2001 RECORD: 2-8 (1-7 in the NCC)

TEAM INFORMATION --

LETTERWINNERS RETURNING/LOST: 30/13

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST: 14/9

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST OFFENSE: 6/5

STARTERS RETURNING/LOST DEFENSE: 8/3

BASE OFFENSE: Multiple, Pro

BASE DEFENSE: 4-3

STARTERS RETURNING ON OFFENSE Ryan Justice (Sr., QB, Ankeny, Iowa); Chris Mikkelsen (So., QB/WR, Gregory, S.D.); Todd Bladt (Jr., OC, Harlan, Iowa); Jimmy Terwilliger (Sr., OG, Guthrie Center, Iowa); Neil Ryan (Sr., OL, Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Tom Moore (Jr., OL, Centerville, S.D.)

STARTERS RETURNING ON DEFENSE Bill Gassen (Sr., NG, Rapid City, S.D.); Aaron Dietrich (Sr., DL, Emmetsburg, Iowa); M.J. Sonnefeld (Jr., DE, Rapid City, S.D.); Josh Gassen (Jr., LB, Rapid City, S.D.); Korey Ebel (Sr., LB, Hartley, Iowa), Marquis Lewis (Sr., CB, San Francisco, Calif.); Derrick Jelks (Sr., St. Petersburg, Fla.); Scott Lilland (Sr., S, Estherville, Iowa).

2002 South Dakota Football Schedule

SEPT. 7 -- MISSOURI WESTERN STATE, HALL OF FAME WEEKEND, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 14 - MINNESOTA-DULUTH, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. SEPT. 21 -- at St. Cloud State *, Selke Field, St. Cloud Minn., 1 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 28 - at Neb.-Omaha*, Al Caniglia Field, Omaha, Neb., 7 p.m.

OCT. 5 - NORTH DAKOTA STATE*, FAMILY WEEKEND, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m. (TV, KELO-TV)

OCT. 12 - AUGUSTANA*, DAKOTADOME, DAKOTA DAY 2 p.m. (TV, PAX)

OCT. 19 -- at Northern Colo. * , Nottingham Field, Greeley, Colo., 1 p.m. (MST)

OCT. 26 -- ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, YOUTH NIGHT, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m.

NOV. 2 -- at South Dakota State University *, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, 1 p.m.

NOV. 9 - MINN. STATE - MANKATO *, SENIOR NIGHT, DAKOTADOME, 7 p.m.

NOV. 16 -- at North Dakota *, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D., 5 p.m.

COYOTE HISTORY

ALL-TIME RECORD: 454-432-34 (.509)

FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL: 1889

CONFERENCE TITLES: 9 (1927, 1938, 1939, 1947, 1951, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978)

