L.J. Phillips commits to Iowa, Kraft & Goedert "what if's" from NFL Playoffs, and incredible local hoops performances

First the Jackrabbits and now the Coyotes.   For a second consecutive year, a first team All-America FCS offensive player from South Dakota is headed to Iowa to play for the Hawkeyes.   Many South Dakota State backers turned into Hawkeye fans as Mark Gronowski, the all-time winningest quarterback in college football history, piloted a 10-win season with several memorable clutch plays.  Presumably, some USD fans will tune into Iowa games more often — if they weren't already peeking on Gronowski's games — to see how Phillips' game translates to the Power Four level.   The thickly-built, strong-as-an-ox Phillips, with his rugged running style, led the FCS with over 1,900 yards this past season. He appears to be a "fit" at a place that loves to run. Iowa was in the top third in the FBS in rushing attempts and among the ten lowest teams in the country in passing attempts and passing yards.   But how often we even see Phillips carry the ball? He is presumed to be the No. 2 running back behind Kamari Moulton, last season's RB1 who rushed for 80 yards a game and over five yards per attempt, earning Big Ten All-Conference honorable mention honors as the No. 8 rusher in the league.   Moulton appears to be staying in Iowa City and has two years of eligibility, like Phillips, who presumably slides in at RB2.    We don't know who else had interest in Phillips nor his other NIL offers, but we can wonder what kind of a move this is for the sophomore from Wichita, who initially had interest from places like Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State before he tore his ACL in the last game of his junior season of high school.   Despite his nation-best performance in 2024, Phillips would have had to battle to be USD's top running back this upcoming season with the return of Charles Pierre — a first-team FCS All-American in 2023 whose injury in USD's second game this season paved the way for Phillips to become the guy.       So, was this the right move? It is a fascinating topic ripe for discussion on Monday's Happy Hour.