South Dakota Offense Making Significant Headway; Spring Game Tonight at DakotaDome
The South Dakota football team is finishing its spring season in a flourish.
Tonight, the Coyotes will host their annual spring game at 7 p.m. in the DakotaDome. It is an opportunity for Coyote nation to catch a glimpse of the team as it focuses on turning around its 4-7 season of 2010.
In the previous blog, we addressed the Coyote defense. This blog will focus on the offense, through the eyes of offensive coordinator Wesley Beschorner.
Clearly, Beschorner understands that his team needs to add consistency to the game. With nine of 11 offensive starters returning, include key players at quarterback, running back, offensive line and wide receiver, it is a matter of doing the small things and finishing.
"We wanted to get better on the little things," said Beschorner, a Lohrville, Iowa, in his sixth season as a coach for USD, including his third as offensive coordinator. "We have some very talented players. They showed definite ability last year but the key is showing it consistently week in and week out. Our opponents were the stiffest competition we have ever faced since I have been here," he said.
"Throughout spring so far, I think our team has have done a great job. From day one until the spring game, we have gotten better every single day. The past four or five days it has been finishing, something we have focused on the whole spring. We have been getting better at the end of practice and that will correlate at the end of games," said Beschorner.
Position Breakdown --
Quarterback
Dante Warren (6-0, 196, Arlington Heights, Ill.) returns for his second season as a starter for the Coyotes. A year ago, he was named second team all-Great West after completing 161-of-292 passes for 2,137 yards (fourth best-single season total at USD) with 18 TDs. He also rushed for 393 yards and six TDs. His 2,530 yards of total offense ranks fifth on USD's career chart. Selected the team's Offensive Player of the Year, Warren had a career day in USD's upset win of Minnesota, 41-38, at Minneapolis. He completed 21-of-32 for a career-best 352 yards with three TDs. He had 433 yards in total offense, including two rushing scores - one a 61-yard jaunt that left the Gophers surprised on the naked bootleg on fourth down in the fourth quarter.
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"Dante Warren is better this spring in his all-around game then he was last fall. He understands the offense and where people need to be. He can be a field leader, a field general, because he knows where everybody needs to be. Dante has shown a number of leadership qualities that he had not shown at all in the past that I think are very important to him. He is a soft-spoken person by nature but when it comes to the quarterback position, I think he is becoming outspoken. He is becoming more demanding of not only himself, which he has always been, but also more demanding of his teammates."
Josh Vander Maten (6-2, 195, Rfr, Rock Valley, Iowa) has been one of the big surprises of the spring, earning the #2 spot at quarterback
"Josh is our #2 quarterback. He has a lot of ability," said Beschorner. "He was a spread quarterback in high school and can put a lot of spin on the football. He is naturally a very accurate quarterback. After Dante is done he will push to be a starter; there is no doubt about it and that is why he is the number 2 right now."
"Kyle Cichos of Pierre is doing a great job and we have two incoming freshman will push all of them. Josh does some things now to push Dante. The more competition you have at that spot, because it is only one guy, the better. Every detail has to be strung out for those quarterbacks. They have to know exactly what it is that they have to do on each play. If that play breaks down then they are going to be ready," said Beschorner.
Vander Maten, redshirted a year ago after walking on, led his high school team to a 13-1 record and into the state title game. A four-year starter, he threw for 2,400 yards and 29 TDs as a senior with just six interceptions. He also rushed for 616 yards and eight TDs, earning all-state honors at quarterback.
The two incoming freshman quarterbacks include Nick Meyer (6-1, 185, Oak Grove Village, Ill.) and Kevin Earl (6-6, 205, Lincolnshire, Ill). Earl, who led his team to a 21-2 record over his final two seasons, completed 107-of-207 passes for 1,715 yards and 12 TDs. An honorable mention all-state performer, he is the son of Robin Earl, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1977-82. Meyer was a three-year starter, who led his team to a 14-7 record over the final two seasons. He threw for 20 TDs and 2,536 yards, completing 64 percent of his passes. Meyer, a two-year starter at safety, also rushed for 1,211 yards and 20 TDs, earning all-state honors from various outlets.
