Head coach Bob Nielson has stated throughout fall camp that this defensive backs group is the deepest he has seen in seven seasons with the Coyotes. That certainly bears out when you look at the numbers. USD boasts four cornerbacks with a plethora of starting experience, returns Josiah Ganues at strong safety, and has veterans Isaiah McDaniels and Josh Manchigiah at the other safety spot.
 
Miles Taylor, the Coyotes' defensive pass game coordinator and a heckuva safety in his own right, heads the group of 17 defensive backs. This is Taylor's third season with the team.
 
"It's a big group, but we work together well," said Taylor. "There are a couple guys who are moving from different safety positions, some who are working both safety positions and others on sub packages. They all are going to work hard, be disciplined, do the right thing on and off the field, and they're going to play hard."
 
Myles Harden and Tre Jackson were the starters at corner through the first half of 2021 before injuries forced an early stop. That created opportunities for Cameron Tisdale and Iowa transfer Da'Raun McKinney to step up. Tisdale is the lone senior and all have enjoyed a level of success at the position.
 
Ganues began last season as another corner, but injuries in fall camp forced a quick transition to safety. He was a staple at the position throughout the year and was voted to the Valley's all-Newcomer Team.
 
Josh Manchigiah arrives in Vermillion following six seasons in Brookings. He was a two-year starter for the Jacks who totaled six interceptions from 2019 through the spring of 2021. Manchigiah started the first five games last year and played in all 15 as the Jacks advanced to the national semifinals.
 
"Josh is very intelligent being a seventh-year guy who has played a lot of football," said Taylor. "I like what I've seen out of him these first 9-10 practices. He can bring us depth to both safety positions and help this defense progress forward.
 
"JoJo (Ganues) does a good job being a leader back there, Myles helps set the tone every day at practice, Isaiah works his tail off and knows what it takes to be successful. We may not have a captain there, but we have a lot of older guys who lead without that title and do a good job displaying that on and off the field."


 
CORNERBACKS
 
Returning Starters
Myles Harden, 3^rd-year soph. (HM all-MVFC in spring of 2021)
Cameron Tisdale, 5^th-year senior (16 career starts)
Da'Raun McKinney, 4^th-year soph. (started final six games of 2021)
Tre Jackson, 5^th-year junior (two-year starter)
 
Returning Lettermen
Jailen Holman, 3^rd-year soph. (played in all 12 games in 2021)
Shahid Barros, redshirt freshman (played in four games in 2021)
 
Newcomers
Dominic Reaves, Fr., Tampa, Fla.
Caleb McKenzie, Fr., Carver Ranches, Fla.
 
SAFETIES
 
Returning Starters
Josiah Ganues, 3^rd-year soph. (MVFC all-Newcomer Team in 2021)
Isaiah McDaniels, 6^th-year senior (five starts the last two seasons)
 
Returning Lettermen
Dennis Shorter, 3^rd-year soph. (played in eight games in 2021)
Teven McKelvey, 3^rd-year soph. (played in all 12 games in 2021)
Clayton Denker, redshirt freshman
Matt Walsh, redshirt freshman
 
Newcomers
Josh Manchigiah, 7^th-year senior (played in 53 games with 27 starts at SDSU)
NJ Elias, freshman, Verona, Wis.
Cam Grays, freshman, Oswego, Ill.