2018 Signing Class (.pdf)
VERMILLION, S.D.— South Dakota head football coach
Bob Nielson is pleased to announce the signing of eight student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent. In addition, Nielson announced that three other high school standouts have accepted an offer of admissions to the University of South Dakota and plan to join the Coyote football program. The 11 additions when added to December's early signing day period of 16 brings the 2018 signing class to 27 student-athletes.
While nearly half of the players who signed in December were offensive or defensive linemen, the latest additions focused heavily on skill positions. Wednesday's list of signees includes three defensive backs, three wide receivers, one running back and one tight end. It also features two linebackers and one offensive lineman.
Of the latest signees, five hail from the state of Florida. The Coyotes also successfully recruited in Minnesota (2), Iowa (1), Missouri (1) and California (1). All are high school seniors with the exception of wide receiver Anthony Turner who has competed the last two years at Iowa Western Community College following a prep career in the state of Georgia.
The Coyotes return 52 of 71 letter winners from last year's squad, which won eight games and competed in the FCS playoffs for the first time. Included are seven returning starters on offense and nine on defense. The 2018 season opener is Sept. 1 at Kansas State.
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Canaan Brooks |
RB |
6-0 |
210 |
St. Louis, Mo. |
Lutheran North |
| Wesley Eliodor |
WR |
6-0 |
180 |
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. |
Fort Lauderdale |
| D'Andre Ferguson |
ATH |
6-1 |
205 |
Clearwater, Fla. |
Calvary Christian |
| Spencer Gavin |
OL |
6-5 |
260 |
Indianola, Iowa |
Indianola |
| Tre Jackson |
DB |
5-11 |
175 |
Wellington, Fla. |
Palm Beach Central |
| Ryan Mazurek |
TE |
6-4 |
205 |
Eden Prairie, Minn. |
Academy of Holy Angels |
| Jarrod Peterson |
LB |
6-1 |
205 |
Lino Lakes, Minn. |
Centennial |
| Rodney Sivils Jr. |
DB |
6-2 |
205 |
Largo, Fla. |
Pinellas Park |
| Dakota Smith |
LB |
6-2 |
205 |
Inglewood, Calif. |
Loyola |
| Jakari Starling |
DB |
6-1 |
205 |
Riviera Beach, Fla. |
Palm Beach Lakes |
| Anthony Turner |
WR |
6-4 |
220 |
Hartwell, Ga. |
Hart County (Iowa Western CC) |
Information on each of the 11 signees is included here.
