Joe Hjelle

CAREER NOTES: In his second year at Tulsa … A letterwinner … Enrolled mid-semester 2024 and participated in spring drills … Played in 12 career games … Has a career total of 19 tackles … Has a career total of one and half tackles for loss of four yards. 2024 Academic All-Conference 2024: Played during all 12 games during his first year at Tulsa. Recorded 19 tackles, five unassisted and 14 assisted. Recorded one and a half tackles for loss of four yards. Made his Golden Hurricane debut on Aug. 29 against Northwestern State. PRIOR TO TULSA: Played two years at Iowa Western Community College, winning the NJCAA National Championship both seasons. Started in 2023, while helping his team post a 12-1 record. Win the Region 11 and NJCAA Championships in 2023. Totaled 32 tackles, 7.5 sacks and forced one fumble in his JUCO career. Junior college coach was Scott Strohmeier. HIGH SCHOOL Played his prep football at Decorah High School. Played guard, center, linebacker and on the defensive line in his prep career. Received Decorah High School’s Male Scholar Athlete Award as a senior. Started both on offense and defense his junior and senior seasons. Was credited with 53 tackles, including 41 solos and 17.5 TFL, in his high school career. Was a Des Moines Register first-team all-state offensive lineman. Was also named to the Iowa Sportswriters Association all-state team as a defensive lineman his senior season as well. Received academic all-state and all-district merits both his junior and senior seasons. Lettered in baseball, basketball and track. Was a two-time state qualifier in the shot put and discus. High school coach was Pat Trewin. PERSONAL Favorite pro sports team is the Minnesota Vikings. Began playing football at age 9. Has two siblings. Parents are John and Tracy Hjelle. His father ran track at Luther College and mother played softball at Iowa State. Majoring in organizational studies. Last name pronounced Yell-e.