VERMILLION, S.D. — Under the leadership of former Coyote athlete (2022) and graduate assistant/analyst (2023) Josh Manchigiah, a look at the South Dakota safeties group heading into the 2025 season.  
 
2025 SAFETIES

• Tim White (5-10, 195, R-Sr., Miami Gardens, Fla.)
• Roman Tillmon (6-0, 185, So., Independence, Mo.)
• DeJuan Lewis (5-10, 195, Sr., Pearland, Texas)
• Dawson Sechser (6-0, 185, R-Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D.)
• Beckett DeJean (6-1, 190, R-So., Odebolt, Iowa)
• Jaden Brown (5-9, 170, Fr., Orlando, Fla.)

Spring Ball Report
"Just seeing the way the (safeties) group attacks each and every day and the way they've grown throughout the spring. You're seeing growth: they make one mistake one day and then they don't make that same mistake, they're asking really good questions."
 
"It's been fun getting back to USD and hitting the ground running. Being familiar with the staff and what we do here has been great, the transition has been really smooth."
 
Heading into the 2025 Season
"Obviously, losing JoJo and Dennis are some big shoes to fill. But we have guys in the program who saw that example set for them, learned from them. I feel completely confident in the guys who will step up and take over that role going forward, they saw the example set before them."
 
"Coyote fans can expect a fast, physical, and relentless playmakers at safety. In command of the defense, communicating with the rest of the defense, making sure everyone is on the same page."
 
Tim White, senior
Heading into his third season with South Dakota, White appeared in all 14 games for the Coyotes in 2024 with two starts (Drake, North Dakota). He had 34 tackles on the season and posted a season-best five tackles in four different games.
 
"Tim is the veteran of the group. Even back to my first stint here as a GA, he's been that guy who's levelheaded, cerebral, and smart. He's going to be the leader of that group: he's vocal and he's going to take charge – and he's ready to do that."
 
In his Coyote career, he's had 53 tackles, one interception, and four pass break-ups.
 
"I've seen him grow a ton and he's ready to take that next leadership step. He's going to be a huge factor leading the defensive backs."
 
DeJuan Lewis, senior
Lewis transferred to South Dakota following his junior season at Lamar University (Texas), the Week 2 opponent for the Yotes in 2025. With the Cardinals, he recorded 27 tackles (10 solo) with one tackle for loss.
 
"DeJuan is another guy where it's clear he's played a lot of football. He's an experienced guy and we value that experience he's gained in his collegiate career. He's someone we'll be counting on this fall."
 
Roman Tillmon, redshirt sophomore
Tillmon appeared in all 14 games for the Coyotes last season as a redshirt freshman, earning three starts. He posted 19 tackles with one pass break-up on the season, while recording a season-best four tackles against Northern State in the season opener.
 
"Roman is a really special player, his ceiling is through the roof. He's another guy that I've seen grow since my first stint here but he's coming back with experience at multiple spots in the defensive back area. Watching his growth over the last couple of years has been really cool to see, and he's still a young guy. We're excited about his ability and his potential moving forward!"
 
Dawson Sechser, redshirt freshman
Sechser appeared in four games as a true freshman for USD last season, retaining his redshirt eligibility. He made his first collegiate appearance at Murray State and his first FCS Playoff appearance against UC Davis, mainly appearing on special teams.
 
"Dawson has grown a lot, especially over this spring. We've asked him to do a lot but that's because of the capability he has mentally. He's a very smart player and been putting more ownership on him. He asks a lot of questions and someone who is hungry to be on the field. He's going to work his tail off going for us."
 
Beckett DeJean, redshirt sophomore
DeJean also enters his third season as a Coyote in 2025, looking to break into the rotation this season.
 
"Another guy that works really hard and asks all the right questions. He knows the defense well now and has seen the mold of how things should be, watching Dennis and JoJo the last couple of seasons. Being one of the older guys now, he knows how things should be as a unit and a defense as he grows as a leader."
 
Jaden Brown, freshman
A true freshman heading into the 2025 season, Brown is an early enrollee to participate in spring ball.
 
"Jaden is super fun to coach, his energy is infectious. It's exactly what this group needs, it's been awesome to coach and get to know him. The reps he's getting right now as an early enrollee at USD are super valuable for him and his own growth. I've seen tons of growth just this spring from him."
 
Note: roster notes and comments are of spring ball rosters and, in no way, are indicative of depth chart positioning. Rosters can fluctuate between the time of posting spotlight and the start of the 2025 season.