(Atlantic) Atlantic standout Gavin McLaren announced his commitment to play football for the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits in the fall of 2026.
McLaren has 172 carries for 1,300 yards through his junior season for an average of 7.5 yards per carry. The 6’2, 245 fullback admits that committing early is a big decision. McLaren also received an offer from the University of Northern Iowa.
The Coaching staff recruited McLaren as a fullback, a rare position in college football today. McLaren plays the upback in Atlantic’s “I” formation set. Over the past couple of years, he has scored 13 touchdowns; however, his blocking might be most impressive.
McLaren’s athletic talents extend beyond the football field—he also excels in basketball, track, and baseball. He credits his coaches for guiding him throughout his journey to playing Division I football.
South Dakota State University, located in Brookings, competes at the Division I level as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Jack Rabbits finished with a 7-1 conference and a 12-3 overall record.
The other conference members include North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Youngstown, Southern Illinois, and Northern Iowa.
