ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay recently projected Parkston native and University of Iowa left tackle Riley Reiff would be picked third by the Minnesota Vikings in the April 26-28 NFL Draft.
Whenever there is a South Dakotan in the NFL draft, it always brings up the question of former South Dakotans in the NFL. According to the website databasefootball.com and American News staff reports, 53 South Dakota-born men have played in NFL regular season games. The list includes Aberdeen-born players Taylor Mehlhaff and Robb White.
Area former NFL players include Norm Van Brocklin of Eagle Butte, Duane Putnam of Pollock, Christian Bentz of Artas, Ben Derr of Turton, Wuert Engelmann and Bryan Schwartz of Miller, Urban Odson of Clark and the Milbank trio of William Winter, Clarence Manders and John Manders.
A couple of area North Dakota players also had illustrious careers in the NFL. Born in Ellendale, defensive Phil Hansen graduated from Oakes High School and played at North Dakota State. He started 148 of his 156 NFL career games with the Buffalo Bills (1991-2001), collecting 633 tackles with 61.5 sacks and playing in three Super Bowls.
Palmer Edward “Pete” Retzlaff was born in Ellendale, graduated from Ellendale High School, went to Trinity Bible College in Ellendale and starred in track and field and football at South Dakota State College. The five-time Pro Bowler played running back, wide receiver and tight end for 11 seasons (1956-58) with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1958, Retzlaff led the NFL with 56 pass receptions despite never having caught a pass in college and in 1965, he won the Bert Bell Award for NFL player of the year.
Retzlaff and his Eagles were NFL champions in 1960. Both he and Hansen are members of their NFL team’s halls of fame.
Missing from the list of South Dakota-born NFL players is Aberdeen Central graduate George Amundson, who was born in Pendleton, Ore. Amundson was drafted in the first round by Houston in 1973. He played the 1973 and 1974 seasons with the Oilers, and 1975 with Philadelphia. He played in 29 NFL games and scored four touchdowns.
Former Northern State standout running back Ronnie Cruz (born in Lakeport, Calif.) played 19 games for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2005 to 2006 before injuries cut his career short. Injuries also sidelined Aberdeen-born and Central graduate Josh Heupel, a sixth round pick by Miami in 2001. Heupel is now offensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners, whom he quarterbacked to a national championship in his senior year.
Derek Engler, who started his high school football career at Aberdeen Roncalli before moving to Minnesota, played in 34 games (1997-2000) with the New York Giants. Engler was the starting Giants center for nine games. Kent Clausen (born in Watertown, 1976 Aberdeen Roncalli graduate) spent a couple of years with the Jets, but did not play in any regular-season games.
There have been other area and NSU players drafted, but none whom played in NFL regular-season games of which we are aware. If there are, email me at jpapendick@aberdeennews.com.
South Dakota-born players who have played or are playing in the NFL with player name, birth city, years played, position, games played:
Mark Barber, Alpena, 1937, FB, 5.
Frank Bausch, Marion, 1934-1941, C, 77.
James Bausch, Marion, 1933, FB-HB, 7.
Christian Bentz, Artas, 1920, T, 1.
David Bernard, Jefferson, 1944-1945, FB-QB, 13.
Erwin Bishop, Winner, 1962-1969, G-OG-OT, 110.
Ordell Braase, Mitchell, 1957-1968, DE, 156.
Michael Busch, Huron, 1987, QB, 2.
Ryan Christopherson, Sioux Falls, 1995-1996, FB-RB, 19.
Joseph Crakes, Platte, 1932-1933, E, 9.
Benjamin Derr, Turton, 1920-1921, HB, 6.
John Dutton, Rapid City, 1974-1987, DE-DT, 185.
Douglas Eggers, Wagner, 1954-1958, LB, 54.
Wuert Engelmann, Miller, 1930-1933, FB-HB-QB, 44.
Barry French, Chamberlain, 1947-1951, G-T, 25.
Neil Graff, Sioux Falls, 1974-1977, QB, 29.
Chad Greenway, Mount Vernon, 2007-Present, LB.
