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PREP FOOTBALL: Reece Winkelman: 2016 Marshall Independent Fall Defensive Player of the Year

MARSHALL – The Marshall Tigers football team has been on quite a run the last few seasons. In 2015, the Tigers advanced to their first state tournament since 1991. The Tigers did so again this year, and advanced to the Class AAAA State Semifinals. It takes an all-around team effort, but a major contributor to the Tigers’ success this season was linebacker and tight end Reece Winkelman. His efforts have earned him the 2016 Marshall Independent Fall Defensive Player of the Year.

Winkelman was very proud to be a part of team that has made it to the state tournament the last two seasons, and accredits that accomplishment as his favorite memory.

“It was very honoring experience,” said Winkelman. “Being on a team that goes that far is every kid’s dream.”

Winkelman led the Tigers this season with 103 tackles, which was third in the area. He also recorded 25 tackles for loss, five sacks (tied for third in the area), five interceptions (tied for third in the area), three passes broken up and one forced fumble. He recorded a team-high 14 tackles against Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the state semifinal game on Nov. 17, and had a team-high two interceptions in the Tigers’ game against Jordan on Sept. 1.

Marshall coach Terry Bahlmann knows that Winkelman played a major role in the Marshall Tigers’ defense.

“Reece has great instincts and reads offensive schemes very well,” said Bahlmann. “He has been a four-year starter for us on defense and understands what the offenses are trying to do. Reece could probably play any defensive position on the field for us with his athletic ability instincts.”

Winkelman has been a leader on the defense for four years, and his five interceptions this season is tied for second in the Marshall record books.

Bahlmann attributes his leadership and his ability to make plays as a big part of his success.

“As a four-year starter, Reece was the leader of our defense by making our defensive calls and we funneled the defense through him,” said Bahlmann. Reece goes down as one of our career leaders in sacks and interceptions. That shows some his abilities to be a playmaker all over the field for us.”

The Marshall defense was an impenetrable wall the whole season. As a group, the defense held its opponents to just 13.2 points and 213 yards per game. It also held opponents to just 3.4 yards per rush and 4.1 yards per play while holding teams to just a 22 percent success rate on third downs.

Winkelman attributes the Tigers’ success on defense to a strong all-around team effort and trusting each other.

“Every one of us could trust each other on doing their job,” said Winkelman.

Bahlmann had similar thoughts on Marshall’s defensive prowess.

“We played well as a team on defense and everyone played and knew their responsibilities,” said Bahlmann.

Winkelman, who has played football his whole life, feels that being in the same system his whole career has helped him a lot.

He also credits his coaches for his continued success.

“I think growing up in the program helped me a lot,” said Winkelman. “Starting young and learning the game helped me. But the biggest thing to help me be successful was the coaches. Coach Bahlmann and all the coaches I have had growing up have helped me to understand and develop my game.”

Winkelman was also a presence on the offensive side of the ball. He finished the season with 19 receptions for 532 yards, which led the team and was second in the area. He also had a team-high eight receiving touchdowns, which was tied for second place in the area.

As a tight end, Winkelman helped block for an offense that rushed for 3,541 yards and 56 touchdowns. It also passed for 1,541 yards to a total of 5,082 yards (compared to just 2,555 yards for their opponents) and outscored other teams 560-158.

Bahlmann was happy to have such a threat on the offensive side of the ball.

“Reece was one of our leaders on both sides of the ball. We looked to him to make big plays on offense and defense,” said Bahlmann. He had a huge impact on offense, averaging over 28 yards a catch. He was a tough matchup for teams with his size and speed. If we needed a play, we looked to Reece.”

Winkelman has committed to play football at South Dakota State University next season. the Jackrabbits, who are 9-3 this season, will play the North Dakota State Bison in the FBS playoffs today.

Winkelman is looking forward to continue his career as a Jackrabbit.

“I am excited to be a Jack,” said Winkelman. “I chose SDSU because it felt like home and it wasn’t too far away. Also, the coaches there are really great coaches, which helped me choose there.”

Bahlmann feels that Winkelman will be able to carry over his success to the college level.

“I feel Reece will be an excellent college football player for SDSU,” said Bahlmann. “Right now they want him to play defensive end but I am hoping they give him a shot at linebacker. I think they will really like his instincts and toughness.”

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