NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Jake Wieneke, WR – South Dakota State University
Physical/Teacher Education – 3.63 GPA
Head Coach: John Stiegelmeier | Athletics Director: Justin Sell
Faculty Athletics Representative: Rich Reid
As a three-time All-America receiver and two-time Academic All-American, Jake Wieneke has crafted a stellar collegiate career both on and off the playing field. The Maple Grove, Minn., native becomes the Jackrabbits’ third NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
On pace to graduate this December, Wieneke earned First Team Academic All-America honors as a junior and garnered Second Team laurels his sophomore season. The two-time Academic All-District selection is a three-time recipient of the MVFC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award and was twice honored as a First Team Academic All-Conference pick. Wieneke was also the recipient of the MVFC President’s Council Academic Award in 2016.
The team captain kicked off his senior campaign with an explosive start, posting six receptions for 75 yards and four touchdowns in the season opener versus Duquesne. In 2017, he has recorded 37 receptions for 479 yards for the top-10 nationally ranked Jackrabbits, and his 11 touchdown receptions lead the MVFC and are tied for first nationally.
A three-time AP All-American (2016 – Third Team, 2015 – First Team, 2014 – Second Team), Wieneke made an immediate impact at SDSU, earning College Sporting News FCS Freshman of the Year and MVFC Freshman of the Year honors. The 2015 STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year is a three-time First Team All-MVFC performer and helped the Jackrabbits to a share of the 2016 conference title and consecutive FCS Playoff berths. He owns career records in all major receiving categories at SDSU and boasts the MVFC single-season record with 1,472 receiving yards in 2015. Wieneke has led the team in receiving every year of his career and has led the conference in receiving the last two seasons.
Earlier this season, Wieneke was named to the 2017 AFCA Good Works Team for his work in the community, having participated in numerous mission trips to Jamaica, Kenya and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (S.D.) He is active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a youth group leader at his church. Wieneke has also served as a four-year mentor through the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program.
All stats as of Nov. 1, 2017.
