BROOKINGS – Max Baloun fits right in in Brookings.

The former multi-sport standout from Redfield is living large in Brookings as a senior member of the South Dakota State football squad, which is off to a 3-1 start to the season.

And while Baloun, a key contributor and current starter on the Jacks’ defensive line, has adjusted well, the move from Class 11B to NCAA Division I football was just that – an adjustment.

“It was a lot different,” Baloun admitted. “Just being around that many people. Redfield is a pretty small town.”

Baloun joined the Jacks at the start of the Covid era, which, he said, gave him a unique chance to adjust. He cited the speed of the game and the importance of good nutrition as two key adjustments he needed to make.

Plus, it didn’t hurt that he had some solid leadership from the upperclassmen.

“It really comes down to the senior leaders,” he said. “They’ve always been helpful, especially since I was a freshman.”

Now the 2-time national champion is taking his turn in that role.

“Honestly, right now I’m just trying to be the best leader that I can be,” he said. “We’ve got two other sixth-year seniors on the line. Just pushing us to be our best.”

Right now, the Jacks are doing just that. Their three victories have all come by 21 points or more, including a 41-0 shutout of Southeastern Louisiana this past weekend. Baloun had two tackles in that game, including one for a loss.

The Jacks’ singular loss came against Oklahoma State to open the season, a loss that snapped a 29-game win streak that included back-to-back FCS national championships.

“It was awesome,” Baloun said of those title runs. “Both of them. Once in a lifetime moment. It was awesome to do it twice.”

Baloun knows his hometown is keeping tabs on his time in Brookings based purely on the number of texts he received from people in Redfield following those national championship games.

The Jacks are currently ranked first in the latest rankings and open up Missouri Valley conference play on Oct. 5 after a bye week this week.

Regardless of how this season ultimately ends up, Baloun said he’s grateful for the opportunity to even be part of the story.

“I feel really fulfilled,” he said. “It was a lot of work to get to this point. Something I dreamed about. It’s a dream come true at the end of the day.”

Baloun and the Jacks will continue their title defense with one goal in mind – the next game on the docket.

“The biggest thing is to be our best selves every week,” he said. “We want to be 1-0 every week.”