead. In week eight, will face-off in Bemidji against the Beavers. As BSU was undefeated last season, it is going to be a tough matchup but a win could give the team a burst of energy as they near the playoffs. Last year the team went 9-3 overall, tied for second in the NSIC standings, and made an appearance in the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs know how to win and are ready to do it again this year.

#8 Armani Carmickle (WR, 6-1, 200, Sr., Kenosha, Wis. / Kenosha HS) 

• 2021 First Team All-NSIC
• 1,315 receiving yards on 67 receptions, averaging 19.6 yards per catch (2021)
• 11 touchdowns on the season (2021)
• Finished third in the conference and fourth in the nation in total receiving yards (2021)
• Average of 109.58 receiving yards per game (2021)

#44 Brad Dati (LB, 6-1, 230, Sr., Oconomowoc, Wis. / Brookfield HS) 

• 2021 First Team All-NSIC
• With 18 tackles, he finished third in the NSIC in tackles in 2021
• He led the team in tackles with an impressive 51 solo and 41 assisted for 92 total tackles (2021)
• Five sacks for a loss of 41 yards, while also intersecting two passes and securing two pass breakups.
• Sixth on the team in total tackles with 31 (2019)

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

Coming off their 13th consecutive winning season, Minnesota State enters the 2022 season on the heels of a 6-5 record last season. The Mavericks will see 45 letterwinners return from the 2021 squad, including senior wide receiver Jalen Sample who became the seventh Maverick in program history to record more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Sample led the Maverick receiving corps with 64 catches for 1,047 yards and eight touchdowns as he went on the claim All-NSIC First Team honors. Junior Kaleb Sleezer led the Maverick rushing attack with 491 yards and five touchdowns in eight games as he received All-NSIC Second Team honors. On defense, the Mavericks will see the return of senior Chance Bowen, who received D2CCA All-American Second Team honors in 2018 as he tallied a team-leading 11 sacks, while finishing second on the team in tackles for a loss with 12. Junior Trent Carpenter also returns for the Mavericks after leading the MSU defense with 48 tackles, to go along with 5.5 tackles for a loss. As a unit, the Minnesota State offense led the NSIC in points per game (40.1 ppg), while the defense ranked third, giving up 22.8 points per game. The Mavericks also boasted the second-best rushing attack (206.5 ypg) and the sixth-best passing attack (253.5 ypg) in the NSIC during the 2021 season. 

#10 Jalen Sample (WR, 6-6, 200, Sr., Onalaska, Wis. / Onalaska HS) 

• Led the Maverick receiving corps in catches (64), receiving yards (1,047) and touchdown catches (8) last season
• Recorded more than 100 receiving yards in six games during the 2021 season, including a career-high 183 yards against Southwest Minnesota State
• Caught at least two passes in every game during the 2021 season, including a season-high 12 catches against Wayne State
• Last season he became the seventh Maverick in program history to record more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season
• Was named to the All-NSIC First Team for his efforts during the 2021 season

#98 Chance Bowen (DL, 6-4, 260, Sr., New Hope, Minn. / Armstrong HS)

• Received D2CCA All-American Second Team honors as a sophomore during the 2018 season
• Named to the All-NSIC First Team in 2018 after leading the team in sacks with 11
• In 28 career games, he has recorded 16.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks
• Has tallied 43 career tackles, including 31 solo tackles

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

Steve Laqua’s 11th season as head coach of MSU Moorhead football will feature a mix of returnees and youth.  All-NSIC North Second Team honoree Josiah Behm, a sophomore linebacker, returns after leading the team with 86 tackles a year ago. He also had three interceptions. Sophomore linebacker Marcus Gulley had 67 tackles while junior safety Jared Kallenbach had 59, and shared the team lead with four interceptions along with sophomore defensive back Cody Sorenson.

On the offensive side, sophomore quarterback Tommy Falk threw for 2,874 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. Junior receiver Ryan Bieberdorf was second on the team with 59 catches for 696 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore running back Luke Imdieke rushed for 299 yards and a score last year while also catching 30 passes for 310 yards. Junior Hayden Boll rushed for seven touchdowns a year ago. Sophomores Bennett Heftman and Tyler Martin are returning starters on the offensive line.

