In the world of college football, South Dakota's secondary unit has caught the eyes of NFL scouts, a testament to the stellar leadership and coaching provided by Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. Since joining the South Dakota Coyotes' coaching staff in 2020, Taylor, a former Iowa Hawkeye standout, has diligently worked on refining his players' skills, nurturing talents like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter.
Reid and Shorter have been standout performers under Taylor’s guidance. Reid, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, has consistently demonstrated his agility and defensive prowess on the field. Meanwhile, Shorter, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, showcases a different but equally impactful set of skills. The next test for these two talents comes soon, as the South Dakota Coyotes prepare to face Southern Illinois on September 28.
Among the ranks of South Dakota's alumni is Myles Harden, whose impressive college career culminated in participating in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. His efforts paid off when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Harden's journey from South Dakota to the NFL serves as a beacon of inspiration for current players under Taylor’s tutelage.
Yet the impact of collegiate prowess is not confined to football alone. Talented athletes like Jalen Leonard-Osbourne of Ithaca have shown versatility by excelling in multiple sports. Leonard-Osbourne, a standout in track and field, clinched the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with a blistering time of 6.72 seconds. Holding the school record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds, Leonard-Osbourne is set to bring his elite athleticism to the football field once again in the next game against Curry College on September 28.
Meanwhile, Central Missouri’s Zach Zebrowski has also been making headlines. Zebrowski, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback, recently won the Harlon Hill Trophy, an award given annually to the best player in Division II football. Known for his exceptional performance and strategic mind, Zebrowski's next challenge is against Nebraska-Kearney, also on September 28.
North of the border, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University has made significant strides in his college football career. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Davies-Lyons participated in the Usports East-West Bowl, a key event showcasing Canadian college football talents. The next opportunity for Davies-Lyons to display his abilities will come in a game against Carleton on September 28.
These athletes exemplify the diverse and rich talent emerging from various collegiate programs, spreading across different levels and regions of football. Whether at South Dakota under the meticulous coaching of Miles Taylor or other institutions fostering athletic dexterity and excellence, their stories reflect the dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of success.
For each of these players, the upcoming games on September 28 represent more than just another match; they are critical junctures in their athletic careers. As these athletes step onto the field, they carry not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes and pride of their respective programs. The narratives of Reid, Shorter, Leonard-Osbourne, Zebrowski, and Davies-Lyons serve as a testament to the transformative power of college sports in shaping the future of young athletes even as they prioritize their immediate goals.