ALL-NCC PERFORMERS: 210

ACADEMIC ALL-NCC: 83

NCC MVPs: 17

ALL-AMERICANS: 43

LAST TITLE: 1978

COYOTES IN THE NFL: Five former South Dakota football players are now playing in the NFL. Jamel White, who begins his third season with the Cleveland Browns, was an all-American back for South Dakota in 1999. White, the first Coyote player ever featured on NFL.com, originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts but was cut at the end of preseason camp in 2000 and immediately signed with the Cleveland Browns. In two seasons, White has rushed 173 times for 588 yards (3.4 average) and five touchdowns. He has also caught 57 passes for 518 yards (9.1 average). In 26 games, he has seven starts. He ended his 2001-02 NFL season in Cleveland with a spectacular finish, starting the final three games of the season. He finished with 126 carries for 443 yards rushing and five touchdowns and 44 catches for 418 yards receiving and one score. Matt Chatham, a linebacker and special teams standout, stars for the world champion New England Patriots. Chatham, who originally signed with the St. Louis Rams as a rookie free agent in 1999, signed with New England in August 2000. Last year, he had 13 tackles, including 11 tackles on special teams. Josh Stamer, who graduated in May 2001, is a starting linebacker for the Amsterdam Admirals of the NFL Europe league. Stamer, the property of the New York Giants, has made 26 tackles, including 17 solo stops for Amsterdam in nine games. In 2002, punter/kicker Filip Filipovic signed with the Dallas Cowboys, while offensive tackle Josh Burr signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. All of these players except Chatham (1995-98) played for South Dakota head coach John Austin.Mark McLoughlin, who was the place-kicker at South Dakota from 1984-88, ranks as one of the greatest kickers in the history of the Canadian Football League. McLoughlin, originally of Liverpool, England, has played in 244 regular season CFL games, the most in the history at Calgary. A third round pick by Calgary, he was the 20th overall selection in the CFL draft in 1988. McLoughlin received the Tom Pate Memorial Award as the CFL Man of the Year in 1995 and 1997. He has played in six Grey Cup games with his team capturing titles three times. He is one of two Calgary players to have three Grey Cup rings (Alondra Johnson). He kicked the winning field goal in the 86th Grey Cup game vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats on the last play of the game. He is one of five players ever to score more than 2,000 points during his CFL career. He enters the 2002 season with 2,697 points, including 602 field goals and 754 conversions, and is second all-time in scoring in the CFL. A Western Division All-Star six times, McLoughlin was a member of the Grey Cup champions in 2001 when Calgary defeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 27-19. Last year he was fourth in the league in scoring with 180 points. He made 42 of 57 field goals and all 44 of his conversion attempts and twice was CFL Special Teams Player of the Week. He led the CFL in kickoffs and kickoff yardage. Seven times McLoughlin has score more than 200 points in a season (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996). At USD, McLoughlin, who owns five school records, was all NCC in 1987 and a second team all-NCC pick in 1986. He is tied with Adam Hicks for the Coyote school record of 80 points in a season (13 field goals, 41 extra points). He also owns the record for most consecutive field goals made with nine in 1986 and he has the most consecutive games with a field goal, 16, 1986-87. McLoughlin also has the record for most extra points in a season (41-43, 1986), as well as most extra points attempted in a season with 43. He currently sits fourth all-time in scoring with 208 points. He made 106 extra points and 34 field goals at South Dakota.

AGAINST THE NCC: South Dakota has winning records against five of the eight other NCC schools: Nebraska-Omaha (23-19-1), South Dakota State University (51-44-7), Minnesota State-Mankato (15-10), and Augustana College (38-19-0). The Coyotes' record against the other NCC schools is as follows: North Dakota (28-50-4), North Dakota State University (24-48-3), St. Cloud State University (8-12-0), Northern Colorado (13-18-0).

2001 NOTES: ~ finished season 2-8, 1-7 (9th) in the NCC

~ lost three games by a total of eight points during span of three weeks early in the season (Minnesota-Duluth, 14-10, Sept. 8; St. Cloud State, 22-21, Sept. 15; and 19-16, Nebraska-Omaha, Sept.22).

~ outscored by opponents, 265-165

~ recorded 28 quarterback sacks in 10 games; 94 tackles for loss (-357 yards)

RETURNING OFFENSIVE LEADERS

QB Ryan Justice (142-192-1,804 yards- 11int-8TD, 2nd best passing season in school history)

WR Chris Mikkelsen (36 rec., 640 yards - freshman record, 1 TD, long of 47 yards, 52 yards rushing)

RB John Kayl (70 rushes, 232 yards, 3.3 avg. 1 TD, long of 44 yards)

OFFENSIVE TEAM NUMBERS: 1,857 passing yards, 1,016 rushing yards, 150 first downs, 2,873 yards in total offense on 664 plays or 4.3 yards per play, 13 interceptions, 15 fumbles lost, 29:00 time of possession per game, 165 points or 16.5 per game

RETURNING DEFENSIVE LEADERS

LB Josh Gassen (team-high 85 tackles, 41 unassisted, 13 TFLs, 2 QB sacks, 2 int., 2 pass breakups)

SS Scott Lilland(76 tackles, 45 unassisted, 1 TFL, 1 int., 4 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries)

LB Korey Ebel (74 tackles, 34 unassisted, 8 TFL, 1 int., 1 td, 6 pass breakups)

DE Aaron Dietrich (60 tackles, 33 unassisted, 21 TFLs, 7 QB sacks, 2 forced fumbles)

NT Bill Gassen (40 tackles, 17 unassisted, 11 TFL, 2 QB sacks, two forced fumbles)

CB Derrick Jelks (30 tackles, 21 unassisted, 3 int., 7 pass breakups, forced fumble)