#1 Ryan Bieberdorf (WR, 5-11, 175, Jr., Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji HS) 

• Second on team with 59 receptions last season
• Second on team with seven receiving touchdowns and 696 receiving yards
• Had three 100-yard receiving games in 2021
• Has 103 career receptions in two seasons as a starter

#47 Josiah Behm (LB, 6-2, 210, So., Appleton, Wis. / Fox Valley Lutheran HS) 

• All-NSIC North 2nd Team Honoree in 2021
• Led team with 86 tackles
• Had three interceptions and 2.5 tackles for loss
• Career-high 15 tackles at Bemidji State 

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

With 3 of their first 5 games at home, the Beavers will be able to use home-field advantage to get off a good start to the season. Along with using home field to their advantage, the Beavers also have a team filled with experience as they lose just senior offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the NFL’s Denver Broncos, and tight end Jaxon Lundeen on offense, and Ivan Avalos and Jordan Will on defense. Back is 2019 NSIC Freshman of the Year and 2021 honorable mention All-American running back Ali Mohamed, who led the NSIC in total rushing yards last fall with 1,159 yards. Minot State also returns three quarterbacks who started last fall in redshirt senior Ben Bolinske, and redshirt sophomores Dawson Macleary, who started 7 games in 2021, and Marshaun Campbell, who is 1-0 in his lone start for the Beavers. Also back leading the offensive is top receiver Peyton Lamoureux who had 39 catches for 703 yards and 6 TDs, and Nathan Young, who set a single-game school record with 14 receptions at Bemidji State, and the No. 2 all-time single-game record for receiving yards with 190 against Bemidji State. Defensively, Minot State gets a new look with new defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske leading the way. Pronschinske joins the staff after two seasons working with the North Dakota State defense and helping lead the Bison to the 2022 FCS National Championship. Leading the way on defense is NSIC First Team defensive back Knylen Miller-Levi, who had 43 tackles and a sack, defensive back Kyle VanBerkom, who led the team with 72 tackles, and defensive lineman Logan Krueger, who led the team with 4 quarterback sacks and had 29 tackles.

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

• Named to Don Hansen NCA Division II Honorable Mention All-American Team
• Led NSIC in total rushing yards with 1,159 yards in 2021
• Named to the 2021 NSIC All-Conference First Team
• Named to 2021 D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Football Second Team
• Selected as a semifinalist for the 2021 Harlon Hill national player of the year award
• 2019 NSIC Freshman of the Year
• Holds school record for rushing TDs in a game (4), most carries in a game (35), and is No. 3 in rushing yards in a game (212)

#9 Knylen Miller-Levi (CB, 6-1, 170, Jr., Las Vegas, Nev. / Canyon Springs HS) 

• Top six on team in total tackles in 2019 (42) and 2021 (43)
• Caught pass on fake punt for 63-yard TD vs UMary, ESPN's No. 2 Play of the Day
• Four career interceptions, 2 career sacks
• Named to the 2021 NSIC All-Conference First Team

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Northern State University football program went 7-4 in their first season at Dacotah Bank Stadium and first competition season under head coach Mike Schmidt. In addition, NSU posted a 3-3 record in the NSIC North Division with victories over Minot State, Concordia-St. Paul, and MSU Moorhead. The Wolves tallied their first win over Sioux Falls in the Division II era and first win over Winona since 1999 (breaking a 14 game losing streak). Finally, Northern received votes in the AFCA Top-25 Poll and landed on the NCAA regional rankings for the first time in program history. Eight Wolves earned NSIC All-Conference accolades, two tallied CoSIDA Academic All-America® honors, and Chance Olson was named an AFCA All-American. Northern returns 76 from the 2021 roster and welcomes 50 freshman and transfers in 2022. The Wolves will open the season at home versus Upper Iowa on Thursday, September 1.

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

• Tallied 914 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns in 2021
• Broke the Northern State school record for career receiving touchdowns (25)
• Named a CoSIDA Academic All-American® First Team member
• Ranked in the top-10 of the NSIC in total yards, touchdowns, and receiving yards per game
• Two-time NSIC All-Conference selection
• 2018 NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year

#13 Nate Robinson (LB, 6-2, 220, Sr., Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Coffman HS) 

• Tallied 71 tackles in 2021, leading Northern State with 16.0 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks
• Ranked in the top-5 of the NSIC in tackles for a loss
• Named to the NSIC All-Conference first team in 2021
• Record six contests with seven tackles or more in 11 starts

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

The University of Sioux Falls is coming off an 8-3 season that saw them rank fourth overall and earn NSIC South Division Championship honors.  The Cougars return with the NSIC Preseason South Division Offensive Player of the Year, running back Thuro Reisdorfer along with multiple other starters. It was a USF team that finished the year ranked top 10 in the region with the programs second-ever NSIC South Division title (2016, 2021). In addition, this team continued to follow the program's "#winnerswin" mantra with a 27th consecutive winning season – a mark which ranks fourth best across all divisions of the NCAA. It was also USF's ninth season at the NCAA DII level and seventh with at least eight wins or more.  Coach Jon Anderson will enter his sixth season at the helm as the Cougars open the season on September 1 at MSU Moorhead. 

