South Dakota's defensive back unit has been turning heads, attracting the attention of NFL scouts thanks to the meticulous guidance of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. A former standout at Iowa, Taylor has been at the helm of the South Dakota Coyotes' secondary since 2020, where he has shaped a promising roster of players.
Taylor's influence is most notably seen in the development of cornerback Mike Reid and safety Dennis Shorter. Reid, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 193 pounds, has shown remarkable skills that could potentially translate to the professional level. Shorter, a dynamic 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, complements Reid, with both players showcasing their talents on the field under Taylor's mentorship.
Their next opportunity to impress comes on September 28, when South Dakota faces off against Southern Illinois. This match will be crucial for Reid and Shorter as scouts are expected to keep a keen eye on their performances.
Another success story from the South Dakota pipeline is Myles Harden. His participation in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl highlighted his skills to a broader audience, leading to his selection by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Harden’s journey exemplifies the level of talent being cultivated under Taylor’s coaching.
Ithaca's Speedster Making Waves
Switching gears to Division III athletics, Jalen Leonard-Osbourne from Ithaca embodies a perfect blend of speed and football prowess. Leonard-Osbourne clinched the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with an impressive time of 6.72 seconds. Not only is he a standout on the track, but his record in the 100-meter dash, clocking in at 10.69 seconds, sets him apart from his peers.
On September 28, Leonard-Osbourne will showcase his talents against Curry College, a game where his performance could further solidify his status as a dual-sport athlete of remarkable caliber.
Award-Winning Talent in Central Missouri
In Central Missouri, Zach Zebrowski has been a linchpin for his team, standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds. His stellar play did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy, symbolizing the top player in Division II football.
Zebrowski's prowess on the field will next be on display against Nebraska-Kearney on September 28, where his leadership and skills are expected to be pivotal for Central Missouri's success.
Canadian Standout in Usports
North of the border, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University has also been making significant strides. At a towering 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Davies-Lyons' participation in the Usports East-West Bowl underscored his potential as a future professional player. His form and physicality set the stage for a promising career.
Davies-Lyons and York University face Carleton on September 28, an important game that will undoubtedly test and showcase his abilities on a high-stakes platform.
Collectively, these athletes highlight the depth of talent across various levels of football. From South Dakota to Ithaca, Central Missouri to York University, these players are not only making headlines but also setting the stage for potentially successful professional careers. Observers and scouts alike will be keen to watch their upcoming games, with September 28 marking a significant date for all involved. Each performance could very well shape the future paths of these promising athletes.