Receiving Corps
When Coyotes come back into the fall, the receiving corps will be among the best and deepest positions on the team. Leading the way is Will Powell (6-1, 204, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), who led USD in receiving with 47 receptions for 933 yards (third best single season part in school history) and 10 TDs. His memorable moment from a year ago was the eight-catch, 156-yard performance in the 41-38 win over Minnesota. He had two TDs, including a 61-yard bomb early in the second half.
The corps will include senior Dustin Nowotny (6-3, 215, Rapid City, S.D.), who had 34 catches for 489 yards and one TD. His catch on a third and four late in the fourth quarter clinched the win against the Gophers. Tom Flanagan (5-9, 185, Jr., Lakewood, Colo.) had 34 receptions for 324 yards and two TDs. He also threw a 75-yard TD pass a year ago. Jeremy Blount (5-9, 157, Sr., Tampa, Fla.) is a speed merchant for the Coyotes. He ranks second on USD's all-time list with 57 returns for 1,306 yards. A year ago, he had nine receptions for 163 yards and a score. He also has a career-best return of 78 yards.
Beschorner praised the play of the Coyote receiving corps, even though Powell has sat out the spring practices and Flanagan has missed time due to an injury.
"Some of the injuries you get at positions, allows opportunities for others to step up and show what they are capable of doing," said Beschorner. "Jeremy (Blount) is probably the most improved guy throughout the spring. The light has turned on for him," Beschorner said. "It just isn't run 10 yards, turn around and catch the football. You have to set guys up, use your leverage. He not only uses his speed but he uses his knowledge now to be a very good football player. He is on the verge of doing some very good things, great things," he said.
Beschorner also pointed to Nowotny as another player that continues to get better. "He is as good as a pass catcher as you will find. Anytime the ball is up in the air and is within his reach - with his great leaping ability - he is likely to come down with it," said Beschorner.
"Flanagan is one of the most relentless players that you will find. He is phenomenal," added Beschorner.
He is also impressed with the play of Troy transfer Anthony Williams (6-3, 183, So., Tampa, Fla.). "There was a reason he was at Troy and a reason why he had offers from SEC schools because he has that ability. He is only going to flourish even more since he is only a sophomore," said Beschorner.
Other players showing flashes of excellence, include Khiry McDonald (6-1, 178, So., Oscala, Fla.) and Terrance Terry (5-9, 200, Rfr., Barrington, Ill.).
"Then you have Austin Koch (6-1, 172, So., Tyndall, S.D.), who athletically is good as anyone on the team. It is just a matter of him playing receiver all the time. This is only his second year as playing wide receiver so he has a shot. He does a fantastic job of playing special teams for us," Beschorner said.
Tight End
Beschorner said that USD is a little banged up at the tight end spot but several players have performed well this spring, including Joel DeJongh (6-3, 237, Jr., Rock Rapids, Iowa).
"DeJongh has done a fantastic job, taking just about every snap this spring," said Beschorner, noting that Tyler Wilhelm (6-4, 211, So., Loxahatchee, Fla.) has moved from quarterback to tight end. In addition, Jay Burns (6-3, 245, Jr., Kansas City, Kan.), has done a solid job.
"Burns will be fine when the fall ball starts. When he is in there, he shows definite signs of being a Mitch Mohr-type of player," he said.
Mike Nielsen (6-3, 218, Sr., Gilbert, Ariz.), who has sat out part of the spring, will be back in fall. "He is really athletic and as smart a player as you will find anywhere; so he will do a good job," said Beschorner.
Offensive line
Led by NFL prospect Tom Compton, South Dakota's offensive line will be solid. This spring, they have continued to develop, according to Beschorner. Compton (6-6, 311, Rosemount, Minn.), who has started 32 straight games in his career, was a fourth team All-American (Phil Steele Subdivison Team) and first-team All-Great West selection.