Carroll Hardy, Sturgis, 1955, HB, 8.
Larry Jacobson, Sioux Falls, 1972-1974, DE-DT, 34.
Raymond Jenison, Avon, 1931, T, 2.
Frank Kelley, Tyndall, 1927, HB, 8.
Robert Kennedy, Sandpoint, 1946-1950, B-FB-HB-LB, 53.
Paul Laaveg, Sioux Falls, 1970-1975, G-OG-T, 72.
Ben Leber, Vermillion, 2002-Present, LB.
Roy Longstreet, Sioux Falls, 1926, C, 1.
Clarence Manders, Milbank, 1939-1947, B-FB-HB, 74.
John Manders, Milbank, 1933-1940, E-FB-HB-T, 93.
Brady McDonnel, Rapid City, 2002, TE, 5.
Taylor Mehlhaff, Aberdeen, 2008, K, 3 (scored 18 points with New Orleans Saints).
Paul Miller, Platte, 1936-1938, HB-QB, 32.
Maurice Nipp, Yankton, 1952-1956, G-OG, 25.
Jay Novacek, Martin, 1985-1995, TE-WR, 158.
Urban Odson, Clark, 1946-1949, T, 44.
Forrest Olson, Vermillion, 1927, FB-G, 3.
Craig Puki, Deadwood, 1980-1982, LB, 39.
Duane Putnam, Pollock, 1952-1962, G-OG, 121.
Robert Robertson, Pine Ridge, 1942, HB, 11.
Robert Scholtz, Watertown, 1960-1966, C-OT-T, 81.
Bryan Schwartz, Miller, 1995-1999, LB, 55.
George Slagle, Canton, 1926, G, 1.
Ernest Smith, Spearfish, 1935-1939, G-T, 41.
Michael Steponovoch, Lead, 1933, E, 1.
Robert Stransky, Yankton, 1960, OHB, 14.
Charles Tollefson, Elk Point, 1944-1946, C-G, 16.
Rodney Tweet, Madison, 1987, WR, 2.
Norman Van Brocklin, Eagle Butte, 1949-1960, P-QB, 140.
Eugene Vidal, Madison, 1921, FB, 1.
Adam Vinatieri, Yankton (Rapid City Central graduate), 1996-Present, K.
Harry Webber, Elk Point, 1920-1923, E, 2.
Thomas Welter, Yankton, 1987, OG-OT, 3.
Robb White, Aberdeen, 1988-1990, DE, 23.
Richard Wildung, Scotland, 1946-1953, G-T, 74.
William Winter, Milbank, 1962-1964, LB, 33.

On most days, this tree is not considered one of Brown County’s finest.

On Saturday morning, it was.

State champion goalie Brittany Tietz of Aberdeen Central will continue her soccer career at Bemidji State this fall.
Tietz led the Golden Eagles to the girls’ state title last season, Aberdeen’s first such title. The honor student was a two-time first-team all-stater and named outstanding goalie of the year.
“Brittany is an outstanding talent,” said Bemidji coach Jim Stone. “She is very athletic and quick. She brings that small-town work-ethic to our team, which I love. She will add incredible talent and depth at the goaltender position.”

Adam Weiszhaar, Eureka-Bowdle: (LB, 6-2, 190). 2-time team MVP. Last season, 98 tackles, 2 forced fumbls, 5 interceptions. American News All-Area, All-State.
Cody Kraft, Timber Lake: (TE, 6-3, 210). Honorable mention All-State. 412 yds receiving, 5 TDs. Sixth in hurdles at last spring’s state track meet.
Matt Thorson, Groton: (DB, 6-0, 185). Versitile 5-sport athlete. 3-time all-conference, Argus Leader Elite 45. 64 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery for TD.
Taylor Zemlicka, Waverly/South Shore: All-Stater who led team to state title last fall, owns all of his school’s passing records. Threw for 2,176 yds.
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Tyson Zemlicka, Waverly/South Shore: (QB, 6-0, 190). All-Stater who led team to state title last fall. Elite 45. Holds numerous school records.
