South Dakota's Secondary Catching NFL Attention
South Dakota’s secondary, led by Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor since 2020, has been making waves in the football world. Taylor, a former Iowa Hawkeye standout, has adeptly nurtured talent, significantly boosting the profile of the South Dakota Coyotes’ defense. The spotlight has particularly shone on players like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 193 pounds, cornerback Mike Reid has demonstrated exceptional skills on the field. His teammate Dennis Shorter, although shorter at 5-foot-8, packs a punch at 190 pounds and has proven to be a formidable safety. Their next challenge looms on September 28, as they gear up to face off against Southern Illinois, a game that NFL scouts will undoubtedly be watching closely.
Coach Taylor's influence is evident not just in the growth of his current players but also in the success of former stars such as Myles Harden. Harden, who once shone in South Dakota's secondary, went on to participate in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. His remarkable performance caught the eye of the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, across the football landscape, Jalen Leonard-Osbourne of Ithaca has been making his mark in track and field. Leonard-Osbourne captured the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with an outstanding time of 6.72 seconds. Additionally, he holds Ithaca’s school record in the 100-meter dash, clocking 10.69 seconds. On September 28, he will be back on the football field, representing Ithaca in their game against Curry College.
In Division II football, Central Missouri's Zach Zebrowski has also been a standout player. Weighing 210 pounds and standing 6-foot-2, Zebrowski was honored with the Harlon Hill Trophy, emblematic of the top player in Division II football. His next opportunity to showcase his talent will be on September 28, when Central Missouri faces off against Nebraska-Kearney.
Turning our attention north of the border, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University has turned heads in Canadian football. Davies-Lyons participated in the Usports East-West Bowl, showcasing his impressive physical attributes at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds. His next game, on September 28, will see York University taking on Carleton, another matchup sure to attract keen observers.
As September 28 approaches, football fans will have their eyes peeled on these emerging stars, eager to see whether their potential translates into game-day performance.