"This spring we have had a string of practices where they have been as good as we have ever been," said Beschorner. "We have guys with size and athletic ability across the board that we haven't had since I have been here. Each guy is athletically capable and mentally strong enough to get what we want," Beschorner said.
"Every day Compton gets better," said Beschorner. "He pushes himself and has one of those internal motors that makes him a special player. One thing I noticed about Tom is - and I read in Lou Holtz's book - your greatest leaders are your offensive lineman because they always show up on time, they are the first ones to get married and they are first ones to get their degrees."
According to Beschorner, Brent Johnson (6-5, 304, Sr., Jewell, Iowa) has really stepped up this spring.
Tim Ross (6-2, 280, Jr., Arvada, Colo.) is another offensive lineman who is doing well this spring. "He is a player that has a unique way of playing the game; just the way he gives that extra effort. For whatever reason, it is internal, something that God has given him or how he has pushed himself. What he may lack in athletic ability he makes up for in effort ability. There is a lot to be said for that," said Beschorner.
"Plus, our young guys are as talented as a group that we have ever had. Those older guys are being pushed - and that is a good thing, " he said.
Running Back
Beschorner has great hopes for his running attack. With a strong offensive line and three talented running backs, the Coyotes should have increased success on the ground in the fall.
"We have to try ways to get our three guys -- Donovan Bowens, Chris Ganious and Marcus Sims -- the ball," said Beschorner.
Ganious (5-7, 188, Sr., Houston, Texas) ranks fourth on USD's career rushing list with 2,400 yards on 448 carries and 17 TDs. He is just 114 yards from third-place (Jared Schwenn, 2,513, 1994-97). A year ago, Ganious was second in the Great West with 817 yards rushing and four TDs. The second team all-GWC performer, also caught 17 passes for 156 yards. Sims (5-10, 195, Jr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) had 52 carries for 286 yards and a TD while averaging 18.4 yards on kickoff returns. Bowens (6-0, 197, So., Arvada, Colo.) had 27 rushes for 120 yards.
"Bowens had as good a day on Saturday (practice at Sioux Falls) as he has had at USD. He broke tackle after tackle," said Beschorner. "A year ago, he ran a little immature. He now knows where to hit things."
"All of them are talented. The thing they have to do is cheer each other on because the more successful they are the more successful we will be as an offense," said Beschorner. "All three are different. Chris (Ganious) is more of a make you miss, make you miss in the hole type of back and he can take the ball the distance. Marcus (Sims) is going to beat you with speed and once he gets to know he will beat you up a little. Donovan (Bowens) doesn't have the speed but he is really shifty with the ball and physical like we haven't had for a while. I am real excited about the group as a whole."
Overall
Beschorner seems to be pleased where his offense is at with spring practice winding down to the spring game tonight.
"We have made some very big gains," he said. "We are seeing a defense that was better than they were a year ago. So that is making us better. We have had more live reps than we have ever taken, which is good. It has been physical and fun for our guys," he said.
"I think we will have a better football team not only athletically, but also with leadership and in the way they are handling the themselves in finishing stuff," said Beschorner. "You can tell by the way our guys communicate, talk to one another, that they have made a lot of strides. And, they understand everything we ask them to do and seem to be going beyond that, which is great to see."
Meierkort's 48 Wins Ranks Fourth All-time
South Dakota Head Coach Ed Meierkort has a 48-30 record at South Dakota, which ranks fourth on USD's career wins list. His record of achievement includes turning South Dakota into an offensive firehouse. His teams are 14-0 when his teams score more than 50 points. He is 27-3 when USD hits the 40-point mark and 41-6 when the team goes over 30 points. When they score 20 points, USD is 47-13. The Coyotes are just 1-17 when they score under 20 points. Meierkort, who has had teams set more than 100 school records, is 23-16 in conference play and an impressive 34-5 (.872) in home games at the DakotaDome. In the past 10 years, his teams at USD and Wisconsin-Stout have a combined 77-41 record. He is 103-85 as a collegiate coach.
