As we approach the season opener against Montana on Aug. 31 inside the DakotaDome, we will take a quick look at each of the Coyotes' position groups. We begin the series with the quarterbacks where offensive coordinator
Ted Schlafke is in his fourth season with the team. Check out the video posted above and text below to learn more about USD's signal callers.
Returning Starter
Austin Simmons, Sr., Council Bluffs, Iowa (Team Co-Captain)
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Returners
Tyler Tsagalis, Jr., Arlington Heights, Ill.
Jakob Parks, So., Clearwater, Fla.
Newcomers
Devon Moore, So., Waterloo, Iowa (Iowa State)
Hayden Ekern, Fr., Chicago, Ill. (St. Rita HS)
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Simmons earned honorable mention all-MVFC honors last year in his first season as the full-time starter. He led the Valley and ranked fourth nationally with 3,124 yards passing during the regular season, which is the second-highest tally in program history. Take away the yardage lost in sacks, and Simmons was also the team's leading rusher with 549 yards and a 6.5-yard per carry average. He totaled 23 touchdowns (18 pass, 5 run) against eight interceptions.
Tsagalis has taken late-game snaps in each of his first two seasons. Parks is in his third season with the program. Moore transferred from Iowa State last winter and competed in spring practices with the squad. Ekern is a true freshman and was a three-sport star at St. Rita High School where he competed on both sides of the football.
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