When South Dakota State University tight end Tucker Kraft declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft three weeks ago, he had only recently returned to the Jackrabbits lineup after missing six weeks with a foot injury suffered in the season opener.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound junior touched the ball just twice in SDSU's first two playoff wins, but on Saturday, the Timber Lake native reminded everyone he's still around and still one of the best tight ends in the country.
SDSU knocked off Montana State 39-18 in the semifinals on Saturday, Dec. 18, to advance to its secondever FSC National Championship in Frisco, TX, on Jan. 8 against archrival North Dakota State University.
Kraft scored the Jackrabbits first touchdown when he pulled in a pass from quarterback Mark Gronowski and rumbled 36 yards for a touchdown.
He finished the contest with four receptions for 69 yards and a TD to go along with three-yards rushing when the former Timber Lake Panther quarterback lined up under center and plunged for a first down.