2021 Season Outlook
Offense The Bulldogs return seven starters from 2019's squad that averaged 433 yards a game. Redshirt junior quarterback Jon Jund continues to impress, throwing for 2746 yards and 31 scores to lead the Frontier. He ran for 365 yards and eight more scores, earning him second-team all-conference honors.
After finishing last in the Frontier in 2018 with 115 yards per game on the ground. The Bulldogs improved finishing fourth with 144 yards per game. They loss senior running back Kylar Prante who ran for a career-high 669 yards and three scores, he also caught 16 passes for 185 yards. Competition for the top spot in the Bulldogs backfield will be strong in fall camp, redshirt freshman Colten McPhee and University of Nevada transfer Reese Neville handling the bulk of the carries. The receiving corps is led by Nate Simkins (55 rec. 830 yards 13 TD) who set a school record for touchdowns in a season. Trey Mounts (30 rec. 633 yards 5 TD) and Jamison Hermanson (12 rec. 172 yards 2 TD). Blake Sentman, Elijah Benedick, and Matt Jorgensen will add depth for the Bulldogs. Three starters return to the Bulldog offensive line, senior captain Noah Danielson (6-4, 295) , Ethan Togchi-tani (6-4, 305), and Hunter Severson (6-1, 295). and Noah Pritchett (6-4, 315) will look to fill the void left by seniors. Jed Heffernan, Jesus Paramo, Chris Barber and Ty Lahue.
Defense The defense loses only two starters but will have huge shoes to fill as the two-time Frontier Defensive Player of the Year and two-time AP, NAIA, AFCA All-American linebacker Jason Ferris signed an undrafted free agent contract with the NFL's Carolina Panthers in the spring of 2020. Ferris led the league in tackles the past two seasons. The Bulldogs also will miss defensive back Jackson Thompson who had 38 tackles, two tackles for loss, an INT and was 9th in the nation in passes defended per game (1.4). The Bulldogs defense forced 27 turnovers and returned six for touchdowns. The Bulldogs return nine starters form last seasons team that finished third in the frontier in total defense (375 yards per game), third in points allowed (21.5) and averaged 8.3 passes defended and 2.6 sacks a game.
Look for seniors Joe Caicedo and captain Kyle Schulte to lead not only the Bulldogs but also the Frontier in tackles and tackles for loss. The Bulldogs ball hawking secondary had 19 interceptions and 83 pass breakups in 2019. Kameron Rouser, Dylan Pope had an impressive 2019 campaign. The Bulldogs add transfer Latrell McCutcheon as they look to be threat to opposing offensives in 2021. The linebackers were the heart of the Bulldog defense a year ago, with four backers leading the defense in tackles and three earning all-conference honors (Ferris, Caicedo 1st-team, Schulte 2nd-team). The defensive line returns starters Tanner Harrell, Reece Artz and Brandon Aimsback.
Special Teams The Bulldog specialist had a strong 2019 season. Punter Joseph Lema led the Frontier averaging 41.5 yards per punt (7th in the nation) earning him a first-team all-conference selection. Returner Trey Mounts earned first-team all-conference honors as both kick and punt returner. He was 9th in the nation in kick returns (26.1 yards per ret.) and 4th in punt returns (12.6 yards per ret.) Jamison Hermanson is also a threat in the return game averaging 22.3 per return. Elijah Benedick averaged 18.3 per return.
The Bulldogs blocked three kicks and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Freshman Jon Mears will handle the Bulldogs placekicking duties in 2021.