Signing Day Central

VERMILLION, S.D.--South Dakota head football coach Joe Glenn is pleased to announce the signing of 21 student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent and three players who have signed institutional letters of intent to join the Coyote football team this fall.

The class includes players from 10 states including Florida (5), Iowa (5), Illinois (3), Nebraska (3) and South Dakota (3). The list includes 15 offensive players, eight defensive players and another who can play a number of positions.

"We always start from the steps of Old Main and work our way out when it comes to recruiting," said Glenn. "Nearly half of our athletes come from South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. We haven't always been able to get the speed that we've wanted within our immediate area, so coach Matthew Middleton spent a lot of time in Florida and it looks promising with the athletes he was able to meet."

The five Florida recruits include one defensive back, a defensive lineman, a running back, and a wide receiver. Also included is Shamar Jackson, who played running back and safety at Royal Palm Beach High School, who may also factor into South Dakota's return game.

Though listed as an athlete, Jackson is one of five high school running backs in this year's class. Calvin Strong of Omaha North is another. Strong rushed for 7,472 yards and 104 touchdowns for the Vikings. He set a state record with 3,008 yards rushing and scored 43 touchdowns as a junior in 2013.

"Running backs seem to be the best and most talented athletes on the team," said Glenn. "The players we brought in can all run the football. We've had injuries at that position in recent years. I don't think you can ever miss in the recruitment of a great running back."

Austin Simmons, a dual-threat quarterback from Council Bluffs, Iowa, may be the bell cow of the group. He passed for 2,066 yards, ran for 1,194 yards and combined for 46 touchdowns at Lewis Central High School last season.

"Austin was highly recruited by many different levels," said Glenn. "He stayed true to his commitment, which says a lot about his character. He has a Brett Favre style in him that the play is never over and he'll fight to the finish everytime he has his hands on the ball whether he is running or throwing."

Of the three starters the Coyotes will lose to graduation, two were offensive lineman. There are four offensive linemen in this year's class. The defensive line in South Dakota's 3-4 scheme is adding two players.

"We have terrific size on the offensive line," said Glenn. "We have tough kids here who compete hard, stay on their feet, and have good hands and quickness - all the things you look for on the offensive line.

An alphabetical listing of all 24 signees follow: