SDSU football: Taking defense to the next level

Jack Sherlock might be the new R.C. Kilgore, who was the second coming of Ross Shafrath.

There's a unique and understated pattern developing inside the South Dakota State football program. Two years in a row, the Jackrabbits have had a career sub develop from first-time starter to first-team all-conference defender in the course of a senior season.

First, it was the linebacker Shafrath, then it was the linebacker Kilgore. More than the individual accolades, both were integral in helping SDSU reach the second round of the FCS playoffs for the only times in school history.

It's the kind of thing that almost has to happen in order for the program to become one that reloads rather than rebuilds.

This year's candidate for breakout veteran stopper is defensive end Sherlock. He's the only senior in a group of seven players set to make their first starts Saturday at the defending Cotton Bowl champion University of Missouri. But that's not to say he's been nominated by default.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder is a longtime contributor with 33 career appearances, has a college football pedigree and was elected a team captain – again, prior to ever starting a game.

"Finally here – it's the last year," Sherlock said. "Who knows what the future holds, but I'm playing like this is my last year ever playing football. I'm keeping the motor going and staying motivated."

The Chicago native was born into the game, part of the fourth generation in his family to suit up for renowned all-boys school Mount Carmel. His dad and his grandfather – both named Jim – played for Purdue and Notre Dame, respectively.

Sherlock admitted to being surprised by the level of competition in Brookings; he didn't plan on having a long wait to crack the lineup, especially since he earned special-teams time as a redshirt freshman.

But he wound up switching positions a couple of times – primarily at linebacker, although he dabbled at tight end due to a lack of depth there – before finding a home in 2012 at defensive end. The change suited the hard-driving style of the former boxer.

The only problem in terms of playing time: all-conference talents Doug Peete and Marshall Peugh already were there.

So Sherlock waited – and improved. Last fall, he totaled 21 tackles with three sacks plus a game-changing interception in a playoff win at Northern Arizona. Now, he's expected to be an impact starter on a retooled front. The SDSU defensive linemen have a combined nine starts compared to 71 for the Missouri offensive line.

"His effort and desire" stand out, Jacks coach John Stiegelmeier said. "Very good pass rusher. His pad level – how he gets under people a lot bigger than him is excellent."

He's a known commodity in comparison to the other first-time starters. A couple of them – center Jacob Ohnesorge and receiver Jake Weineke – are making their collegiate debuts. And they'll be doing so on national television against the No. 24 team in the FBS.

SDSU has no means by which to simulate the atmosphere or team speed they'll be up against.

To that end, the Sherlock-Kilgore-Shafrath path to starting reps can be beneficial to a player and necessary to a program.

"If you want to play at a championship level, you can't just rely on third-year (starters)," said Stiegelmeier, whose team is ranked 10th in the FCS. "You lose good players; somebody's got to step up."

SDSU VS. MISSOURI

When: Saturday,

2:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial

Stadium, Columbia, Mo.

TV: ESPNU

NEXT MAN UP

SDSU hopes that senior end Jack Sherlock will be the latest defender to play at an all-conference level in his lone season as a starter. The others:

2013: Often injured linebacker R.C. Kilgore broke out to lead the Jacks with 134 tackles and five fumble recoveries.

2012: LB Ross Shafrath made a school-record 150 tackles, helping the program reach the second round of the FCS playoffs for the first time.