TEAM NUMBERS: 94 TFLS (-357 yards), 28 QB Sacks (-175 yards), 13 int., 36 pass breakups, 8 fumble recoveries

NOTES: South Dakota scored four defensive touchdowns and one special team touchdown in 2001. . . Coyotes had three interception returns for scores, including a school record 89-yard return by defensive back James Augustus vs. St. Cloud State (Sept. 15); an 88-yard interception return by linebacker Korey Ebel vs. Minnesota-Duluth (Sept. 8); and a 19-yard interception return by Josh Gassen vs. Augustana (Oct. 6). . . Safety Wade Mitchell had a 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown vs. Northern Colorado (Oct. 13) and an 84-yard kickoff return for a score vs. St. Cloud State (Sept. 15).

ABOUT HEAD COACH JOHN AUSTIN

Head football coach John Austin, who is beginning is fourth season, is focused on restoring winning into a tradition-rich Coyote football program. Austin, 45, is resurrecting the Coyote football program by stressing hard work, teamwork and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. A year ago (2001), the Coyotes were 2-8, as they lost a number of close games. Austin has a 14-18-career record at South Dakota, including a 10-16 mark in the NCC.

In 2000, South Dakota had an 8-3 record, including 6-3 and a tie for third place in the rugged North Central Conference, clearly one of the nation's best NCAA Division II conferences. The 2001 Coyotes had the fourth best (four games) turnaround in NCAA Division II.

In 1999 the Coyotes had a 4-7 record, despite a schedule that would rate with any in Division II. A highlight was the coach's reshaping and remaking of Jamel White, now with the Cleveland Browns. Seldom-used during his junior season (1998), White had an all-American season in 1999 as he established a new Coyote rushing record with 1,796 yards, scoring 24 touchdowns and had a school-record 2,403 all-purpose yards. Other Coyotes to play for Austin at South Dakota and sign NFL free agent contracts include Josh Stamer (New York Giants, 2001), now with the NFL Europe's Amsterdam Admirals; punter/kicker Filip Filipovic, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys this spring as did offensive tackle Josh Burr, who penned a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Energetic and competitive, Austin has an enthusiastic passion for football with an absolute commitment to academics. South Dakota's football team earned a 2.94 grade point average this past semester and an overall team GPA of 2.87. Several student-athletes have made dean's lists while at USD. In addition, football team members annually receive academic awards for their work in the classroom. Also, the Coyotes commit to community projects, including helping with the Children's Miracle Network, Muscular Dystrophy as well as Vermillion Pride, a community wide clean-up project.

Austin believes in developing the whole person. His continuing commitment to excellence includes solid values of high character and a dedication to hard work.

A native of Watertown and 1980 graduate of The University of South Dakota, he is clearly making a difference with this program. A tireless recruiter with a staff to match, he has recently completed his fourth straight strong recruiting class, which is comprised of players primarily from South Dakota and the region.

Ask any Coyote player and they will tell you Austin has made football fun at the same time attaining structure and strong leadership. Take for example Yote Day, which is annually held in early March. Designed as the final testing of USD's off-season conditioning program, Coyote players participate in a series of different events. Yote Day stresses the importance of camaraderie, leadership, unity and spirit of competition. In addition, Coach Austin has established a Players Locker Room. Former Coyote players sponsored 105 wooden lockers. The USD football program added all new digital and video editing equipment in 1999. An 8,000 square foot fully equipped weight room was added in 2001.

Austin, who has served as honorary chairman for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, regularly speaks at banquets, schools service clubs and businesses throughout the state.

Austin has deep roots in South Dakota. An all-state performer for Watertown (1973-74), Austin played under Bernard "Beanie" Cooper and Dave Triplett during his Coyote career in which he started three years and lettered four years. He started his first game in a Coyote uniform as a freshman. After missing the 1976 season due to injury, he returned in 1977 to play strong safety for Cooper's Coyotes. In 1978, he started at weakside linebacker. He was honorable mention all-North Central Conference in 1979 and was a co-captain for Triplett's first team.

Austin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1980 from USD and a master's degree in athletic administration from the University of Iowa in 1992. Austin spent nine years at the University of Iowa under head coach Hayden Fry (now retired), including four years as the team's defensive line coach. He was also Iowa's football recruiting coordinator and assistant offensive line coach for three years. With Austin as Iowa's recruiting coordinator, the 1994 recruiting class was rated third best in the Big Ten and 6th nationally.

