South Dakota's Secondary Shines Under Coach Miles Taylor
South Dakota's secondary has recently caught the attention of NFL scouts, thanks to the stellar leadership of Defensive Backs Coach Miles Taylor. Since taking over the position in 2020, Taylor, a former standout at Iowa Hawkeye, has significantly improved the performance of his players, molding them into top-tier athletes.
Taylor's coaching prowess is evident in the development of players like Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter. Reid, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback, and Shorter, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound safety, have shown exceptional skills on the field. Their next challenge will be a game against Southern Illinois on September 28, which will be a crucial test for the duo.
Mike Reid and Dennis Shorter are not the only success stories under Taylor's guidance. Myles Harden, a former player for South Dakota, had the opportunity to showcase his talents at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Harden's performance at the Bowl was impressive enough to earn him a selection by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. This accomplishment highlights the caliber of players emerging from South Dakota's secondary.
In addition to the focus on South Dakota, other notable athletes have been making waves in their respective fields. Jalen Leonard-Osbourne, who plays football for Ithaca, is also making a name for himself in track and field. Leonard-Osbourne secured the 2022 NCAA Division III national championship in the 60-meter dash with a remarkable time of 6.72 seconds. Moreover, he holds the school record in the 100-meter dash at 10.69 seconds. His athletic prowess will be on display in the upcoming game against Curry College on September 28.
Meanwhile, Zach Zebrowski from Central Missouri has garnered attention after winning the Harlon Hill Trophy. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Zebrowski's performance has made him a prominent figure in college football. He is set to face Nebraska-Kearney on September 28, a game that will be watched closely by fans and scouts alike.
Brandon Davies-Lyons from York University also deserves mention. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound athlete participated in the Usports East-West Bowl, showcasing his talents on a larger stage. His next game will be against Carleton on September 28, a match that will further underscore his abilities.
The spotlight on South Dakota's secondary and Coach Miles Taylor is well-deserved. The journey from nurturing potential to achieving professional milestones is a testament to Taylor's ability to develop and inspire his players. With the upcoming games on September 28, both the young talent and seasoned athletes will have the chance to prove their worth on the field, continuing to capture the attention of scouts and fans across the nation.