Zachery Barber: (WR, 5-10, 165). Led Dell Rapids to three state titles. Elite 45 co-captain. MVP of 2010 title game.
Channing Barber: (DB, 6-0, 165). Led Dell Rapids to three state titles. Elite 45 co-captain. MVP of 2011 title game.
Tyler Robel, Watertown: (OL, 6-5, 275). 3-year starter, team captain. honorable mention all-state.
Joe Parsley, Flandreau: (DB, 6-1, 185). Led team to 3 conference titles and 2010 state championship. Holds numerous school records.
Chad Stoterau, Garretson: (DL, 6-3, 240). All-State, 152 career tackles, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, honorable mention Elite 45.
Austin Schmitt, St. Thomas More of Rapid City: (OL, 6-1, 265). 3-year starter. During his high school career, STM gained 12,000-plus yds, 26-7 rec. Advanced to 2009 state title gm.
Thad Johnson, Sioux Falls, Tri-Valley High School: (DE, 6-2, 215). 2-time All-State & All-Big Sioux Conf. Led Tri-Valley Mustangs to 12-0 rec. & state title.
Mike Anderson, Sioux Falls Roosevelt: (LB, 6-0, 200). 151 career tackles, 2 int. 97 tack as a Sr. Led Roosevelt HS to 2011 state title.
Conner Doherty, Brookings: (TE, 6-3, 210). All-Eastern South Dakota Conference, academic all-state, led team to 6-5 record last fall.
Taylor Houchin, Rapid City Central: (RB, 5-10, 180). RC Central HS special teams/offensive MVP. All-State, All-GDC Conf.
Casey Sailer, LaMoure, N.D.: (LB, 5-11, 195). 2011 All-State, All-Region, Defensive MVP. Led team to state playoffs for second straight yr.
Jake Adam, Thompson, N.D.: (OL, 6-7, 265). Led team to 10-2 record and state semifinals. Honorable all-conference in football and basketball.
Jon Caspers, Bird Island, Minn.: (OL, 6-6, 290). Redshirted at Iowa State in 2010, honorable mention All-American in 2009 at North Dakota State College of Science.
Cody Zimmerman, Scottsdale, Ariz.: (WR, 5-9, 170). 2-time all-region. 750 yards receiving with 6 TDs, 3 interceptions on defense as a senior.
Kyle Kraayenbrink, Gilbert, Ariz.: (DL, 6-2, 235). Led his team to state championship game, second-team all-region.
Garrett Kaiser, Chandler, Ariz.: (LB, 5-10, 190). Led high school to 9-4 record and playoff semifinals, all-region, named comeback athlete of the year.
Evan Aaron, Plymouth, Minn.: (OL, 6-8, 320). all-conference, honorable mention all-metro and all-state, nominee for conference offensive lineman man of the year.
Trever Heining, Atwater, Minn.: (LB, 6-2, 210). 3-sport athlete. 78 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, all-conference, 1,000-point scorer in basketball.
Dakota Odermann, Armstrong, Iowa: (LB, 5-11, 215). 3-time all-state, led high school to 51-4 rec in four years with state titles in 2009 and 2010.
Jordan Russell, Oshkosh, Neb: (LB, 6-1, 215). 1st team all-conference, all-district, all-Panhandle, honorable mention all-state, led team to state quarterfinals.
Shelby Dillard, Chandler, Ariz.: (LB, 6-0, 230). 2-time all-region, led team to state playoffs, state qualifier in track.
Stephen Erlandson, Breckenridge, Minn.: (RB, 5-9, 185). 3-time all-conference, 4,000 career rushing yards and 41 TDs, state qualifier in track and wrestling.
Chris Sandredtzky, Maple Lake, Minn.: (OL, 6-5, 260). Second-team all-conference.
Brady Greenwaldt, New Ulm, Minn.: (OL, 6-3, 290). All-conference, honorable mention all-state.
Bobby Brown, Blaine, Minn.: (WR, 6-3, 195). Led team to back-to-back conference titles, 2-time honorable mention all-conference.
Tyler Oftedahl, Eagle Bend, Minn.: (QB, 6-4, 205). Led team to 10-1 record, holds school record for passing yards and TDs in a season.
Adam Schultz, Fairmont, Minn.: (WR, 5-11, 180). All-area co-player of the year who led team to 12-2 record and state championship game.
Ty’Karius Brooks, Brooklyn Park, Minn.: (DB, 5-9, 160). 67 tackles, 11 deflections 2 blocked kicks, honorable mention all-conference.
Austin Russell, Wheaton, Minn.: (DL, 6-2, 240) Led team to 12-2 record and state championship game.
John Hughes, Peoria, Ariz.: (RB, 5-7, 180). Glendale, Ariz., Community College transfer with 2 years of eligibility. 1,600-yd rusher in high school, two-time player of the year.
Apollo Ford, Glendale, Ariz.: (DL, 6-1, 265). Glendale Community College transfer with 2 years of eligibility. 23 tackles, 1 sack last season. standout wrestler in high school.
Zac Emde, Murrietta, Calif.: (QB, 6-1, 205). Transfer with 2 years of eligibility. All-conference in high school with 2,300 yards, 21 TDs.
Tanner Lopez, Chandler, Ariz.: (DL, 6-4, 210, Chandler, AZ). Brother of NSU sophomore linebacker Dallas Lopez. Second-team all-state, led team to state playoffs last 2 seasons.
Bryce Williams, Catheys Valley, Calif.: (LB, 6-3, 210). Brother of NSU senior linebacker Matt Williams. All-conference, outstanding lineman of the conference, 65 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.

Adam Weiszhaar, Eureka-Bowdle: (LB, 6-2, 190). 2-time team MVP. Last season, 98 tackles, 2 forced fumbls, 5 interceptions. American News All-Area, All-State.
Cody Kraft, Timber Lake: (TE, 6-3, 210). Honorable mention All-State. 412 yds receiving, 5 TDs. Sixth in hurdles at last spring’s state track meet.
Matt Thorson, Groton: (DB, 6-0, 185). Versitile 5-sport athlete. 3-time all-conference, Argus Leader Elite 45. 64 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery for TD.
Taylor Zemlicka, Waverly/South Shore: All-Stater who led team to state title last fall, owns all of his school’s passing records. Threw for 2,176 yds.
28 minutes ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply
Tyson Zemlicka, Waverly/South Shore: (QB, 6-0, 190). All-Stater who led team to state title last fall. Elite 45. Holds numerous school records.
Zachery Barber: (WR, 5-10, 165). Led Dell Rapids to three state titles. Elite 45 co-captain. MVP of 2010 title game.
Channing Barber: (DB, 6-0, 165). Led Dell Rapids to three state titles. Elite 45 co-captain. MVP of 2011 title game.
Tyler Robel, Watertown: (OL, 6-5, 275). 3-year starter, team captain. honorable mention all-state.
Joe Parsley, Flandreau: (DB, 6-1, 185). Led team to 3 conference titles and 2010 state championship. Holds numerous school records.
Chad Stoterau, Garretson: (DL, 6-3, 240). All-State, 152 career tackles, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, honorable mention Elite 45.
Austin Schmitt, St. Thomas More of Rapid City: (OL, 6-1, 265). 3-year starter. During his high school career, STM gained 12,000-plus yds, 26-7 rec. Advanced to 2009 state title gm.
Thad Johnson, Sioux Falls, Tri-Valley High School: (DE, 6-2, 215). 2-time All-State & All-Big Sioux Conf. Led Tri-Valley Mustangs to 12-0 rec. & state title.
Mike Anderson, Sioux Falls Roosevelt: (LB, 6-0, 200). 151 career tackles, 2 int. 97 tack as a Sr. Led Roosevelt HS to 2011 state title.
Conner Doherty, Brookings: (TE, 6-3, 210). All-Eastern South Dakota Conference, academic all-state, led team to 6-5 record last fall.
Taylor Houchin, Rapid City Central: (RB, 5-10, 180). RC Central HS special teams/offensive MVP. All-State, All-GDC Conf.