Beschorner's 2005 Season Still Ranks Among Best Ever
Wesley Beschorner, who finished second in the balloting for the Harlon Hill Trophy as the top player in Division II in 2005, led USD to a 9-2 mark behind a offense that led the nation in points (49.7) per game and total offense (583.3 yards). Beschorner's performance still ranks as remarkable. In 2005, Beschorner, selected to four All-American teams, completed 172 passes in 255 attempts for 3,049 yards and 39 TDs, which led the nation.
How good was that season? His 2005 yardage total is 400 yards better than second-place Noah Shephard, who had 2,547 in 2007. In that same season, Beschorner had 3,500 yards in total offense for 318.2 yards per game and an astounding 10.22 yards per play. His 10.22 yards led the nation and set a Division II record. Shepard averaged 290.5 yards in 2007 with 7.5 yards per play.
In addition, Beschorner's passing efficiency mark of 215.2 also led the nation and he became just one of two players ever to have a mark of 215 or better.
As one might suspect, Shepard and Beschorner lead USD in career passing yards. Shepard, who played from 2006-09, passed for 8,936 yards with a school-record 77 TDs. He completed 603 of 1,033 passes. He is the only player who have thrown 1,000 passes in his career at South Dakota.
Beschorner, who played from 2002-05 and started his career as a receiver and return specialist, completed 415 passes in 673 attempts for 6,240 yards and 64 TDs. Next on the list is Ryan Justice, 1999-02, with 5,944 yards and 36 TDs.
Only Three 2,000 Yard Throwers in School History
Just three players in school history have passed for more than 2,000 yards in a season and all have come during the Ed Meierkort era. Interestingly, Meierkort has had three quarterbacks pass for 2,000 yards five times in his eight seasons at the helm. Beschorner is USD's only 3,000-yard passer in school history (3,049, 2005). Shepard, who is the only Coyote ever with three 2,000-yard passing seasons, had 2,547 yards in 2007, 2,451 in 2009 and 2,000 in 2008. In fact in his freshman year in 2006, he had 1,938 yards. The third member of the 2,000 yard passing club is Dante Warren, who threw for 2,137 yards a year ago, which is the fourth-best single season total in school history.
Passing for Miles and Miles
Since Meierkort has been at USD, his three starting quarterbacks (Wesley Beschorner, Noah Shepard and Dante Warren) have passed for a combined total of 17,369 yards or nearly 10 miles (9.868 miles).
Logan Left Imprint at USD
Stefan Logan, who is now a star kick returner and running back for the NFL's Detroit Lions, was the greatest running back in school history.
Here is a look back at Logan's impact at USD. From 2003-06, he rushed for 5,958 yards (11th in DII history in 2006) on 808 carries and 28 TDs. The next closest player in history is Chul Schwanke (1982-85), who had 3,427 yards rushing and 24 TDs.
Logan has the top all-purpose season in school history with 2,670 yards in 2006 when he led USD to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. He also has a career total of 7,859 yards in career all purpose yards. The next closest Coyote was Schwanke with 4,449 yards or 3,410 yards behind Logan. His all-purpose yards total ranked seventh in Division II history when he left the school.
In addition, the Miami native, who was a Harlon Hill finalist in 2006, is the only player in USD (or North Central Central history) with four 1,000 yards rushing seasons. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry and 132.6 yards per game, which was 25th all-time. He also had 34 100-yard rushing games and is one of the few players ever with a 90-yard reception (UNO, 2005) and a 90-yard rush (98 vs. Truman State, 2005). He also had 184 yards rushing in one quarter (vs. Truman State, 2005), setting an NCAA Division II mark.
Little Holds USD's Receiving Mark
South Dakota's Brooks Little (2004-07) is the all-time receiving leader with 165 catches for 2,387 yards and 16 TDs. Just behind Little, who starred at Castlewood High in South Dakota, is Gregory's Chris Mikkelson (2001-04), who had 150 catches for 2,279 yards and 16 TDs and Coyote Hall of Famer Rod Tweet (1983-85) with 140 catches for 2,557 yards and 16 TDs.
