Returning Starters
Jake Leohr, Sr., Iowa City, Iowa
Taylor Lambert, Sr., North Sioux City, S.D. (team-best 9.5 TFL)
 
Returning Letterwinners
Darin Greenfield, So., Sheldon, Iowa (4.0 sacks in 2016)
Kameron Cline, So., San Diego, Calif.
DeValon Whitcomb, So., Omaha, Neb.
Spencer Hopkins, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.
Braden De Boer, So., Sioux Center, Iowa
Justin Meyers, Jr., Yankton, S.D.
Luis Peguero, So., Wellington, Fla.
 
Redshirts
Jacob Headlee, R-Fr., Harrisburg, S.D.
Nick Kramer, R-Fr., Plymouth, Minn.
 
Newcomers
Mitch Stanley, Fr., Glenwood, Iowa
Peter Klug, Fr., Overland Park, Kan.
Sammy Byrd, Fr., Circle Pines, Minn.
Riley Peters, Fr., Vermillion, S.D.
Jackson Coker, Fr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nathan Schultz, Fr., Hartland, Wis.
John Pempek, Fr., Springfield, Ill.
 
Thanks in part to eight true freshmen, South Dakota's defensive line unit is the largest number-wise on the team. Head coach Bob Nielson emphasized the position throughout the recruiting process and as he introduced the latest signing class back in February. Whether any will contribute right away is yet to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the new class is evident.
 
Senior Jake Leohr, who started all 11 games at defensive end last year, is moving to defensive tackle to help fill a need and also to create room for sophomores Darin Greenfield and Kameron Cline on the edges. That duo combined for six sacks last season despite any starting assignments. Senior Taylor Lambert (9.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) gives the Coyotes a core four up front.
 
Depth on the edges comes in the form of junior Spencer Hopkins and redshirt freshman Nick Kramer. Luis Peguero, a tight end last year, has worked into the defensive end mix as well. Names in the middle include sophomore Braden De Boer and Jacob Headlee, who was nearly sprung to action last year as a true freshman.
 
Defensive Line Coach Brian Mohnsen:
"The biggest thing we wanted to add to this position was size. Six of the newcomers are 6-3 or taller, and six are at least 250 pounds. To me that means they've already done a great job in the weight room, and second, they come from awesome football schools and have been taught extremely well. We are excited about their futures."
 
"The thing about Jake is he is so strong. He was able to add 25 pounds in the offseason and it's benefiting him as he is beating up guys inside. His knowledge of our defense, his ability to play any of the four positions, and his athleticism are incredibly beneficial to the unit."
 
"Darin and Kameron and incredibly athletic. They have great first steps and the burst needed to beat blockers. Those two, with the amount of work that they've put in this summer, and the talent that God has given them, are going to be shop wreckers this year. I'm really excited about them."