South Dakota Coyotes Secondary Draws NFL Attention
South Dakota's secondary has been a beacon of excellence under the tutelage of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. Leading the Coyotes' secondary since 2020, Taylor's coaching prowess continues to garner attention from NFL scouts. Taylor, a former standout at Iowa, has successfully nurtured talented players like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter, bringing a much-needed spotlight to South Dakota's football program.
Mike Reid, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, and Dennis Shorter, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, have been pivotal under Taylor's guidance. These promising athletes have showcased their skills consistently, bringing formidable defense to the Coyotes. Their next challenge looms as they prepare to face Southern Illinois on September 28. The upcoming game will be an opportunity for these players to further solidify their reputations and potentially attract more attention from professional scouts.
One of Taylor's protégés, Myles Harden, exemplifies the potential path for Reid and Shorter. Harden, who participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl, was later selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Harden's journey from South Dakota to the NFL is a testament to the caliber of talent that Taylor is capable of developing.
Another name garnering attention in collegiate football is Jalen Leonard-Osbourne from Ithaca. Not only is Leonard-Osbourne a formidable football player, but he also excelled off the field. Winning the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.72 seconds, he holds Ithaca's record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds. Leonard-Osbourne's athletic prowess will be on display in his next game against Curry College on September 28, where fans eagerly anticipate his performance.
Central Missouri's Zach Zebrowski is another rising star making waves in the football scene. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Zebrowski's stellar season earned him the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy. Recognized as Division II's best player, Zebrowski's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. His next opportunity to shine will be in the game against Nebraska-Kearney on September 28.
Meanwhile, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University continues to impress in the Usports arena. Participating in the Usports East-West Bowl, Davies-Lyons' stature and skill have made him a standout player. At 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, his presence on the field is undeniable. As York University prepares to face Carleton on September 28, all eyes will be on Davies-Lyons to see if he can maintain his dominant performance.
The football world is on high alert, watching these young athletes as they prepare for their upcoming games. Whether it's the disciplined secondary led by Miles Taylor or the speed and agility of athletes like Jalen Leonard-Osbourne and Zach Zebrowski, the potential for greatness is evident. For these players, the spotlight will only get brighter as they continue to strive for excellence on the field.