South Dakota's special team's units were among the best in the nation in 2021. Brady Schutt graduated as the program's all-time leader in punting average, Mason Lorber was 13-for-16 on field goal attempts and long snapper Dalton Godfrey turned in an all-American performance. Plus, the Coyotes were one of 10 FCS programs that ran a kickoff and punt back for a touchdown during the regular season.
 
The good news is that Godfrey and return men Wesley Eliodor (kickoffs) and Carter Bell (punts) are back, and that there was strong competition for the open kicking and punting positions vacated by Schutt and Godfrey.
 
Overseeing the competition was new special teams coach Ron Crook, who also heads the Coyotes' tight ends group. The week one depth chart has strong-legged Eddie Ogamba winning the kicking duties while Wheaton transfer John Bickle will start at punter.
 
"We have several punters who are pushing each other," said Crook. "John has been great with his times, punting the ball well and putting it where we want it. Eddie is learning and understanding punting well. Tyler (Ebel) has a really strong leg and is working to be more consistent with his kicks. When he gets ahold of one, it's pretty good.
 
"In terms of kicking, Eddie has a really strong leg and the ball explodes off his foot and we hope to take full advantage of that. Will (Leyland) is consistent with his PAT and field goals, quick with his footwork and timing, and is hitting at a high percentage."
 
The glue to the unit is Godfrey, a sixth-year senior who was also voted one of three team captains. He is the first special teamer in coach Bob Nielson's 30 seasons to be voted a captain on one of his teams.
 
"That speaks volumes," said Crook. "He's a leader not just within our group, but within our team. Everyone knows that whatever he's doing, he's going to do it the right way and he's going to work as hard if not harder than anyone else at his craft no matter what it may be. Whether it's snapping, covering on punts or doing things the way they should be done. They all look to him for that, and he rallies that group.
 
"Special teams is still about fundamentals. It's still about blocking and tackling, kicking better than your opponent, fielding better than your opponent, making sure when we gain possession of the ball that we maintain possession. When we kick, it's about trying to take possession back and win field position battles. Those things haven't changed. That's where I put my emphasis and learning more and more as we go."



Returning Starters
Dalton Godfrey, 6^th-year senior, long snapper (All-American, two-time all-MVFC, team captain)
Wesley Eliodor, 5^th-year junior, kick return (honorable mention all-MVFC)
Carter Bell, 4^th-year sophomore, punt return (honorable mention all-MVFC, all purpose)
 
Returning Letterwinners
Eddie Ogamba, 6^th-year senior, kicker/punter (three touchbacks in 2021 FCS playoff game)
Will Leyland, 3^rd-year redshirt freshman, kicker
 
Newcomers
John Bickle, 5^th-year senior, punter, (Wheaton)
Jackson Marx, 2^nd-year sophomore, long snapper (Mount Marty)
Tyler Ebel, freshman, punter, DeForest, Wis.