South Dakota's Growing NFL Potential
South Dakota's secondary has recently garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, and much of this recognition can be attributed to the work of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. A former standout with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Taylor has been leading the Coyotes' secondary since 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his role.
Taylor's influence extends beyond the training field; he has nurtured talents like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter, who are now crucial players for the South Dakota Coyotes. Reid, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, has developed into a formidable presence in the secondary. Meanwhile, Shorter, standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 190 pounds, plays a significant role as a safety. The duo's next test will come against Southern Illinois on September 28, a game both are undoubtedly preparing for with heightened focus.
In addition to his current squad, Taylor has seen former players move on to professional opportunities. Myles Harden, another product of Taylor's guidance, showcased his skills in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl before being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Harden's journey from college standout to professional athlete serves as an inspiring model for current Coyotes players.
While South Dakota continues to make waves in college football, other programs across the nation also boast impressive individual performances. One such standout is Jalen Leonard-Osbourne from Ithaca, who not only excels on the football field but has also made his mark in track and field. Leonard-Osbourne clinched the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with an exceptional time of 6.72 seconds. Moreover, he holds the school record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds. Leonard-Osbourne's athletic prowess will be on display again when he takes the field against Curry College on September 28.
In the world of Division II football, Zach Zebrowski from Central Missouri has been turning heads. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback recently clinched the Harlon Hill Trophy, an award given to the most outstanding player in Division II football. Zebrowski's next challenge will be against Nebraska-Kearney on September 28, a game that will surely be watched closely by fans and scouts alike.
North of the border, York University's Brandon Davies-Lyons has been making his presence felt in Canadian university football. Participating in the Usports East-West Bowl, Davies-Lyons, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs 290 pounds, has demonstrated his potential to be a dominant force on the line of scrimmage. His next opportunity to showcase his skills will be against Carleton on September 28.
The trajectories of these athletes underscore the depth of talent in college football and the importance of dedicated coaching. Coaches like Miles Taylor are not just preparing their players for the next game but are shaping their futures in the sport. The attention from NFL scouts is a testament to the quality of players being developed in programs like South Dakota's.
As these athletes prepare for their upcoming games, fans will be watching closely, eager to see how their favorite players perform under pressure. With talented coaches and high stakes, the next round of college football action promises to offer excitement and perhaps a glimpse of the NFL stars of tomorrow.