How Missouri State Bears Built Their 2017 Football Roster

When the 2017 season kicked off, the Missouri State Bears weren’t just a collection of athletes—they were a deliberately assembled mix of seasoned seniors, emerging juniors, and a handful of fresh faces hoping to make an immediate impact. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Dave Steckel, treated roster construction like a puzzle, fitting pieces together based on talent, work ethic, and the schemes they intended to run.

Key Priorities Behind the Roster Blueprint

Steckel’s first task was simple: identify the core strengths he wanted the team to embody. The answer was clear—balance. He aimed for a strong running game, a versatile passing attack, and a defense capable of forcing turnovers.

• Depth at skill positions. Injuries are inevitable; having a reliable backup at quarterback, running back, and receiver was non‑negotiable.
• Special teams versatility. Players who could contribute as kick returners or coverage units added roster flexibility.
• Local talent pipeline. Missouri State leaned heavily on recruits from the state, creating a sense of community pride.

Offensive Core: Who Anchored the Attack?

Quarterback Room

The starting quarterback, Tyler Jensen, entered his junior year with a reputation for poise under pressure. He posted a 58% completion rate and proved comfortable both in the pocket and on the scramble. Behind him, sophomore Jordan Willis saw limited action but was earmarked as the next man‑up.

Running Backs — Power and Speed

Two backs commanded the ground game:

• Marcus “Tank” Dalton—a bruising 5’11”, 225 lb runner whose 4.9‑second 40‑yard dash belied his size. He shouldered the load in short‑yardage situations.
• Lamar Jefferson—the fleet‑footed junior who sprouted over 300 yards in the opening two games, showcasing the kind of burst the Bears needed for play‑action.

Backup Tyler “Flash” Gomez provided a change‑of‑pace option, frequently lining up as a receiver out of the backfield.

Wide Receivers — Stretching the Field

Wideout Brandon Kessler led the unit with 68 catches, averaging 12.2 yards per reception. His route‑running was crisp, making him a reliable target on third down. Complementing him were:

• Eddie Ramos, a sophomore with deep‑ball speed, often tasked with stretching defenses.
• Devin Harper, a senior who excelled in the slot, delivering quick slants and yards after the catch.

Defensive Backbone: Stopping the Opponent

Line of Scrimmage

The defensive line was anchored by senior Chris “The Wall” Turner, a 6’4”, 285‑lb interior defender whose ability to plug gaps made him a perennial All‑Missouri Valley standout. Outside the tackles, sophomore Jalen Brooks contributed pass‑rush velocity, registering a respectable 7.5 sacks.

Linebackers — Athletic Leaders

Linebacker captain Ricky Martinez was the heart of the defense, leading the team with 84 total tackles and a knack for reading offenses. He was backed by Tyler “Mack” McCoy, a versatile player who shifted between inside and outside roles, and freshman Jordan “Jet” Lee, whose fresh legs added speed to the middle.

Secondary — Ball Hawks

Safety Anthony Wallace patrolled the deep middle, notching three interceptions and several pass breakups. The cornerback duo of Mike Alvarez and Deonte Harris combined physical press coverage with the ability to flip into man‑to‑man when needed.

Special Teams: The Often‑Overlooked Difference‑Makers

Special teams can swing momentum, and the Bears understood that. Kicker Adam Harper posted a 75% field‑goal conversion rate, with a reliable range out to 45 yards. Punter Jake Dalton consistently flipped the field, averaging 42 yards per punt, while Devin Harper—the wide receiver mentioned earlier—also handled kick returns, providing occasional spark plays.

Coaching Influence on Roster Decisions

Beyond raw talent, the coaching staff prioritized character. Players were evaluated on leadership qualities during spring practices, and those who excelled earned roles as captains or mentors for younger teammates. Assistant Coach Mike Collins (defensive backs) famously held “late‑night film sessions,” fostering a culture of accountability that filtered down to the roster’s depth chart.

Season Highlights That Validated the Roster Build

The Bears’ 2017 campaign featured several moments that proved the roster choices were on target:

• Week 3 vs. Northern Iowa—Marcus Dalton’s 3‑yard TD run in the final minute secured a 24‑21 upset.
• Week 6 at Southern Illinois—Lamar Jefferson’s 115‑yard rushing day set a new single‑game record for the program.
• Week 9 vs. Illinois State—Chris Turner’s forced fumble and subsequent recovery shifted the momentum, leading to a 31‑28 victory.

Even in losses, the roster’s depth shone. When starter Tyler Jensen exited with an ankle sprain against Youngstown State, backup Jordan Willis stepped in, completing 15 of 22 passes and keeping the Bears competitive.

Looking Back: What the 2017 Roster Teaches Future Teams

One lesson stands out: a balanced roster, built on local recruitment and a clear vision, can outperform teams that rely solely on star power. Missouri State’s approach blended experienced heads with youthful energy, ensuring that even when injuries struck, the team retained its identity.

For programs scouting talent or constructing their own squads, the 2017 Bears demonstrate the value of:

• Prioritizing versatile players who can fill multiple roles.
• Investing in special teams as a strategic advantage.
• Fostering a culture where character and work ethic reinforce on‑field performance.

In the end, the 2017 Missouri State Bears football roster wasn’t just a list of names on a sheet—it was a carefully crafted collection of individuals who, together, turned a modest program into a competitive force within the Missouri Valley Football Conference.