• Tight End — Costner Ching, Castlewood-Estelline: The larger-than-life senior caught 15 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns in 2016. Ching also was on the receiving end of four two-point conversions as he earned Co-MVP All-Dakota Conference honors after being named to the All-DVC team for three straight seasons.
“Costner is a great worker and leader,” Castlewood-Estelline head coach Doug Ruesink said of the South Dakota State commit. “Definite All-State (material).”
I mentioned Malik Poppenga after watching the state championship game. Here is host stat line for the year. He was also named to the all-state team. I hope we at least offer him a PWO. He has the frame to put on some weight.
• End — Malik Poppenga, Colman-Egan: The athletic senior led a Hawk defense that allowed just 141 points in 2016 as he came up with 78 tackles — 18 for loss — 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interception returns for touchdowns. He also blocked a kick and forced a safety this season. Poppenga’s career numbers included 93 tackles — 18 for loss — 16 sacks, three INTs and three fumble recoveries, in addition to his blocked kick and safety.
“Malik is an athlete with very special abilities,” said Williamson of his All-DVC performer. “He had to be accounted for on all pass plays as he is an excellent pass rusher, along with an excellent team player. His two pick-sixes this year were amazing catches.”
Jackrabbits: Long ears, strong hind legs, gritty, relentless, fearless.
Thought you'd like to know a little bit more information about one of our next great linebackers. I'm going to take a little liberty in saying that he will be great as we all know that some of the best recruits can fail. I just believe on how he has matured in the last year both on and off the field, that he will be ready to make a significant contribution during his future years as a Jackrabbit. I had a chance to talk with his dad a couple of weeks ago and they are excited about his future at SDSU and that it is relatively close so that they can travel to his games easily.
He was named the Kearney Hub Defensive Player of the Year. There have been previous players who have received the Kearney Hub's offensive or defensive awards that have performed well at the D1 level and even NFL and MLB. This story highlights his skills and gives a good snapshot of what kind of kid and player he will be.
Thought you'd like to know a little bit more information about one of our next great linebackers. I'm going to take a little liberty in saying that he will be great as we all know that some of the best recruits can fail. I just believe on how he has matured in the last year both on and off the field, that he will be ready to make a significant contribution during his future years as a Jackrabbit. I had a chance to talk with his dad a couple of weeks ago and they are excited about his future at SDSU and that it is relatively close so that they can travel to his games easily.
He was named the Kearney Hub Defensive Player of the Year. There have been previous players who have received the Kearney Hub's offensive or defensive awards that have performed well at the D1 level and even NFL and MLB. This story highlights his skills and gives a good snapshot of what kind of kid and player he will be.
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