#34 Thuro Reisdorfer (RB, 6-1, 228, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington HS)

• Nominated for 2021 Harlon Hill Award
• Named Don Hansen All-American & All-NSIC First Team honors in 2021
• Led the NSIC and ranked 15th in NCAA DII in rushing with 111.5 yards per game
• Was second in the league in rushing TDs with 10 (31st in DII)
• Had 174 carries for 1,114 yards in 2021
• Totaled six 100-yard plus rushing games
• Has 365 carries for 2,366 career yards (10th all-time at USF)

#95 Amaurii  Grosskopf (DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., Beloit, Wis. / Beloit Memorial HS)

• Recorded 24 tackles (15 solo and 9 assisted) in 2021
• Made 4 tackles for loss totaling 17 yards
• Made 1 sack totaling 7 yards
• In 2019, recorded 39 tackles with 22 solo stops ad 4 pass breakups 

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

A new era begins for SMSU as Scott Underwood begins his first season as head coach. Underwood, the 11th head coach in team history, comes to SMSU after spending 12 seasons (2008-19) as head coach at St. Cloud State, which included 10 winning seasons and three NCAA playoff appearances. 

The SMSU offense returns it leading rusher and leading receiver from last season. Senior running back Jesse Sherwood ran for 787 yards and a team-high six touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Zeke Robinson led the team in receptions (24), receiving yards (276) and touchdowns (3). 

SMSU will have several candidates competing for playing time at quarterback. A pair of redshirt freshmen (Justus McComb and Jeremiah Collier) enter their second season in the program, while sophomore, Zac Krause, a transfer from Northwestern University, along with three true freshmen round out the quarterbacks on the roster. 

The SMSU defense will be led by senior linebacker Onte Burns, a two-time first team All-NSIC South honoree and 2019 third team All-American. He is a three-year starter and has led the NSIC in tackles the past two seasons with a combined 214 stops. Sophomore safety Hunter Bohannon started eight of 11 games last season and recorded 27 tackles and two interceptions. Senior defensive back Alan Giron made three starts a season ago and had 21 tackles, one sack and recovered one fumble. 

Sophomore kicker/punter Carter Dicker returns after recording a 41.4-yard punt average that ranked second in the league. He also made 18 of 21 PATs and connected on 4 of 5 field goal attempts. 

#24 Jesse Sherwood (RB, 5-10, 205, Sr., Minneapolis, Minn. / Robbinsdale- Armstrong HS / Central Lakes CC)

• Played and started nine games in his first season in 2021
• Finished last season rushing for 809 yards and six touchdowns on 123 attempts
• Rushed for a season-high 178 yards with one touchdown vs Concordia-St. Paul
• Had a pair of 100-yard rushing games
• Missed final two games with an injury

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

• Named first team All-NSIC South in both 2021 and 2019
• Led the NSIC in tackles for second straight season with 106 stops
• Closed the 2021 season with 5.5 tackles for loss
• Racked up double-digit tackles in five games
• Three-year starter 

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

Upper Iowa’s football team is ready to get back into Harms-Eischeid Stadium next week under the leadership of third-year Head Coach Jason Hoskins. Last season, the Peacocks were 1-10 with the highlight of the season coming on Senior Day in Fayette. Upper Iowa defeated Wayne State College 42-41 in overtime when Kyle Domin blocked an extra point that would have tied the game in the first overtime period. Upper Iowa blocked a total of six kicks this season with three coming at the hands, and body, of Domin. The total led the Northern Sun Conference and was ninth best in the nation. UIU also led the NSIC in tackles for loss with 78 fueled by All-NSIC South Division First Teamer Erik Hansen, who graduated last May. Eddy Gosche, an All-NSIC South Division Second Team selection, returns to anchor the offensive line that paved the way for 331.5 offensive yards including 113.5 rushing yards per game. Additional returners include running backs Willy Camacho and Keontae Luckett, quarterback Marcus Orr, linebacker RJ Knaack and defensive lineman Rhett Smith. The Peacocks will open their 2022 season in Aberdeen, S.D. on Thursday, Sept. 1 when they line up against the Wolves of Northern State University. Upper Iowa will open at home on Saturday, Sept. 10 against the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons at 3 p.m. as part of Hall of Fame Weekend in Fayette.