At Iowa, he coached three all-Big Ten linemen and two All-Americans. Seven players he recruited at Iowa are playing in the NFL, including four of whom he coached. Several of those players have returned to the USD campus to help Austin reshape the football program.

Austin had a 22-21 record at Watertown High School from 1985-89, including a 9-3 mark in 1987 and an ESD conference championship. Twice, he was named to coach the South Dakota High School All-Star game. He was also a head coach at LaJunta, Co., high school and he spent the 1980-81 season as a student assistant at USD. John and his wife, Jill, have three children: Kelsie, Erin and Samantha.

AUSTIN AT SOUTH DAKOTA

1999 - 4-7 (3-6. NCC. 6th)

2000 - 8-3 (6-3, 3rd in NCC)

2001 - 2-8 (1-7 in the NCC)

SEASON PREVIEW -

It is said that teams committed to work in the weight room in the winter can see big results in the fall football season. If that holds merit, things look very positive for the South Dakota football team, who had a very good off-season conditioning program and spring football session. "It is the best since I've been here," said South Dakota head football coach John Austin, who looks optimistically to the 2002 season.

As Austin eyes this fall, he does so with some caution but a lot of enthusiasm. A year ago, South Dakota won their season opener but lost five in a row and finished 2-8, 1-7 in the NCC (9th).

"This is a very tradition-rich school in football. We are focused on recapturing that success. It will take hard work and extraordinary effort but we believe in what this team is capable of doing," said Austin, who has registered a 10-16 mark in the North Central Conference and 14-18 overall record in three years at South Dakota. "A year ago, we weren't a very good football team because of our lack of consistency on both offense and defense," said Austin. "This is a new year and the players can make their way. We feel very positive about things this season," he said.

After winning its 2001 home season opener vs. Winona State (44-21), who later qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Coyotes quickly hit a roadblock as South Dakota lost five straight games, including three by a total of eight points. South Dakota broke the losing streak with a 31-19 win over Northern Colorado on Dakota Day at the Dome. Then, the Coyotes lost their last three games of the season. In 2002, the Coyotes need to develop consistent efforts on both offense and defense, something that wasn't the case in 2001.

A year ago, South Dakota was outscored 261 to 165, including being outrushed (1,593 to 1,016) and outpassed (2,113-1857). Two teams broke off 90-yard scoring plays.

On the other hand, the Coyotes moved the ball at times. They had 600 all-purpose yards in their season opener vs. Winona State and followed with 538 all-purpose yards in a 14-10 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. In addition, the Coyotes had 10 offensive plays of 40-plus yards. USD also had four defensive touchdowns including interception returns of 89 and 88 yards, which represent the two longest plays in school history. They also scored a special team touchdown (84-yard kickoff return).

Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Bill Bleil, the Coyotes will use a similar multiple set offense but with a few new touches to both the running game and passing attack. The good news is that six of 11 starters return on offense while the Coyotes have eight of 11 returning starters on defense. Overall, the Coyotes return 14 starters and lose nine. The Coyotes also will have 30 returning letterwinners while losing 13 to graduation. On offense, senior quarterback Ryan Justice, a team captain, will lead South Dakota for the second straight season. Big things are expected of Justice, who has the top two passing seasons in school history. Justice set a school record by completing 151 of 303 passes for 1,826 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2000. Justice's total of 142 completions in 292 attempts for 1,804 yards and eight touchdowns in 2001 is the second best total in school history. In addition, Justice ranks third all-time in total offense with 849 plays for 4,788 yards (average of 5.6 yards per play). He has the second (352-1,938 yards, 5.5 avg., 2000) and ninth (334-1,755, 5.25 avg., 2001) best total offense totals in school history. A year ago, Justice averaged 180 yards per game, which was sixth in the NCC. He had 1,755 yards (334 plays) in total offense which ranked seventh in the NCC.

In 2001, South Dakota compiled 150 first downs, including 53 on the ground and 88 by the passing game. The Coyotes averaged 101.6 yards rushing and 185.7 yards passing per game.

