ST. LOUIS – South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski claimed three of the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s top awards, leading a 12-member Jackrabbit contingent on the all-conference team announced Thursday. Former BHRV Nighthawk Garrett Greenfield and Spirit Lake Indian Logan Backhaus earned first team honors as well.
A native of Naperville, Illinois, Gronowski was selected as MVFC Offensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year by a panel made up of the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media members
The SDSU offensive line, which paved the way for the Jackrabbits to average 29.3 points and 233 yards per game on the ground, was well-represented on the all-MVFC squad. Sophomore right tackle Garret Greenfield earned first-team honors, while left guard Mason McCormick was named to the second team and senior center Wes Genant received honorable mention accolades.
Greenfield, a native of Rock Valley, Iowa, was a two-time MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week selection during the season.
First-team honors on defense were awarded to defensive tackle Caleb Sanders, linebacker Logan Backhaus and cornerback Don Gardner. A junior from Glenwood, Iowa, Sanders registered 14 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack. SDSU held opponents under 100 yards rushing three times in six regular season games.
Backhaus moved to the first team after earning honorable mention recognition in 2019. He ranked second on the team in total tackles with 39, as well as tackles for loss with 5.5. The senior from Spirit Lake, Iowa, also intercepted a pass.
South Dakota State, 5-1 overall, has earned the top seed in the 16-team Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Jackrabbits open postseason play Saturday by hosting Holy Cross. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