Tonight, the Coyotes will host their annual spring game at 7 p.m. in the DakotaDome. It is an opportunity for Coyote nation to catch a glimpse of the team as it focuses on turning around its 4-7 season of 2010.
In the previous blog, we addressed the Coyote defense. This blog will focus on the offense, through the eyes of offensive coordinator Wesley Beschorner.
Clearly, Beschorner understands that his team needs to add consistency to the game. With nine of 11 offensive starters returning, include key players at quarterback, running back, offensive line and wide receiver, it is a matter of doing the small things and finishing.
"We wanted to get better on the little things," said Beschorner, a Lohrville, Iowa, in his sixth season as a coach for USD, including his third as offensive coordinator. "We have some very talented players. They showed definite ability last year but the key is showing it consistently week in and week out. Our opponents were the stiffest competition we have ever faced since I have been here," he said.
"Throughout spring so far, I think our team has have done a great job. From day one until the spring game, we have gotten better every single day. The past four or five days it has been finishing, something we have focused on the whole spring. We have been getting better at the end of practice and that will correlate at the end of games," said Beschorner.
Position Breakdown --
Quarterback
Dante Warren (6-0, 196, Arlington Heights, Ill.) returns for his second season as a starter for the Coyotes. A year ago, he was named second team all-Great West after completing 161-of-292 passes for 2,137 yards (fourth best-single season total at USD) with 18 TDs. He also rushed for 393 yards and six TDs. His 2,530 yards of total offense ranks fifth on USD's career chart. Selected the team's Offensive Player of the Year, Warren had a career day in USD's upset win of Minnesota, 41-38, at Minneapolis. He completed 21-of-32 for a career-best 352 yards with three TDs. He had 433 yards in total offense, including two rushing scores - one a 61-yard jaunt that left the Gophers surprised on the naked bootleg on fourth down in the fourth quarter.
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"Dante Warren is better this spring in his all-around game then he was last fall. He understands the offense and where people need to be. He can be a field leader, a field general, because he knows where everybody needs to be. Dante has shown a number of leadership qualities that he had not shown at all in the past that I think are very important to him. He is a soft-spoken person by nature but when it comes to the quarterback position, I think he is becoming outspoken. He is becoming more demanding of not only himself, which he has always been, but also more demanding of his teammates."
Josh Vander Maten (6-2, 195, Rfr, Rock Valley, Iowa) has been one of the big surprises of the spring, earning the #2 spot at quarterback
"Josh is our #2 quarterback. He has a lot of ability," said Beschorner. "He was a spread quarterback in high school and can put a lot of spin on the football. He is naturally a very accurate quarterback. After Dante is done he will push to be a starter; there is no doubt about it and that is why he is the number 2 right now."
"Kyle Cichos of Pierre is doing a great job and we have two incoming freshman will push all of them. Josh does some things now to push Dante. The more competition you have at that spot, because it is only one guy, the better. Every detail has to be strung out for those quarterbacks. They have to know exactly what it is that they have to do on each play. If that play breaks down then they are going to be ready," said Beschorner.
Vander Maten, redshirted a year ago after walking on, led his high school team to a 13-1 record and into the state title game. A four-year starter, he threw for 2,400 yards and 29 TDs as a senior with just six interceptions. He also rushed for 616 yards and eight TDs, earning all-state honors at quarterback.
The two incoming freshman quarterbacks include Nick Meyer (6-1, 185, Oak Grove Village, Ill.) and Kevin Earl (6-6, 205, Lincolnshire, Ill). Earl, who led his team to a 21-2 record over his final two seasons, completed 107-of-207 passes for 1,715 yards and 12 TDs. An honorable mention all-state performer, he is the son of Robin Earl, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1977-82. Meyer was a three-year starter, who led his team to a 14-7 record over the final two seasons. He threw for 20 TDs and 2,536 yards, completing 64 percent of his passes. Meyer, a two-year starter at safety, also rushed for 1,211 yards and 20 TDs, earning all-state honors from various outlets.