The Coyotes need to improve the rushing attack, which produced just an average gain of 2.9 yards per attempt. Tailback John Kayl, who gained 232 yards on 70 carries returns to the backfield with a host of newcomers. At wide receiver, the Coyotes return Chris Mikkelsen, who had an outstanding freshman season with 36 catches for a freshman school record of 640 yards. Several newcomers will help Mikkelsen. The offensive line returns four starters, including team captains Neil Ryan and Jimmy Terwilliger.

Defensively, the Coyotes should be strong with the return of eight starters, including team captains Korey Ebel and Justin Martinson. Ebel, a second team all-NCC selection, has started 32 straight games at inside linebacker. On the defensive line, nose tackle Bill Gassen and tackle Aaron Dietrich, who had 21 tackles for loss in 2001, lead a strong group. In the secondary, strong safety Scott Lilland, free safety Martinson, along with cornerbacks Derrick Jelks and Marquis Lewis return.

"We have a lot of holes to fill and questions to be answered concerning this football team," said Austin. "I feel very good about what we can and will accomplish this season."

All one has to do is hearken back two years ago, when Austin and his staff registered the fourth best turnaround in the NCAA Division II, improving from 4-7 in 1999 to 8-3 in 2000. During that season, the Coyotes won four consecutive games to close that season, which were the most wins in a season since 1995. In fact, the Coyotes won six of their last seven games.

"We are doing some good things already. This is an athletic group that only lacks experience," said Austin, a 1980 graduate of South Dakota. "We have to be focused on excellence every day. Our teams' attitude will determine the success we will have in 2002," he said.

2002 TEAM CAPTAINS: The captains for the 2002 season will include: Korey Ebel, a 6'3 240-pound senior linebacker from Hartley, Iowa; Justin Martinson, a 5'11, 184-pound senior defensive back from Inwood, Iowa; Jimmy Terwilliger, a 6'3, 287-pound senior offensive lineman from Guthrie Center, Iowa; Neil Ryan, a 6'4, 293-pound senior offensive lineman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ryan Justice, a 6'2, 220-pound quarterback senior from Ankeny, Iowa. Justice and Ebel are both serving their second year as captains for the South Dakota football team.

POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK: Senior quarterback Ryan Justice (6'2, 220, Ankeny, Iowa) named a team captain (second straight year) for the 2002 season, enters the fall as the number one quarterback. Justice, who will be backed up by redshirt freshman Sean McLaughlin (6'6, 210, Omaha, Neb.) currently sits in second place all-time in yards passing with 4,690 (Jason Seurer, 1st, 4,759 yards, 1989-92). In his career, he has completed 367 passes in 735 attempts for 4690 yards, 30 touchdowns and 21 interceptions during first three seasons at South Dakota . He was an academic all-NCC selection in 2001. McLaughlin, redshirted last year, had a solid spring game, competing 11 of 26 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.

RUNNING BACK: The leading returnee at running back is junior tailback John Kayl (6'0, 198, Sioux City, Iowa), who had 232 yards rushing on 70 carries for 3.3 average. Kayl, who had a career high of 120 yards rushing with a touchdown vs. Nebraska-Omaha in 2001, also had eight receptions for 82 yards. Others vying for time at tailback include junior college transfer Davon Hudspeth (5'11, 196, Rancho Cucumonga, Calif., Chaffey College) and Anthony Tharrington (5'9, 185, Lubbock, Texas, Glendale, AZ, JC).

FULLBACK: Sophomore Rob Cupich (6'0, 233, Omaha, Neb.) is projected to start at fullback. Cupich, primarily a blocking back, had two rushes for six yards and two receptions for nine yards in 2001. Others expected to compete for time include redshirt freshman Ryan Molencamp (5'11, 215, Clear Lake, Iowa) as well as junior Luke Ellis (6'1, 206, Forest Lake, Minn.).

TIGHT END: The Coyotes lost second team all-NCC pick and record-breaking tight end Dustin Sagedahl but return a lot of talent at tight end. Sophomore Paul Tschetter (6'4, 239, Sioux Falls, S.D.) is the projected start at tight end. He had six receptions for 61 yards (10.2 yards per catch) with one touchdown. Redshirt freshmen Nathan Clark (6'5, 220, Tracy, Minn.) and Nick Cunningham (6'5, 224, Albert Lea, Minn.) will serve backup roles for South Dakota.