Casey Sailer, LaMoure, N.D.: (LB, 5-11, 195). 2011 All-State, All-Region, Defensive MVP. Led team to state playoffs for second straight yr.
Jake Adam, Thompson, N.D.: (OL, 6-7, 265). Led team to 10-2 record and state semifinals. Honorable all-conference in football and basketball.
Jon Caspers, Bird Island, Minn.: (OL, 6-6, 290). Redshirted at Iowa State in 2010, honorable mention All-American in 2009 at North Dakota State College of Science.
Cody Zimmerman, Scottsdale, Ariz.: (WR, 5-9, 170). 2-time all-region. 750 yards receiving with 6 TDs, 3 interceptions on defense as a senior.
Kyle Kraayenbrink, Gilbert, Ariz.: (DL, 6-2, 235). Led his team to state championship game, second-team all-region.
Garrett Kaiser, Chandler, Ariz.: (LB, 5-10, 190). Led high school to 9-4 record and playoff semifinals, all-region, named comeback athlete of the year.
Evan Aaron, Plymouth, Minn.: (OL, 6-8, 320). all-conference, honorable mention all-metro and all-state, nominee for conference offensive lineman man of the year.
Trever Heining, Atwater, Minn.: (LB, 6-2, 210). 3-sport athlete. 78 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, all-conference, 1,000-point scorer in basketball.
Dakota Odermann, Armstrong, Iowa: (LB, 5-11, 215). 3-time all-state, led high school to 51-4 rec in four years with state titles in 2009 and 2010.
Jordan Russell, Oshkosh, Neb: (LB, 6-1, 215). 1st team all-conference, all-district, all-Panhandle, honorable mention all-state, led team to state quarterfinals.
Shelby Dillard, Chandler, Ariz.: (LB, 6-0, 230). 2-time all-region, led team to state playoffs, state qualifier in track.
Stephen Erlandson, Breckenridge, Minn.: (RB, 5-9, 185). 3-time all-conference, 4,000 career rushing yards and 41 TDs, state qualifier in track and wrestling.
Chris Sandredtzky, Maple Lake, Minn.: (OL, 6-5, 260). Second-team all-conference.
Brady Greenwaldt, New Ulm, Minn.: (OL, 6-3, 290). All-conference, honorable mention all-state.
Bobby Brown, Blaine, Minn.: (WR, 6-3, 195). Led team to back-to-back conference titles, 2-time honorable mention all-conference.
Tyler Oftedahl, Eagle Bend, Minn.: (QB, 6-4, 205). Led team to 10-1 record, holds school record for passing yards and TDs in a season.
Adam Schultz, Fairmont, Minn.: (WR, 5-11, 180). All-area co-player of the year who led team to 12-2 record and state championship game.
Ty’Karius Brooks, Brooklyn Park, Minn.: (DB, 5-9, 160). 67 tackles, 11 deflections 2 blocked kicks, honorable mention all-conference.
Austin Russell, Wheaton, Minn.: (DL, 6-2, 240) Led team to 12-2 record and state championship game.
John Hughes, Peoria, Ariz.: (RB, 5-7, 180). Glendale, Ariz., Community College transfer with 2 years of eligibility. 1,600-yd rusher in high school, two-time player of the year.
Apollo Ford, Glendale, Ariz.: (DL, 6-1, 265). Glendale Community College transfer with 2 years of eligibility. 23 tackles, 1 sack last season. standout wrestler in high school.
Zac Emde, Murrietta, Calif.: (QB, 6-1, 205). Transfer with 2 years of eligibility. All-conference in high school with 2,300 yards, 21 TDs.
Tanner Lopez, Chandler, Ariz.: (DL, 6-4, 210, Chandler, AZ). Brother of NSU sophomore linebacker Dallas Lopez. Second-team all-state, led team to state playoffs last 2 seasons.
Bryce Williams, Catheys Valley, Calif.: (LB, 6-3, 210). Brother of NSU senior linebacker Matt Williams. All-conference, outstanding lineman of the conference, 65 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.