Receiving Corps
When Coyotes come back into the fall, the receiving corps will be among the best and deepest positions on the team. Leading the way is Will Powell (6-1, 204, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), who led USD in receiving with 47 receptions for 933 yards (third best single season part in school history) and 10 TDs. His memorable moment from a year ago was the eight-catch, 156-yard performance in the 41-38 win over Minnesota. He had two TDs, including a 61-yard bomb early in the second half.
The corps will include senior Dustin Nowotny (6-3, 215, Rapid City, S.D.), who had 34 catches for 489 yards and one TD. His catch on a third and four late in the fourth quarter clinched the win against the Gophers. Tom Flanagan (5-9, 185, Jr., Lakewood, Colo.) had 34 receptions for 324 yards and two TDs. He also threw a 75-yard TD pass a year ago. Jeremy Blount (5-9, 157, Sr., Tampa, Fla.) is a speed merchant for the Coyotes. He ranks second on USD's all-time list with 57 returns for 1,306 yards. A year ago, he had nine receptions for 163 yards and a score. He also has a career-best return of 78 yards.
Beschorner praised the play of the Coyote receiving corps, even though Powell has sat out the spring practices and Flanagan has missed time due to an injury.
"Some of the injuries you get at positions, allows opportunities for others to step up and show what they are capable of doing," said Beschorner. "Jeremy (Blount) is probably the most improved guy throughout the spring. The light has turned on for him," Beschorner said. "It just isn't run 10 yards, turn around and catch the football. You have to set guys up, use your leverage. He not only uses his speed but he uses his knowledge now to be a very good football player. He is on the verge of doing some very good things, great things," he said.
Beschorner also pointed to Nowotny as another player that continues to get better. "He is as good as a pass catcher as you will find. Anytime the ball is up in the air and is within his reach - with his great leaping ability - he is likely to come down with it," said Beschorner.
"Flanagan is one of the most relentless players that you will find. He is phenomenal," added Beschorner.
He is also impressed with the play of Troy transfer Anthony Williams (6-3, 183, So., Tampa, Fla.). "There was a reason he was at Troy and a reason why he had offers from SEC schools because he has that ability. He is only going to flourish even more since he is only a sophomore," said Beschorner.
Other players showing flashes of excellence, include Khiry McDonald (6-1, 178, So., Oscala, Fla.) and Terrance Terry (5-9, 200, Rfr., Barrington, Ill.).
"Then you have Austin Koch (6-1, 172, So., Tyndall, S.D.), who athletically is good as anyone on the team. It is just a matter of him playing receiver all the time. This is only his second year as playing wide receiver so he has a shot. He does a fantastic job of playing special teams for us," Beschorner said.
Tight End
Beschorner said that USD is a little banged up at the tight end spot but several players have performed well this spring, including Joel DeJongh (6-3, 237, Jr., Rock Rapids, Iowa).
"DeJongh has done a fantastic job, taking just about every snap this spring," said Beschorner, noting that Tyler Wilhelm (6-4, 211, So., Loxahatchee, Fla.) has moved from quarterback to tight end. In addition, Jay Burns (6-3, 245, Jr., Kansas City, Kan.), has done a solid job.
"Burns will be fine when the fall ball starts. When he is in there, he shows definite signs of being a Mitch Mohr-type of player," he said.
Mike Nielsen (6-3, 218, Sr., Gilbert, Ariz.), who has sat out part of the spring, will be back in fall. "He is really athletic and as smart a player as you will find anywhere; so he will do a good job," said Beschorner.
Offensive line
Led by NFL prospect Tom Compton, South Dakota's offensive line will be solid. This spring, they have continued to develop, according to Beschorner. Compton (6-6, 311, Rosemount, Minn.), who has started 32 straight games in his career, was a fourth team All-American (Phil Steele Subdivison Team) and first-team All-Great West selection.
