Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

In every game of pandemic-shortened senior season Grahm Goering looked like a Division I football player.

Members of the West High coaching staff and team insisted throughout the season the receiver and defensive back was that type of prospect.

On Monday, Goering proved his coaches and teammates right with his verbal commitment to FCS powerhouse South Dakota State.

“After a lot of thought and consideration I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and football career at South Dakota State University,” Goering wrote on Twitter.

Goering put up strong numbers as a junior despite battling injuries leading West High wit 42 receptions for 599 yards and six touchdowns last season.

As a senior Goering emerged as one of the state’s most dangerous pass catchers.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Goering hauled in 33 passes for 614 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games this season.

Despite playing in just seven games Goering ranked in the top 10 in Class 4A this season in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

His 33 receptions were ninth in 4A, his 614 receiving yards ranked fifth and his 10 touchdowns were second most in the state’s largest class.

Goering did a lot more than just catch passes this season while helping West High to a 6-1 record and a spot in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

In addition to his pass catching skills Goering also rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass.

As a defensive back Goering had 12.5 tackles and picked off two passes and was a major factor on special teams for the Trojans.

Goering averaged 7.3 yards per punt return and 33.5 per kick return, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown.

“None of this would be possible without the endless support from my family, friends and West High coaches,” Goering wrote on Twitter. “In particular, I want to thank my brother and parents for being by my side every step of the way through this tough process. I am thrilled for these next four years as a Jackrabbit.”

A member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, South Dakota State was 8-5 in 2019 and fell to Northern Iowa in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

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