Western Illinois safety Jake Kruger grabbed two interceptions Thursday in the Leathernecks’ season-opening victory against Northwestern (Iowa) College. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)
By Barry Bottino
MACOMB — In an era when transfer portal additions steal headlines, Joe Davis has unapologetically stayed committed to developing high school recruits.
Davis, the third-year Western Illinois head coach, and his staff saw the fruits of those labors Thursday in the Leathernecks’ season opener with Jake Kruger.
A junior safety from Ankeny, Iowa, Kruger grabbed two interceptions to help Western limit the Red Raiders to 164 total yards and nine first downs in a 65-14 decision.
“Jake has been biding his time,” Davis said. “He came here as a walk-on. He was voted captain (this season) by his teammates. It’s just an awesome story.”
Kruger’s first interception snuffed out a Northwestern drive at midfield late in the second quarter. The second pick, which also came on a third down, included a 30-yard return late in the third quarter.
“I’ve been here for three years and I’m just grateful to the coaches and my teammates for giving me this opportunity,” Kruger said. “I’m just making plays when the opportunity arises. It was great to be out there for my first start.”
Kruger, who had three tackles Thursday, said the defense displayed its improved communication and trust in the opener, which allowed the Leathernecks to make plays. Along with Kruger’s two interceptions, Western got a scoop-and-score touchdown from linebacker Lebron Morgan in the first half.
After playing in two games as a freshman in 2024, Kruger made eight appearances last fall. His best outing was a two-tackle game in the season finale against Gardner-Webb.
“We sat down as a staff and went through guys that remain from our first signing class,” Davis said. “There are still about 16 guys here that came in as freshmen in the fall of 2024, and it’s cool to see that those are guys we lean on.
“I hate to use the phrase ‘old-school program development,’ but that’s what it is,” he said. “All of those guys play a role, and I’m really happy for Jake.”
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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