South Dakota's Secondary Attracting NFL Attention
South Dakota's secondary has recently caught the eyes of NFL scouts, thanks to the exceptional guidance of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. Taylor, a former Iowa Hawkeye standout, has been at the helm since 2020, and his influence on the squad is undeniable.
Rising Stars Under Miles Taylor
Among the most notable players nurtured by Taylor are Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter. Reid, a towering 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, and Shorter, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, have both made significant strides under Taylor’s mentorship. Their next challenge comes on September 28, when they face off against Southern Illinois.
Taylor's ability to develop talent is further exemplified by Myles Harden, a former player for South Dakota who participated in the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl. Harden’s performance there caught the attention of the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
Athletes in Action Beyond South Dakota
While South Dakota’s secondary is making waves, other players across different colleges are also drawing attention. Jalen Leonard-Osbourne, currently playing for Ithaca, is making headlines in both football and track. Leonard-Osbourne won the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with an impressive time of 6.72 seconds. He also holds the school record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds. His next game, football this time, is against Curry College on September 28.
Award-Winning Performance in Central Missouri
Another standout athlete is Zach Zebrowski from Central Missouri, who clinched the Harlon Hill Trophy, an award given to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division II football. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Zebrowski has demonstrated remarkable prowess on the field. His next game will pit Central Missouri against Nebraska-Kearney on September 28.
Canadian Talent on the Rise
North of the border, Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University is making his mark. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Davies-Lyons participated in the Usports East-West Bowl, an event that showcases the best Canadian collegiate football talent. He is gearing up for his next game against Carleton on September 28.
The Pipeline to Professional Leagues
The achievements of these athletes, both in the United States and Canada, underscore the importance of collegiate football as a pipeline to professional leagues. Coaches like Miles Taylor play an essential role in developing raw talent into professional-caliber players. As scouts continue to watch games with an eye for potential NFL stars, the performances of Reid, Shorter, and their peers will undoubtedly be scrutinized. For fans and players alike, the journey from college to the professional stage is both thrilling and demanding.
With critical games on September 28 for multiple standout players across different programs, the upcoming contests promise to be exciting and potentially career-defining. For Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter of South Dakota, Jalen Leonard-Osbourne of Ithaca, Zach Zebrowski of Central Missouri, and Brandon Davies-Lyons of York University, the spotlight is on, and the stakes couldn't be higher.