WIDE RECEIVER: A key position, the Coyotes return one of the NCC's outstanding wideouts in sophomore Chris Mikkelsen (6'3, 191, Gregory, S.D.). Mikkelsen had 36 receptions for a Coyotes' freshmen record 640 yards (17.8-yard average) with one touchdown. He also rushed for 52 yards and threw for 53 yards. He will be backed by junior Aaron Meline (6'2, 194, Urbandale, Iowa), who had two receptions for 45 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch vs. Winona State last year; and Travis Stevens (6'2, 195, Big Piney, Wyo.). At the other wideout position, Tim Triplett (5'10, 185, Iowa City, Iowa), had a solid spring season and is the projected starter. At the wing position, Wesley Beschorner is the projected starter. Others expected to contend for playing time will include junior college transfers Jason Anderson (6'0, 195, Palmdale, Calif., Antelope Valley JC), Foster Brodus (6'0, 175, Newport News, Ca., Arizona Western JC) and Matt Taylor (6'4, 180, Oakland, Calif., Laney College).

OFFENSIVE LINE: Four starters will return for South Dakota on the offensive front, which should be one of the Coyotes' strongest positions. Neil Ryan (6'4, 293, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), a senior captain, will play center/guard. Andy McNamara (6'1, 259, Sioux Falls, S.D.), backs him up. Jimmy Terwilliger (6'3, 287, Guthrie Center, Iowa), a team captain, begins his third season on the offensive front after making a transition from offense to defense. A two-year starter, he earned honorable mention all-NCC honors in 2001. Terwilliger is backed up Eric Lorenzen (6'5, 340, Iowa Falls, Iowa). Tom Moore (6'4, 308, Centerville, S.D.) will start for the second straight season at right tackle. Nick Hagemann (6'7, 265, New Vienna, Iowa), will back him up. Junior offensive lineman Todd Bladt (6'3, 270, Harlan, Iowa) will play center/guard. Senior Hunter Roberts (6'5, 286, Pierre, S.D.), who has had a strong offseason, is the projected starter at left tackle. Hunter will be backed up by redshirt freshman Brian Alderson (6'5, 241, Hartford, S.D.) and Josh Stewart (6'3, 257, Alliance, Neb.). Redshirt freshman Nate Carruthers (6'2, 274, Omaha, Neb.) is expected to start at right guard. Sophomore Eric Lange (6'5, 294, Inwood, Iowa) will back him up.

KICKING: Senior Jarrod Edelen (6'0, 210, Vermillion, S.D.) is projected to start at punter. Others competing for kicking duties include sophomore Cody Butler (6'0, 190, Hastings, Neb.) and freshman Sam Pribyl (Webster, S.D.). Butler is the projected starter at place-kicker for South Dakota. Others competing for placekicking duties include Edelen, and redshirt freshmen Joe Hnath (5'9, 155, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) and David Manke (5'11, 217, Sioux Falls, S.D).

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE FRONT: This should be a solid area for the Coyotes but like other areas on the squad, developing depth is critical. Senior Bill Gassen (6'0, 290, Rapid City, S.D.), a two-year starter, is one of the best nose tackles in the NCC in 2002. A year ago, Gassen had 40 tackles, including 17 solo stops, 11 tackles for loss (-25), two quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles. He was honorable mention academic all-NCC. Thomas McKenzie (6'0, 280, Riverside, Calif., Riverside JC) will back up Gassen. Adam Schwab (6'0, 255, Mantorville, Minn.) should also see action. Junior Dave Bents (6'3, 270, Peterson, Iowa) is projected to start at right tackle. Redshirt freshman Mike Matthes (6'6, 265, Williamsburg, Iowa) and senior Tadd Jones (6'3, 260, Hampton, Iowa) will back him up. At the left tackle slot, Aaron Dietrich (6'2, 266, Emmetsburg, Iowa) returns as one of the best at his position in the NCC. He will be backed up by junior M.J. Sonnefeld (6'3, 258, Rapid City, S.D), who started for South Dakota in 2001.

