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 linebackers where coach Abdul Hodge works with outside backers and coach Rob Aurich heads the inside backers. Check out the video posted above and text below to learn more about USD's top tacklers.

Returning Starters
Jack Cochrane, Jr., Mount Vernon, Iowa (TEAM CO-CAPTAIN)
 
Returners
Jake Richardson, Jr., Kansas City, Kan.
Jake Matthew, Jr., Omaha, Neb.
Conner Thiele, Jr., Oakland, Neb.
Jonathan Joanis, So., Orlando, Fla.
Jakari Starling, R-Fr., Riviera Beach, Fla.
D'Andre Ferguson, R-Fr., Clearwater, Fla.
Dakota Smith, R-Fr., Inglewood, Calif.
Tre Thomas, R-Fr., Burnsville, Minn.
Hunter Headlee, R-Fr., Harrisburg, S.D.
Brock Mogensen, R-Fr., Farmington, Minn.

Newcomers
Jason Simon-Ressler, Fr., Farley, Iowa (Western Dubuque HS)
Willie O'Hara, Jr., Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa Western CC)
Sam Gerst, Jr., Waterloo, Iowa (Ellsworth CC)
Brady Booker, So., LaSalle, Ill. (Iowa Central CC)
Stephen Hillis, Fr., Hartington, Neb. (Air Force)
Jontrell Oliver, Fr., Tampa, Fla. (East Bay HS)
D.J. Gross, Fr., McCook, Neb. (McCook HS)

We will learn a lot more about this group of athletes as the season rolls along, but what catches your eye right away is that of the 18 names in the position group, none are seniors. Cochrane is a true junior and an all-MVFC Academic Team honoree who returns as the Coyotes' second-leading tackler. His designation as one of five team captains speaks to his leadership, and many view him as the heart of the team's new position-less defense.

With USD utilizing more of a four-linebacker look in 2019, competition for snaps will be steady. Joanis and Matthew competed in all 11 games a year ago, mainly on special teams. Richardson and Thiele appeared in the majority of games as well. Starling was on the two-deep for the first three games of the season, and then played in the season finale for four games, the maximum allowed under the NCAA's redshirt rule.

In addition to newly signed freshmen class, the Coyotes added four transfers in O'Hara, Gerst, Booker and Hillis. O'Hara was an NJCAA All-American last year at Iowa Western. Hillis is from nearby Hartington and attended Air Force Academy a year ago, but did not compete in football.

ALSO
WATCH: Schlafke talks quarterbacks
WATCH: Ockinga talks receivers
WATCH: Sega talks defensive linemen
WATCH: Prevost talks offensive linemen