#11 Willy Camacho (RB, 5-8, 165, R-So., Palmdale, Calif. / Chaminade College Preparatory HS) 

• Ran for 663 yards and one touchdown on 150 attempts
• Caught 24 passes for 198 yards and a score
• Returned 18 kicks for 335 yards including a 71-yard return
• Rushed for a season-high 138 yards at home against Northern State

#49 RJ Knaack (LB, 6-0, 220, R-Jr., Kaukauna, Wis. / Kaukauna HS) 

• Registered 28 tackles in 2021 notching 17 on his own
• Recorded 4.5 tackles for loss including 1.5 sacks
• Tallied a season-high six tackles with three for loss including a sack at MSU Moorhead
• Earned a place on the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

Wayne State looks to build on last year’s 7-4 season that was the schools’ first seven win season in a decade.  The Wildcats return plenty key components from that team under new head coach Logan Masters, who served as offensive coordinator last season.  Sophomore quarterback Nick Bohn, last year’s NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year, guides a Wildcat offense that ranked third in the league in rushing last season.  Bohn had 10 rushing TD’s last season and was sixth in the NSIC in total offense per game (250.5).  Senior running back Anthony Watkins had a team-high 722 yards rushing with 11 TD’s last year and was tied for fifth in the NSIC with 13 total TD’s.  Senior Mason Lee is the top returning receiver with 35 catches for 529 yards and three TD’s one year ago.  The Wildcat defense returns a pair of All-NSIC South Division Second Team performers.  Sophomore linebacker Alex Kowalczyk led the ‘Cats last season with 85 tackles including 12 tackles for loss.  Senior defensive back J’Von France had 41 tackles with five break ups and five passes defended last season.  Senior linebacker Jaylan Scott was fourth on the team in tackles last season (43) and had three interceptions, five breakups and eight passes defended.  WSC is solid on special teams with the return of First Team All-NSIC South Division placekicker Alex Powders, who was 10-13 on field goals, 44-45 on PAT kicks and also averaged 38.3 yards per punt with just three touchbacks.  Wayne State opens the 2022 season Saturday, September 3rd at the University of Mary in a 5:30 p.m. contest.

#8 Mason Lee (WR, 6-3, 190, Sr., Wayne, Neb. / Wayne HS)

• Top returning receiver with 35 catches for 529 yards
• Has caught a pass in 13 straight games and 29 of last 30
• Averaged 15.1 yards per catch with 3 TD’s last season
• Had four catches for 70 yards and two TD’s vs. Augustana last season

#11 Jaylan Scott (LB, 6-2, 225, Sr., Munster, Ind. / Munster HS) 

• Fourth on Wildcat defense with 43 tackles
• Tied for first in NSIC last season with two fumble recoveries
• Tied for ninth in NSIC with three interceptions
• Eight passes defended and five pass breakups

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Brian Bergstrom era starts on September 3 when Winona State opens the season at Minot State. Taking over for longtime head coach Tom Sawyer, Bergstrom brings several new faces on the field and the sideline with him this fall. 

The offense will be led by first-year coordinator Isaac Fruechte, who is joined by Trevor Olson, also new to the staff. Fruechte is tasked with replacing three-year starter Owen Burke at quarterback. Fruechte has a handful of candidates for the QB1 role, with junior Trevor Paulsen owning the most experience, playing in four games in 2021. 

WSU looks to pick up where it left off in the ground game as Payton Dachel leads a veteran offensive line. The Warriors have an array of running backs with contrasting styles on the roster. Sam Santiago-Lloyd returns from a season-ending injury in 2021, as does Ty Gavin.  Noah Carlson and Dominik London both had moments of greatness last year, yielding depth at a key role.  

While preseason camp will be used to hone the WSU offense, the Winona State defense will look to veterans on the field and in the coaching booth.

Brian Curtin has been on staff at WSU since 1997 and leads a Warrior defense which features AP All-American Carter Duxbury. Curtin is joined by co-defensive coordinator Spencer Erickson. Duxbury - the 2021 NSIC Defensive Player of the Year - will attract attention of opponents, leading the league in sacks last year. Joining Duxbury on defense will be Mitch Snitker, an All-NSIC defensive back in 2021. Snitker had 82 tackles from the secondary last season. 

Special teams will see the return of placekicker Jacob Scott,  who was 12-of-18 in field goals last year, and Tristan Root, who punted 37 times for a 34.62 average in 2021. Special team coordinator Pete Menage will lead the specialists in 2022 for Bergstrom. 

#74 Payton Dachel (OL, 6-3, 300, Jr., Bloomer, Wis. / Bloomer HS) 

• Anchored WSU offensive line that helped average 116.64 rushing yards per game in 2021
• Led an O-line that accrued 246.82 yards passing per game last season
• NSIC All-Academic in 2020 and 2021
• Has averaged ten starts per season over last two years

#24 Carter Duxbury (DL, 6-2, 240, Sr., Chatfield, Minn. / Chatfield HS) 

• Earned AP All-American following the 2021 campaign
• Was the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021
• Led the NSIC in sacks last season with 11 total
• Named Lindy’s Sports Preseason All-American
• Was named a NCAA post-graduate scholar this past summer