The South Dakota Coyotes' secondary has been turning heads lately, particularly those of the NFL scouts. Under the tutelage of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor since 2020, the unit has showcased remarkable progress and talent, a testament to Taylor's effective coaching.
Miles Taylor, who himself was a standout at Iowa Hawkeye, has been instrumental in developing key players like cornerback Mike Reid and safety Dennis Shorter. Reid, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 193 pounds, and Shorter, at 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, have both shown substantial growth under Taylor's guidance.
The next challenging test for these players will come on September 28, as the Coyotes face off against Southern Illinois. Both players are expected to be pivotal in this matchup, continuing to exhibit the skills and discipline that have garnered them attention from the professional scouts.
Adding to the credibility of Taylor's coaching prowess is Myles Harden, a former player for South Dakota who participated in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. Harden's hard work paid off when he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, further highlighting the robust training and preparation offered by the South Dakota program.
Meanwhile, the football landscape beyond South Dakota also has its share of remarkable tales. Jalen Leonard-Osbourne, a player for Ithaca, has made waves not just on the football field but also on the track. Leonard-Osbourne clinched the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with an impressive time of 6.72 seconds. Moreover, he holds the school record in the 100-meter dash, clocking in at 10.69 seconds. His next game is lined up against Curry College on September 28, where he will aim to continue his stellar athletic performance.
Zach Zebrowski from Central Missouri stands out in the realm of college football accomplishments. Zebrowski, who measures 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, has been awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy, a significant accolade that underscores his value and exceptional prowess on the field. His next test comes against Nebraska-Kearney, also on September 28, marking a crucial date for him and his team.
North of the border, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University has also been making waves. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Davies-Lyons' presence has been felt heavily in the Usports East-West Bowl. The towering athlete's next game is against Carleton, scheduled for September 28, adding yet another layer of excitement to an already action-packed day in college football.
These stories reflect the dedication, talent, and perseverance of young athletes across different leagues and regions. As they prepare for their upcoming games, the fruits of their hard work and the guidance they receive from esteemed coaches like Miles Taylor will continue to be on full display. Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely, anticipating standout performances and perhaps the emergence of the next big star in professional football.