South Dakota's Defensive Backs Shine as NFL Scouts Take Notice
The football season is heating up, but all eyes are on the South Dakota's secondary, a unit that has been drawing significant attention from NFL scouts. Under the rigorous yet profound mentorship of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor, the Coyotes' secondary has emerged as a force to be reckoned with since he took over the reins in 2020.
Before earning his stripes as a coach, Miles Taylor left an indelible mark on the gridiron as an Iowa Hawkeye standout. His transition to coaching has been nothing short of impressive, given how he has nurtured upcoming talents like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter. Reid, a formidable 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, and Shorter, a sturdy 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, have both thrived under Taylor's guidance.
As the Coyotes prepare to clash with Southern Illinois on September 28, both Reid and Shorter are poised to exhibit their elevated skill sets, honed meticulously under Taylor's tutelage. Their performance is eagerly awaited by fans and scouts alike, with implications that could potentially reverberate through to the NFL Draft.
One name that underscores the successful trajectory of players groomed by Taylor is Myles Harden. Formerly a cornerstone of the South Dakota defense, Harden's prowess on the field earned him an invitation to participate in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. His hard work and dedication culminated in his selection by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, solidifying his transition to the professional sphere.
Beyond the confines of South Dakota, other young talents are also making waves on the college football scene. At Ithaca, Jalen Leonard-Osbourne has not only impressed on the football field but also on the track. His dual-sport capability saw him clinch the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash, clocking an exceptional time of 6.72 seconds. Leonard-Osbourne, who also holds the school record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds, is set to take on Curry College on September 28, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming week of college football.
Central Missouri's Zach Zebrowski is another name to watch. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Zebrowski's exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed. The quarterback's stellar season earned him the Harlon Hill Trophy, a testament to his outstanding capabilities on the field. He will be leading his team against Nebraska-Kearney, where expectations are high for the decorated player.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University has been making his mark. The mammoth 6-foot-6, 290-pound player showcased his talents at the Usports East-West Bowl, a key platform for the nation's top football talent. With a game against Carleton on September 28, Davies-Lyons will have another chance to demonstrate why he is considered a key asset for his team.
September 28 promises to be a pivotal date for these rising stars across various college football platforms. The performances of players like Mike Reid, Dennis Shorter, Jalen Leonard-Osbourne, Zach Zebrowski, and Brandon Davies-Lyons will undoubtedly be under the microscope, not just by fans and media, but by professional scouts looking to unearth the next generation of NFL talent. The potential for these young athletes is immense, and their journeys continue to captivate and inspire as they edge closer to achieving their professional dreams.