SDSU football: Five unsung heroes that have carried the Jackrabbits to the semifinals

BROOKINGS South Dakota State is one win away from playing for a third straight national championship.

And they were one stop away from going undefeated against FCS opponents for the third straight season.

ADVERTISEMENT A team doesn't reach that level of success without plenty of heavy lifters, and the 12-2 Jackrabbits certainly have their share of those.

Quarterback Mark Gronowski, running back Amar Johnson, wide receiver Griffin Wilde, All-American offensive linemen Gus Miller and Evan Beerntsen, linebackers Adam Bock and Caleb Francl, defensive backs Dalys Beanum and Tucker Large the list of stars on this team is a long one.

But there are lots of teams with lots of stars, and only four who are still playing.

SDSU is here not just because their stars have starred, but because at least a dozen under-the-radar players have made major contributions.

Here are five who have been especially important to the Jacks' run at a third straight national championship.

With the graduation of highly-regarded H-back Mike Morgan, not to mention tight end Zach Heins, Brenner stepped into a larger role this year, as the senior member of the tight end group and the starter in Morgan's old role.

He's handled it with aplomb.

Brenner has six catches and a touchdown, has been a beast as a run blocker and helped in pass protection as well.

The Jacks have rushed for 3,413 yards and Brenner's blocking has been a major piece.

Most of the Jacks D-linemen qualify as unsung heroes, as they've been a unit that thrives on the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

ADVERTISEMENT But Clayborne in particular has been a great story.

A transfer from Division II Northwest Missouri State, the 6-foot, 275-pound Sioux City native began the season as a reserve tackle, but was moved outside to defensive end where he's become a starter and his motor and strength have caused problems for opponents all season long.

He has 33 tackles and ranks third on the team with 3.5 sacks.

When the year began, the Jacks safety room was one of the deepest of any position group on any team in the country.

Tucker Large and Cale Reeder returned as starters while Colby Huerter and Durrance frequently spelled them.

Reeder went down with a season-ending injury after one game.

Huerter was lost to a serious injury (and is still fifth on the team despite having missed six games) and Large was out for a month, too.

Durrance was the one guy who managed to stay in the lineup week after week, and he's stepped up and kept the back end stout.

The 6-2, 215-pound junior is fourth on the squad with 59 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.

With Grahm Goering injured the Jacks needed another wideout to step up alongside Griffin Wilde, and while a few have made contributions, it was O'Groske, a true freshman, who's emerged as the Jacks' No.

2.

His 14 catches ranks fifth on the team and third among wide receivers behind Wilde and Goering, and adds another quality option to a position group that's teeming with top young talent.

ADVERTISEMENT A sixth-year senior, Vibert has waited five years for a chance to start his first college football game, and when it finally came all he was asked to do is replace All-American Mason McCormick (who's now starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers) at left guard.

He's held down the spot admirably, contributing to an offensive line that has allowed the fewest sacks in the nation and ranks third in rushing yards..

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