LINEBACKER: Sophomore Tim Schellhammer (6'4, 229, Wykoff, Minn.) has moved to defense and is the leading candidate for the Yote linebacker spot. He is backed up by sophomore Matt Chambers (6'3, 225, Treynor, Iowa) and sophomore Artis Williams (6'2, 219, Tampa, Fla.). At the Sam linebacker spot, sophomore Mike Meekins (6'2, 214, Superior, Neb.) will battle returning starter/junior Josh Gassen (5'11, 205, Rapid City, S.D.) for the starting spot. They will be backed up by junior Eric Sidney (6'1, 207, Newport News, Va., Arizona Western JC). At inside linebacker, senior Korey Ebel (6'3, 240, Hartley, Iowa), returns for his fourth straight season as a starting linebacker. A team captain for second straight season, he has started 32 straight games dating back to the first game of his redshirt freshman season in 1999. He had an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Minnesota-Duluth on Sept. 8, which is tied for second longest interception return in school history. A year ago, Ebel recorded 74 total tackles, including 33 solo stops, and was named second team all-NCC. He had eight tackles for loss. Redshirt freshman Wayne Johnson (6'2, 215, Minneapolis, Minn.) will provide back up behind Ebel. At the other inside linebacker slot, senior Drew Barns (6'2, 233, Rapid City, S.D.) is the projected starter. He is backed up by redshirt freshman Rex McDonald (6'2, 218, Iowa City, Iowa) and junior college transfers Larry Rice (6'2, 220, Moreno Valley, Calif., Riverside JC) and Brent Trice (6'2, 234, Palmdale, Calif., Antelope Valley JC).

SECONDARY: Senior Scott Lilland (6'0, 204, Estherville, Iowa), will start at strong safety. Lilland recorded 76 total tackles (second best on team), including one tackle for loss (-1) and a team-high 45 solo tackles. He also had one interception, four break-ups, and three fumble recoveries. He recorded three straight games with double figure tackles, including career high 13 tackles (seven solos) vs. Northern Colorado (Oct. 13.). Clint Thome (5'11, 190, Rapid City, S.D.), sophomore Garrett Hartwig (6'0, 198, Pinedale, Wyo.) and redshirt freshman Jared Adamson (6'2, 200, Yankton, S.D.) will be the top reserves at strong safety. Senior captain Justin Martinson (5'11, 184, Inwood, Iowa) will start at free safety. He is backed up by sophomore Kellen Burch (5'10, 180, St. Paul, Minn.). Senior Marquis Lewis (5'11, 182, San Francisco, Calif., San Mateo JC) is projected to start at right cornerback and senior Derrick Jelks (5'9, 163, St. Petersburg, Fl., Scottsdale CC) returns for his second season at left corner. Junior college transfer Kierre Dumas (5'10, 176, Chicago, Ill., Glendale JC), backs up Lewis. Behind Jelks is sophomore Nick Boyd (5'9, 160, North Liberty, Iowa). Others expected to compete for playing time at cornerback include Dwight Anderson (5'11, 180, Queens, N.Y., Arizona Western JC). SOUTH DAKOTA PROJECTED TWO-DEEP CHART -- FALL 2002