"This spring we have had a string of practices where they have been as good as we have ever been," said Beschorner. "We have guys with size and athletic ability across the board that we haven't had since I have been here. Each guy is athletically capable and mentally strong enough to get what we want," Beschorner said.
"Every day Compton gets better," said Beschorner. "He pushes himself and has one of those internal motors that makes him a special player. One thing I noticed about Tom is - and I read in Lou Holtz's book - your greatest leaders are your offensive lineman because they always show up on time, they are the first ones to get married and they are first ones to get their degrees."
According to Beschorner, Brent Johnson (6-5, 304, Sr., Jewell, Iowa) has really stepped up this spring.
Tim Ross (6-2, 280, Jr., Arvada, Colo.) is another offensive lineman who is doing well this spring. "He is a player that has a unique way of playing the game; just the way he gives that extra effort. For whatever reason, it is internal, something that God has given him or how he has pushed himself. What he may lack in athletic ability he makes up for in effort ability. There is a lot to be said for that," said Beschorner.
"Plus, our young guys are as talented as a group that we have ever had. Those older guys are being pushed - and that is a good thing, " he said.
Running Back
Beschorner has great hopes for his running attack. With a strong offensive line and three talented running backs, the Coyotes should have increased success on the ground in the fall.
"We have to try ways to get our three guys -- Donovan Bowens, Chris Ganious and Marcus Sims -- the ball," said Beschorner.
Ganious (5-7, 188, Sr., Houston, Texas) ranks fourth on USD's career rushing list with 2,400 yards on 448 carries and 17 TDs. He is just 114 yards from third-place (Jared Schwenn, 2,513, 1994-97). A year ago, Ganious was second in the Great West with 817 yards rushing and four TDs. The second team all-GWC performer, also caught 17 passes for 156 yards. Sims (5-10, 195, Jr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) had 52 carries for 286 yards and a TD while averaging 18.4 yards on kickoff returns. Bowens (6-0, 197, So., Arvada, Colo.) had 27 rushes for 120 yards.
"Bowens had as good a day on Saturday (practice at Sioux Falls) as he has had at USD. He broke tackle after tackle," said Beschorner. "A year ago, he ran a little immature. He now knows where to hit things."
"All of them are talented. The thing they have to do is cheer each other on because the more successful they are the more successful we will be as an offense," said Beschorner. "All three are different. Chris (Ganious) is more of a make you miss, make you miss in the hole type of back and he can take the ball the distance. Marcus (Sims) is going to beat you with speed and once he gets to know he will beat you up a little. Donovan (Bowens) doesn't have the speed but he is really shifty with the ball and physical like we haven't had for a while. I am real excited about the group as a whole."
Overall
Beschorner seems to be pleased where his offense is at with spring practice winding down to the spring game tonight.
"We have made some very big gains," he said. "We are seeing a defense that was better than they were a year ago. So that is making us better. We have had more live reps than we have ever taken, which is good. It has been physical and fun for our guys," he said.
"I think we will have a better football team not only athletically, but also with leadership and in the way they are handling the themselves in finishing stuff," said Beschorner. "You can tell by the way our guys communicate, talk to one another, that they have made a lot of strides. And, they understand everything we ask them to do and seem to be going beyond that, which is great to see."
Meierkort's 48 Wins Ranks Fourth All-time
South Dakota Head Coach Ed Meierkort has a 48-30 record at South Dakota, which ranks fourth on USD's career wins list. His record of achievement includes turning South Dakota into an offensive firehouse. His teams are 14-0 when his teams score more than 50 points. He is 27-3 when USD hits the 40-point mark and 41-6 when the team goes over 30 points. When they score 20 points, USD is 47-13. The Coyotes are just 1-17 when they score under 20 points. Meierkort, who has had teams set more than 100 school records, is 23-16 in conference play and an impressive 34-5 (.872) in home games at the DakotaDome. In the past 10 years, his teams at USD and Wisconsin-Stout have a combined 77-41 record. He is 103-85 as a collegiate coach.
