University of South Dakota Athletics

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 continue the series with defensive linemen where coach Al Sega is in his third season with the team. Sega also coordinates the Coyotes' community service efforts. Check out the video posted above and text below to learn more about USD's pass rushers and run stoppers.

Returning Starters
Darin Greenfield, Sr., Sheldon, Iowa (Team Captain)
DeValon Whitcomb, Sr., Omaha, Neb. (Team Captain)
Luis Peguero, Sr., Wellington, Fla.
Jacob Headlee, Jr., Harrisburg, S.D.
Kameron Cline, Sr., San Diego, Calif.
Nick Kramer, Jr., Plymouth, Minn.
 
Returners
Jackson Coker, Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Sammy Byrd, So., Circle Pines, Minn.
Ethan Burson, R-Fr., Springfield, Mo.
Brendan Webb, R-Fr., Buhler, Kan.

Newcomers
Jason Samec, Fr., Stillwater, Minn. (St. Thomas Academy)
Jake Larsen, Fr., Harrisburg, S.D. (Harrisburg HS)
Nick Gaes, Fr., Alta, Iowa (Alta-Aurelia HS)
Lucas Becker, Blaine, Minn. (Blaine HS)
Blake Holden, Watertown, S.D. (Watertown HS)

Six upperclassmen who accounted for every start along the defensive line last season return to Sega's group. The list includes team captains Darin Greenfield and DeValon Whitcomb along with fellow seniors Luis Peguero and Kameron Cline. Combined, they totaled 162 tackles including 36.5 for loss and 11 sacks.

Greenfield is a two-time All-American who finished 20th on the ballot for national defensive player of the year last season. In three seasons, Greenfield has totaled 141 stops with 41 for loss and 19 sacks. Of the returners to the MVFC this year, no one has recorded more sacks (15.0) and tackles-for-loss (34.0) than Greenfield over the last two seasons.

Coker played in all 11 games and compiled 14 stops. Burson appeared in four games as a true freshman, the maximum allowed under the new redshirt rules. The five newcomers hail from South Dakota (2), Minnesota (2) and Iowa (1).

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