OFFENSE

QB #5 Ryan Justice, 6'2, 220, Sr., Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny HS) #16 Sean McLaughlin, 6'6, 210, RF., Omaha, Neb. (Millard West) FL #6 Chris Mikkelson, 6'3, 191, So., Gregory, S.D. (Gregory HS) #83 Aaron Meline, 6'2, 194, Jr., Urbandale, Iowa (Urbandale HS) WR #21 Tim Triplett, 5'10, 185, RF., Iowa City, Iowa (Iowa City High) #17 Wesley Beschorner, 5'10, 165, RF., Lohrville, Iowa (Southern Calhoun HS) TE #80 Paul Tschetter, 6'4, 239, So., Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington HS) #88 Nick Cunningham, 6'5, 224, RF., Albert Lea, MN (Albert Lea HS) RB #9 John Kayl, 6'0, 198, Jr., Sioux City, Iowa (Bishop Heelan HS) #28 Vince Udo, 5'10, 205, RF, Wisconsin Rapids, WI (Assumption HS) FB #45 Rob Cupich, 6'0, 233, So., Omaha, NE (Ralston HS) #36 Ryan Molencamp, 5'11, 215, RF, Clear Lake, Iowa (Clear Lake HS) LT #79 Hunter Roberts, 6'5, 286, Sr., Pierre, S.D. (T.F. Riggs HS) #76 Brian Alderson, 6'5, 241, RF, Hartford, S.D. (West Central HS) LG #50 Jimmy Terwilliger, 6'3, 287, Sr., Guthrie Center, Iowa (Guthrie Center HS) #66 Eric Lorenzen, 6'5, 340, So., Iowa Falls, Iowa (Iowa Falls HS) C #63 Neil Ryan, 6'4, 293, Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa (LaSalle HS) #62 Andy McNamara, 6'1, 259, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (O'Gorman HS) RG #70 Nate Carruthers, 6'2, 274, RF, Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Bryan HS) #73 Erik Lange, 6'5, 294, So., Inwood, IA (West Lyon HS) RT #72 Tom Moore, 6'4, 308, Jr., Centerville, S.D. (Centerville HS) #74 Nick Hagemann, 6'7, 265, RF, New Vienna, Iowa (Western Dubuque HS) DEFENSE DE #77 David Bents, 6'3, 270, Jr., Peterson, Iowa (Sioux Central Comm. HS) #78 Mike Matthes, 6'6, 264, RF, North English, Iowa (Williamsburg HS) NT #90 Bill Gassen, 6'0, 290, Sr., Rapid City, S.D. (Central HS) #99 Thomas McKenzie, 6'0, 280, Jr., Riverside, CA (Eitiwanda HS) DE #91 Aaron Dietrich, 6'2, 266, Sr., Emmetsburg, Iowa (Emmetsburg HS) #94 M.J. Sonnenfeld, 6'3, 258, Jr., Rapid City, Iowa (Douglas HS) LB #84 Tim Schellhammer, 6'4, 229, So., Wykoff, MN (Wykoff HS) #47 Matt Chambers, 6'3, 225, So., Treynor, IA (Treynor HS) LB #49 Mike Meekins, 6'2, 214, So., Superior, NE (Superior HS) #43 Josh Gassen, 5'11, 205, Jr., Rapid City, S.D. LB #54 Drew Barns, 6'2, 233, Sr., Rapid City, S.D. (Central HS) #55 Rex McDonald, 6'2, 218, RF, Iowa City, IA (Iowa City HS) LB #57 Korey Ebel, 6'3, 240, Sr., Hartley, IA (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn HS) #42 Wayne Johnson, 6'2, 215, RF, Minneapolis, MN (Edison HS) CB #18 Derrick Jelks, 5'9, 163, Sr., St. Petersburg, FL (Scottsdale CC) #29 Nick Boyd, 5'9, 160, So., North Liberty, IA (Iowa City West HS) FS #4 Justin Martinson, 5'11, 184, Sr., Inwood, IA (West Lyon HS) #26 Kellen Burch, 5'10, 180, So., St. Paul, MN (St. Paul Central HS) SS #27 Scott Lilland, 6'0, 204, Sr., Estherville, Iowa (Estherville HS) #31 Clint Thome, 5'11, 190, Sr., Rapid City, S.D.(Rapid City Central) CB #2 Marquis Lewis, 5'11, 182, Sr., San Francisco, CA #3 Kierre Dumas, 5'10, 176, Jr., Chicago, IL (Thunderbird HS) SPECIAL TEAMS P #33 Jarrod Edelen, 6'0, 213, Sr., Vermillion, S.D. (Vermillion HS) #23 Cody Butler, 6'0, 190, So., Hastings, Neb. (Hastings HS) K #23 Cody Butler, 6'0, 190, So., Hastings, Neb. (Hastings HS) #7 Joe Hnath, 5'9, 155, RF, Brooklyn Park, MN (Totino-Grace HS) KR #18 Derrick Jelks, 5'9, 163, Sr., St. Petersburg, FL (Scottsdale CC) #83 Aaron Meline, 6'2, 194, Jr., Urbandale, Iowa (Urbandale HS) PR #6 Chris Mikkelson, 6'3, 191, So., Gregory, S.D. (Gregory HS) #17 Wesley Beschorner, 5'10, 165, RF., Lohrville, Iowa (Southern Calhoun HS) LS #84 Tim Schellhammer, 6'4, 229, So., Wykoff, MN (Wykoff HS) #21 Tim Triplett, 5'10, 185, RF., Iowa City, Iowa (Iowa City High)