Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State Football News: Draft Scout Player News

01/07/23 - QB Mark Gronowski, rSr/2025, South Dakota State

South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski thought he had just twisted his ankle on the opening series of an unusual FCS title game two springs ago. It turned out to be much worse than that. Nearly 20 months after tearing the ACL in his left knee on a 3-yard run, and then missing the 2021 fall season that quickly followed, Gronowski is back in North Texas for another title shot. The Jackrabbits play Missouri Valley Football Conference rival and perennial Football Championship Subdivision champion North Dakota State on Sunday. "Most people only get one chance to play in a national championship, if ever. Just to have the second opportunity and get a kind of chance to redeem myself and redeem the entire team, it's a blessing," Gronowski said Friday from a room overlooking the field where he got hurt in May 2021. "I just remember walking in the first time, just being like "Wow," like I'm excited for this moment and I can't wait to be in this game. And that's kind of the feeling I have again right now."

The Jackrabbits (13-1) have won 13 in a row since a 7-3 loss at Big Ten team Iowa to open this season. That streak includes a 23-21 comeback win at defending champ North Dakota State in October - the same score of South Dakota State's title game loss to Sam Houston State, which blew a 10-point lead before its winning touchdown with 16 seconds left. Gronowski was a true freshman during that pandemic-affected season when South Dakota State and veteran coach John Stiegelmeier made their first FCS title game. After the quarterback's 3-yard keeper on the first play and a 16-yard pass, he got hurt in a pile at the end of another 3-yard run before a third-down incompletion on his last snap. In what is now his sophomore season, Gronowski has thrown for 2,743 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also has 11 rushing scores. "Mark's comeback and his contribution to our football team is far greater than what you see on the field or in the stats. He's our best leader," said Stiegelmeier, in his 26th season at his alma mater. - AP College Football

rSr/2025