The Jackrabbit Belt Just Immediately Became One Of My Favorite Awards In Sports

We hear about college teams doing unique awards and traditions, however the South Dakota State Jackrabbit Belt is immediately one of my favorite ones. They are handing out the belt to the defensive player of the week, every week, starting now with South Dakota State playing an exhibition tour up in Canada.

I need them to go a step farther though. Whoever has the award needs to show up for warmups that week wearing it. Let the other team know who has had the best defensive performance. See if you can get in someone’s head that knows they have to go up against a dude wearing a Jackrabbit Belt.

I do appreciate the bit though. Head coach TJ Otzelberger putting the belt around Brandon Key like he just won the WWE Heavy weight Title, the celebration, it’s a great bit. There’s a genuine push for the Jackrabbits to improve defensively this year, after finishing 150th last season. We know all about Mike Daum, but if SDSU wants to take the next step with him still there, they need to defend.