The state of South Dakota could see a talented player hear his name called this weekend, as well as a couple more who could reach camp with a team.
Pierre Strong of SDSU listed as the top selection in the 605. The senior had a fantastic season, and is rated as a top 15 RB in this class. He is projected as a Day 3 prospect, and is the only South Dakota collegiate player in most draft mockups.
However, SDSU QB Chris Oladokun, and USD LB Jack Cochrane, are both listed as Priority Free Agents. Oladokun threw for over 3,000 yards this past season, while Cochrane was a stout defensive threat with over 100 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Besides those 3, we have listed 15 other players below who have seen time in the national rankings, and could receive an opportunity to reach Rookie Mini-Camps.
Note: numbers in quotations are positional rankings.
QUARTERBACKS
Chris Oladokun, SDSU
Projected: PFA (Top 20)
The SDSU QB threw for over 3,000 yards and 47 touchdowns in his senior season. Oladokun has been praised for his quick release, and solid poise, as well as his athleticism. Critiques against him are his read timing and decisions, but don’t be suprised if he gets a practice squad opportunity.
Kyle Saddler, Augustana
Projected: N/A (Top 50)
Kyle finished his career with one of the top seasons seen at Augustana, throwing for 38 touchdowns (#5 in nation) and earning 1st Team All-NSIC honors. Also in his final season, Saddler he totaled 3,408 yards through the air and rushed for an additional 5 touchdowns.
RUNNING BACKS
Pierre Strong, SDSU
Projected: 5th Round (Top 15)
The highest projected pick in the state, Pierre Strong’s name is no stranger to anyone in South Dakota. He rushed for over 4,000 yards in his career, and was named a First Team All-American twice. Scouts have said that Strong has great feet control and speed.
And while he ran the fastest 40 time at the combine among RBs, scouts do critique him for his size. However, it should be no surprise to see Strong playing on Sundays, and he will make a solid addition as a third-down back on an NFL team.
Vance Barnes, Northern State
Projected: N/A (Top 75)
Vance rushed for 389 yards and 3 touchdowns on 67 carries. Barnes was also a threat through the air, catching 5 touchdown passes this season on 48 receptions (350 yards). He again showed his versatility as a kick returner his season, totaling 845 yards of returns in 11 games.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Caleb Vander Esch, South Dakota
Projected: N/A (Top 200)
Caleb was a All-Conference honoree at USD, and finished his final season with 312 yards and 2 touchdowns on 32 catches.
TIGHT ENDS
Brett Samson, South Dakota
Projected: N/A (Top 100)
Brett caught 22 passes for 297 yards this season, including 4 touchdowns. He had 2 TD Catches against Indiana State on October 2nd. For his career, Samson finished with 14 touchdowns and 997 yards on 86 receptions, and played in 52 games for the Coyotes.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Aron Johnson, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 50)
Aron played Left Tackle for the Jackrabbits this fall, earning offensive POY for SDSU against Northern Iowa. He was named a Missouri Valley Offensive Lineman of the Week in 2019.
CENTERS
Wes Genant, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 50)
Originally from Parkston, Wes earned second team All-Missouri Valley this season. An Academic All-American, Genant played in 49 games for SDSU. He also switched from Right Guard to Center in 2018.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Tolu Ogunride, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 125)
Tolu had 7.5 TFL and 3 sacks in his final season for SDSU. He also came up with a strip-sack at Youngstown State that sealed the victory for the Jackrabbits and recovered a fumble in the FCS National Championship. Tolu played 45 games in his career with 13 sacks.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Thomas Stacker, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 125)
Thomas played in 64 games at SDSU, and recovered a fumble that sealed the victory against Youngstown State. He finished with career with 6 sacks and 62 tackles.
Logan Swanson, Augustana
Projected: N/A (Top 125)
A second-team All-American selection, Logan finished his final year with 6.5 TFL. He also pulled down 2.5 sacks and 21 solo tackles this season for the Vikings.
LINEBACKERS
Jack Cochrane, South Dakota
Projected: PFA (Top 30)
Jack was a beast for Coyotes this season, and put himself in a great position to get a shot at signing with an NFL team. He was the only FCS player with over 100 tackles and 4 interceptions on his way to All-American honors. In reports, he is noted for being a smart player in both the rush and pass game, and will be at minimum a priority free agent.
DeJaun Cooper, South Dakota
Projected: N/A (Top 75)
DeJaun made 13 tackles in his final season, playing in 12 games. He also forced a fumble and earned 4 tackles for loss.
Logan Blackhaus, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 150)
Logan was named an All-American and team defensive MVP for the 2021 season, nabbing 72 tackles and 9.5 TFL. Blackhaus also forced a fumble in the national championship against Sam Houston. He played in 61 career games during his time in Brookings with 9 interceptions and 329 total tackles.
CORNERBACKS
Don Gardner, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 125)
Another All-American honoree, Don finished with a team-high 9 pass deflections for the 2021 season. He had 3 pass breakups in the national championship game against Sam Houston. In 2019, Don had a 42-yard pick six, and then later recovered a fumble and took it 24 yards for the touchdown.
Lee Pitts, Sioux Falls
Projected: N/A (Top 175)
Lee transferred this last season as grad student into USF, earning 28 solo tackles. He also intercepted a pass against Southwest Minnesota State, and broke up 7 passes throughout the season.
SAFETIES
Michael Griffin II, SDSU
Projected: N/A (Top 50)
A transfer from Southwest Minnesota State, Michael finished with 6 interceptions in his Jackrabbits career. Against NDSU, he intercepted a pass that sealed the conference championship. Soon after, he had a game-ending interception against Southern Illinois in the FCS Playoffs.
Elijah Reed, South Dakota
Projected: N/A (Top 100)
Elijah was an All-Conference honoree in his time in Vermillion. He made 77 tackles this season and forced 4 fumbles, while also pulling down 2 interceptions. Reed finished with 4 interceptions in his career, while playing in 47 games.
