The Jackrabbit cornerback room has plenty of new faces in 2025 but there are also a few guys who have been with the program and have played some significant snaps in the past. The group is coached by Marcus McLin who was previously the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin-Whitewater where his team’s allowed 16.4 ppg and 14. ppg in his two seasons coordinating. He is excited about the depth of this room. He shared that the room has terrific chemistry and that they are meshing really well. Competition will be fierce to be the starters, to crack the rotation, and to make the travel roster and he is excited to see this group work!
#2 Myles Taylor (6-1, 175, SR) is back for his senior season after he recorded 7 tackles in 6 games during the 2024 campaign. Myles has always been one of the best pure athletes on the team. His coverage in the 2023 playoffs and against Montana’s excellent core of wide receivers in the National Championship is something Jackrabbit fans should always appreciate. According to McLin, Taylor has the instincts, ball skills, and unique tools to be great. Myles is now a senior and he wants to leave it all on the field this season. McLin also shared that he has improved as a leader and his smarts have been great in the meeting room.
Special teams ACE #13 Aydan Dautermann (6’0, 185, SR) will factor into the competition this fall. Mclin knows that Aydan has been a role player in the past and been a fixture on special teams units but knows he wants more. In that limited role, Aydan still produced and recorded 16 tackles, 1 PBU, and a fumble recovery. Aydan brings a big physical presence and also has the speed and athleticism to provide good coverage. He also credited Aydan with understanding leverage and playing with good technique.
#30 Cody Cotton (6’0, 170) is also entering his senior year and hoping to make a difference this year. McLin remembers Cotton when he played at Upper Iowa and McLin was at Bemidji State and said that Cody was a very good player for the Peacocks. He said that Cody is coming along at cornerback, making plays, and playing loose. He see’s Cotton providing quality depth and contributing on special teams.
Buffalo transfer #1 Jayden Oliver (6-3, 175, GR) brings some terrific length to the room and McLin says that he moves like he’s 5’10. McLin said that Oliver brings a pro-mindset to the room and that he wants to be in the NFL. Oliver arrived as soon as he could this summer and has transitioned well to the room and done his best to fit in with the team. Oliver did miss the entire 2024 season due to injury but across 8 games in 2023 he had 18 tackles, 1 INT, and 5 PBUs.
Bemidji State transfer #0 Isaiah Johnson (6’0, 185, SR) was recognized as an All-NSIC selection last season for the Beavers and he brings a wealth of experience to the room. He had 4 INTs and 7 passes defended and 21 tackles last season. McLin said that Johnson is a really physical presence and that he understands leverage. He too is competing to start.
#16 Noah St-Juste (5’10, 175, SO) saw action on special teams in 2024 and is competing to be in the rotation in 2025. McLin said that he is very talented, has good quickness and a real feel for the game. McLin says that he has a terrific work ethic and is excited to see what he does this fall.
The Jacks also added the talented #22 Jamari Holliman (6’0, 185, SO), a transfer from Florida International. McLin is really excited about his combination of size and movement skills even joking about that “Florida speed”. He said that Jamari has meshed well with the room and has really worked hard since getting to Brookings. He again mentioned his physicality, ranginess and speed. Jamari is certainly a player that I’m keeping an eye on this season.
Minnesota transfer #34 Jackson Powers (5’11, 185, SO) joins the Jackrabbits after two seasons for the Gophers. Powers starred for Maple Grove High School in the Twin Cities metro. McLin said that Powers is still developing and growing. He said that Powers has great ball skills and that he will contribute on special teams this season.
The room has three true freshmen but #21 Myles Green (6’0, 180, FR) was an early enrollee. McLin shared that he is a special talent with a bright future. His playmaking ability stems from playing wide receiver and safety in high school. As an early enrollee he grew a ton over the winter and has taken another leap this summer. McLin thinks he will contribute on special teams this year and will push to play at corner.
The other true freshmen are #36 Justin Kabera (5’11, 170, FR) and #37 Austin Bradley (6’0, 155, FR) and they are working hard this summer. Like all freshmen, they have a lot to learn but are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. They will contribute in the future!
Go Jacks!
Matt
