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 running backs where coach and former USD quarterback Dante Warren is in his second season with the group. Check out the video posted above and text below to learn more about USD's ball carriers.

Returning Starters
Kai Henry, Jr., Miami, Fla.
Ben Klett, Jr., Lake Zurich, Ill.
 
Returners
Canaan Brooks, So., St. Louis, Mo.
Lincoln Gibbs, So., Claremont, S.D.

Newcomers
Travis Theis, Fr., Pratt, Kan. (Pratt HS)
Jeremiah Webb, Fr., Chicago, Ill. (Urban Prep Bronzeville HS)
Trey Rodriguez, Sr., Daytona Beach, Fla. (last played at Marshall)

The Coyotes averaged 190 yards on the ground two years ago when the team qualified for the FCS playoffs for the first time and advanced to the round of 16. That average fell to 125 yards per game a year ago, and it is certainly a number head coach Bob Nielson and his staff are working to balance out ahead of this season.

Warren returns his top three rushers in Henry (131 carries, 509 yards, 7 TDs), Klett (71 carries, 301 yards, 3 TDs) and Brooks (55 carries, 144 yards, 2 TDs). Henry has compiled more than 1,100 yards in his two seasons with 13 scores. He has also caught 36 passes out of the backfield. Klett averaged a team-high 4.2 yards per carry last year. He has totaled 560 yards and six touchdowns in his two seasons.

Newcomers include true freshmen Theis and Webb. Rodriguez is a late addition with numerous collegiate experiences. He began his career at Florida Atlantic University where he racked up 419 yards and five scores in six games. He then helped lead Arizona Western College to a national runner-up finish in 2016. He last competed for Marshall in 2017 and was the starting running back for the Herd during the first two games of that campaign.

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