Hovey ready to make his mark with South Dakota football

Louisburg senior Jase Hovey made it official last month when he signed his letter of intent to play football at the University of South Dakota.

Jase Hovey was all set to live out his college football dream at the University of Kansas.

Hovey committed to the Jayhawk program as a walk-on last December and the idea of playing Division I football was something he has always strived for.

“Playing college football has been a dream and goal of mine since i was a little kid,” Hovey said. “I always knew I wanted to play football at the highest level I could and it’s truly been a blessing to get the opportunities I have. It’s all because my coaches and teammates have pushed me to be my best all four years of high school football.”

While Hovey still gets to enjoy what Division I football has to offer, the destination has changed. 

In late January, Hovey decommitted from the Jayhawks and committed to South Dakota instead. He made it official last month when he signed his letter of intent to play football for the Coyotes during a signing ceremony at Louisburg High School.

Hovey will join Louisburg teammate Mack Newell in South Dakota as they begin their college football journeys.

“While I originally had committed to play at Kansas, South Dakota drew me in the very first time I stepped on campus,” Hovey said. “After meeting my position coach and defensive coordinator, I immediately knew how much they valued me and that they are going to give me everything they have to help me grow as a student athlete as well as trying to get me to the next level beyond college. 

“I flipped my commitment because I knew this was the best decision I could make for myself. I get to join my teammate and best friend Mack Newell on the football field as well which is a vision we always had together and truly a dream come true.”

Hovey visited South Dakota with Newell in late January and the two Wildcats more than enjoyed their visits to Coyote program.

South Dakota, which plays in the Division 1 FCS level, provided Hovey all he needed to see.

“I knew South Dakota was the best fit for me immediately after taking my official visit,” Hovey said. “The coaching staff was unbelievable in their efforts for me and were able to show me exactly what vision they had in place for me to succeed. They have excellent academics as well. I knew it was my home the second my official visit was over. 

Hovey has been a big part of the Wildcat defense the last three years from the safety spot. He turned in a special season this past year as he led the Wildcat secondary with 58 tackles and two interceptions.

All that led to first team All-Frontier League and all-state recognition. He was also selected to represent Louisburg in the Kansas Shrine Bowl later this summer.

“Jase was huge for our defense over the years,” Louisburg head coach Drew Harding said. “We switched defenses a couple years ago because we knew Jase could really run the alley well and make plays from his free safety spot. Jase is going to leave a big hole for us to fill and someone will need to step up and fill in his shoes. 

“He had a lot of interest from a lot of schools and I am very excited for him to have made his choice in South Dakota. He has the size and the athletic ability to play big time college football so I am very excited to see what he does over the next few years.”

With the change to the college level also comes a new position for Hovey. He will make the transition from safety to linebacker and it is one he is looking forward to learning more about.

“The coaches believe my frame and athletic ability will be best fit at linebacker for the college level and I couldn’t be more excited to learn a new position,” Hovey said. “I could be redshirting, but determined by my performance in camp and if the team has a role worth using a year of my eligibility on as the season goes on. I would prefer to redshirt to get my mind and body ready to compete at the next level, but I will do whatever is best for the team as the season goes on.”

As for what he wants to accomplish during his time at South Dakota, Hovey is ready to help the Coyotes reach the highest level.

“I have already set a lot of goals for when I get to step on campus in June,” he said. “My biggest goal would be winning a national championship and I can’t wait to start working towards it with my future teammates. Some personal goals I have set for myself is to eventually earn a starting role and become a first team all-conference and All-American linebacker. 

“At the end of my college career if the opportunity presented itself to play at the highest level, it’s something I’ve always worked for and would love to pursue.”

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