South Dakota State University, home to the celebrated Jackrabbits, is preparing for another spectacular football season. Football coach Dan Jackson has announced the completion of his inaugural coaching staff with the strategic additions of Luke Bengtson as the wide receivers coach and Marcus McLin as the cornerbacks coach. These appointments are a significant step forward for the Jackrabbits as they aim to continue their impressive streak of success in collegiate football.
New Coaching Talent at South Dakota State
Bengtson, a seasoned coach with nearly 15 years of experience, is renowned for his tenure at Virginia Union, where he transformed the Panthers into an offensive juggernaut. Over the past three seasons, his dynamic strategies led the team to a 29-7 record, averaging an incredible 43 points per game and breaking more than 20 school and conference records. His prowess in offense and developing players makes him an invaluable addition to the South Dakota State coaching staff.
Luke Bengtson
McLin, on the other hand, comes from Wisconsin-Whitewater, where his leadership as defensive coordinator saw their defensive line become the best in the conference, leading in both scoring and total defense. His deep understanding of defensive strategies and ability to mentor players promises to bring a fresh perspective to the Jackrabbits’ defense.
Marcus McLin
South Dakota State Football: A Legacy of Excellence
South Dakota State’s football program is nothing short of exemplary. The Jackrabbits concluded the 2024 season with a commendable 12-3 record, sharing the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. This success is part of a larger legacy, with the team having made 13 consecutive postseason appearances and clinching back-to-back Football Championship Subdivision national titles in 2022 and 2023.
The strategic hiring of Bengtson and McLin is a testament to South Dakota State’s commitment to maintaining and expanding this legacy. Coach Jackson expressed, “Luke had one of the most successful and prolific offenses in all of college football last season. He’s going to come in and provide ideas while also bringing a lot of experience in developing players.” Similarly, Jackson is optimistic about McLin, stating, “Marcus has been a really successful coordinator and sees the game in a big-picture way so he’s going to be a huge help to Coach Bergstrom in game-planning and mentoring our players.”
[h2 class=”aligncenter”]The Heart of South Dakota[/h2]
The vibrant community of South Dakota and its unwavering support is at the heart of the Jackrabbits’ success. With a fan base renowned for its passion and dedication, the football program serves as a unifying force within South Dakota, rallying citizens and students alike every season.
South Dakota is not only proud of its football heritage but also of providing opportunities for personal growth and development through sports. This focus on student-athletes is a key component of what makes the Jackrabbits stand out on the national stage.
Looking Forward
As South Dakota State looks towards the upcoming season, the combination of Jackson’s visionary leadership, Bengtson’s offensive acumen, and McLin’s defensive expertise sets the stage for another exhilarating year for the Jackrabbits. With the ethos of South Dakota embedded in the spirit of the team, there’s great anticipation for what this season may hold.
For more information on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits’ exciting journey, visit the official Jackrabbits website.