The Jackrabbit cornerback group really answered the bell in 2022. A disappointing ending to 2021 had put them on the block as a group that needed to increase their consistency and they certainly did. Fast-forward to now and the group has a new position coach in Mike Banks. Banks played at Illinois State and most recently was the cornerbacks coach there. Year in and year out, the Redbirds had some of the best corners in the MVFC under Banks’ coaching. I’m excited to see what he can do with this experienced group!
The group is led by #5 DyShawn Gales (5-11, 190, SR) who has been so impressive during his time in Brookings! He has started for most of the past 3 seasons and has shown out as a corner that can play the run and pass equally well. DyShawn is a pre-season All-American in the eyes of many due to his strong 2022 when he racked up 31 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INT, and 10 passes defended. By the end of the year, teams were avoiding DyShawn. Banks loves how DyShawn competes and the physicality he plays with. He raved about his leadership in the room and on the team as a whole. #7 Dalys Beanum (6-1, 190, SR) and #4 Steven Arrell (6-3, 195, JR) were super subs in 2022 and now have the opportunity to start. Dalys is just a playmaker and has 6 career interceptions. He had 37 tackles, 2 INT, 11 passes defended and a blocked kick in 2022. Dalys is going to take a big step this season according to Banks and that is really exciting to hear because I already thought he was pretty good. Steven has really learned how to use his size as a weapon on defense. He is very physical at the line of scrimmage and had 19 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 PBUs and 2 forced fumbles. Steve was a fan favorite when I asked who a breakout candidate for 2023. Fans love his size and physicality and playmaking ability. When I interviewed Banks, it was clear that he does too and he also credits him with being a technician in his approach! Not many teams can match this quality trio. #17 Abe Hoskins III (6-0, 185, JR) has been snake bitten by injuries during his time in Brookings. Banks said tahat he moves really well and is efficient in and out of his cuts. He is a supreme athlete but he just needs to stay healthy so he can get on the field.
After those four there are a bunch of young guys with limited live reps. #13 Aydan Duatermann (6-1, 190, SO) played well on special teams last season and did get a fair amount of playing time in mop up duty. He made plays and allowed some plays; sort of what you expect from a young guy. He ended 2022 with 15 tackles and 2 passes defended. Banks said Dautermann is very physical, plays hard, and is the second fastest guy in the room.. #31 Jalen Lee (6-0, 195, RFr) is a natural corner that played in two games last year and was an individual who was recognized with having a strong spring season which culminated with two INTs in the spring he game. He had 3 solo stops last season. Lee may be the best man corner on the roster according to Coach Bobbit and Coach Banks thinks he is the most technical guy in the room. They are both really excited about his future in the program. Maybe the biggest riser in camp this fall is #20 Myles Taylor (6-0, 175, SO). During his time in Brookings he has battled injuries but Coach Banks is really excited about his potential if he can stay healthy.
#30 Cody Cotton (6-0, 175, SO) is an intriguing transfer from Upper Iowa. Cotton played as a true freshman for the UIU and racked up 35 tackles, 3 INT, and 8 PBU. The kid played on a bad team, in a good conference and played well. Will it translate to SDSU? We’ll have to see! He missed the spring season due to injury so but Banks knows that he is quick and twitchy.
In recruiting, the Jackrabbits added #16 Noah St-Juste (5-10, 165, FR) from Clearwater Academy in Florida. His brother played for Minnesota and Coach Banks thinks the team got something special. St-Juste had multiple FBS offers so the talent is clearly there. Banks says he is laser focused on football and that he has really good footwork. I’m excited to see Noah develop over the next few years!
This room is again loaded with returning talent but the young players in this room are really intriguing. I think this group may have a few young guys who will contribute this year either on special teams and on defense.
Go Jacks!
Matt