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 backs where coach Mark Watson works with cornerbacks and defensive coordinator Travis Johansen heads the safeties. Check out the video posted above and text below to learn more about USD's ball hawkers.

Returning Starters
Mike Johnson, Sr., Clearwater, Fla.
Elijah Reed, Jr., Denver, Colo.
Phillip Powell, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Mark Collins Jr., Jr., Overland Park, Kan.
Cameron Tisdale, So., Clearwater, Fla.
 
Returners
Jordan Sommerville, So., St. Louis, Mo.
Isaiah McDaniels, So., San Diego, Calif.
Darion Bolden, So., St. Louis, Mo.
Gabe Montgomery, So., Wildwood, Mo.
Rodney Sivils Jr., R-Fr., Largo, Fla.
Tre Jackson, R-Fr., Wellington, Fla.

Newcomers
Larry Williams, Fr., St. Louis, Mo.
Josh Moore, Fr., Kansas City, Mo.
Robert Ford III, Fr., St. Peters, Mo.
Cori Fant Jr., Fr., Tampa, Fla.
Bakhari Goodson, Jr., Orlando, Fla. (Massachusetts)

What was labeled an inexperienced group a year ago is now a veteran unit in 2019. Collins has started games in each of the last two seasons. He led the nation in passes defended per game despite missing the final four games due to injury. Powell's season was cut short as well, but is set for his junior season. Reed stepped into a starting role and was the team's second-leading tackler from games 5-11. Tisdale was one of 12 players named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team in 2018. He earned eight starts at cornerback as a true freshman and led USD corners with 29 tackles.

Still, there is plenty of youth providing depth to the position. Sommerville and McDaniels appeared together in nearly every game last season and competed mainly on special teams. Bolden has bounced back from an injury and is eager to make his Coyote debut. Sivils Jr. and Jackson are back following their redshirt seasons.

Newcomers include true freshmen Williams, Moore, Ford III and Fant Jr. Goodson has 27 games of collegiate experience all with UMass. He started the first two games of 2018 and even had an interception in the season opener before ultimately redshirting.

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