BEMIDJI — Some recruiting classes look to the present — maybe a program needs a hole or two filled immediately. Maybe it needs depth in one specific position. Maybe there’s a can’t-miss, once-in-a-lifetime talent to build around.

This offseason, however the Bemidji State football team is looking to the future.

After the Beavers finished the regular season 7-4 and claimed a share of the NSIC North Division title, BSU head coach Jeff Tesch finds himself in an enviable position. The Beavers didn’t lose much to graduation — only six seniors — and have enough immediate depth and experience to compete again next season.

“We weren’t able to offer as many guys scholarships as we normally do, so we had to be selective and fill those needs,” Tesch said during a press conference Wednesday night in conjunction of National Signing Day. He also added that although he likes the talent in this year’s class of 29 incoming recruits, he doesn’t know if any of them will need to contribute immediately — which, in his mind, is a good thing.

“I don’t know if we need to (have anyone contribute right away), which is the good news,” Tesch said. “We had a nice team last year, and we’re excited about all the guys coming back. And that’s the good part.”

With 25 incoming freshmen signing on Wednesday, along with four transfers, the Beavers hit a few specific targets — first and foremost the offensive line. Five of BSU’s signees play on the offensive line. Five linemen are set to graduate after this season.

“We’re looking to rebuild for our offensive line which will be getting old and graduating here this year,” Tesch said.

One such lineman is Bemidji High School senior Hank Bellefy.

The 6-foot-2 lineman will join running back Brady Schmidt and offensive lineman Al Johnson as former Lumberjacks on the BSU roster.

“He’s coached by one of our old offensive linemen (Bryan Stoffel),” Tesch said. “You just hear nothing but great things about his work ethic. He just gets bigger and stronger all the time. He’ll be able to join our team this summer and train with us, so we’re excited to have him.”

Tesch said with the Lumberjacks football program getting even better each year, he’s glad to have that connection with the BHS football coaches.

“They’re having success, they’re getting kids in the weight room,” Tesch said. “They’re winning, they’re getting kids out there. They’re coached very well. And they’ve had a run of good players. That’s what excited me about Hank. We just know everything about him… we know about his work ethic…. he’s going to fit in well.”

Aside from Bellefy, the Beavers also picked up a few more commitments from the area and Northwest Minnesota, including Clearbrook-Gonvick linebacker Hunter Churness, Warroad defensive lineman Lucas Garbe and Detroit Lakes offensive lineman James Huwe.

“We did our best locally like we always do, because they fill the stands, and we think we got some good players from close proximity to us,” Tesch said.

Other notable players include quarterback Derek Murph of Grand Forks — who threw for more than 1,500 yards as a senior last season — as well as EJ Olszewski, a transfer from NAIA Brian Cliff College in Iowa.

Olszewski’s brother Gunner was a star defensive back as a freshman this past season — he was the NSIC’s defensive newcomer of the year. EJ is also a defensive back, and Tesch said he’s also just as fast.

“You watch him on film and you just go, holy smokes, can he run,” Tesch said.

Overall, BSU has 13 offensive recruits and 17 on defense.

The Beavers start the season Thursday, Sept. 1, at Chet Anderson Stadium against Upper Iowa.