Beschorner's 2005 Season Still Ranks Among Best Ever
Wesley Beschorner, who finished second in the balloting for the Harlon Hill Trophy as the top player in Division II in 2005, led USD to a 9-2 mark behind a offense that led the nation in points (49.7) per game and total offense (583.3 yards). Beschorner's performance still ranks as remarkable. In 2005, Beschorner, selected to four All-American teams, completed 172 passes in 255 attempts for 3,049 yards and 39 TDs, which led the nation.
How good was that season? His 2005 yardage total is 400 yards better than second-place Noah Shephard, who had 2,547 in 2007. In that same season, Beschorner had 3,500 yards in total offense for 318.2 yards per game and an astounding 10.22 yards per play. His 10.22 yards led the nation and set a Division II record. Shepard averaged 290.5 yards in 2007 with 7.5 yards per play.
In addition, Beschorner's passing efficiency mark of 215.2 also led the nation and he became just one of two players ever to have a mark of 215 or better.
As one might suspect, Shepard and Beschorner lead USD in career passing yards. Shepard, who played from 2006-09, passed for 8,936 yards with a school-record 77 TDs. He completed 603 of 1,033 passes. He is the only player who have thrown 1,000 passes in his career at South Dakota.
Beschorner, who played from 2002-05 and started his career as a receiver and return specialist, completed 415 passes in 673 attempts for 6,240 yards and 64 TDs. Next on the list is Ryan Justice, 1999-02, with 5,944 yards and 36 TDs.
Only Three 2,000 Yard Throwers in School History
Just three players in school history have passed for more than 2,000 yards in a season and all have come during the Ed Meierkort era. Interestingly, Meierkort has had three quarterbacks pass for 2,000 yards five times in his eight seasons at the helm. Beschorner is USD's only 3,000-yard passer in school history (3,049, 2005). Shepard, who is the only Coyote ever with three 2,000-yard passing seasons, had 2,547 yards in 2007, 2,451 in 2009 and 2,000 in 2008. In fact in his freshman year in 2006, he had 1,938 yards. The third member of the 2,000 yard passing club is Dante Warren, who threw for 2,137 yards a year ago, which is the fourth-best single season total in school history.
Passing for Miles and Miles
Since Meierkort has been at USD, his three starting quarterbacks (Wesley Beschorner, Noah Shepard and Dante Warren) have passed for a combined total of 17,369 yards or nearly 10 miles (9.868 miles).
Logan Left Imprint at USD
Stefan Logan, who is now a star kick returner and running back for the NFL's Detroit Lions, was the greatest running back in school history.
Here is a look back at Logan's impact at USD. From 2003-06, he rushed for 5,958 yards (11th in DII history in 2006) on 808 carries and 28 TDs. The next closest player in history is Chul Schwanke (1982-85), who had 3,427 yards rushing and 24 TDs.
Logan has the top all-purpose season in school history with 2,670 yards in 2006 when he led USD to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. He also has a career total of 7,859 yards in career all purpose yards. The next closest Coyote was Schwanke with 4,449 yards or 3,410 yards behind Logan. His all-purpose yards total ranked seventh in Division II history when he left the school.
In addition, the Miami native, who was a Harlon Hill finalist in 2006, is the only player in USD (or North Central Central history) with four 1,000 yards rushing seasons. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry and 132.6 yards per game, which was 25th all-time. He also had 34 100-yard rushing games and is one of the few players ever with a 90-yard reception (UNO, 2005) and a 90-yard rush (98 vs. Truman State, 2005). He also had 184 yards rushing in one quarter (vs. Truman State, 2005), setting an NCAA Division II mark.
Little Holds USD's Receiving Mark
South Dakota's Brooks Little (2004-07) is the all-time receiving leader with 165 catches for 2,387 yards and 16 TDs. Just behind Little, who starred at Castlewood High in South Dakota, is Gregory's Chris Mikkelson (2001-04), who had 150 catches for 2,279 yards and 16 TDs and Coyote Hall of Famer Rod Tweet (1983-85) with 140 catches for 2,557 yards and 16 TDs.
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