I had the privilege of talking to cornerback coach Dyshawn Gales and defensive back/safeties coach Marcus McLin about the cornerback room and what Jackrabbit fans can expect from a whole bunch of new players in 2026. For the second consecutive season, the Jacks are looking at a rebuild in their corner room. They only return one player who saw significant action in 2025 so it is plenty of new faces. Overall, I think everyone can admit that the corners didn’t meet expectations in 2025. I’m guessing most of the guys who played snaps would say the same. Coach Gales believes in his room and feels like they will be better in 2026. He said that the room has become very close and that the culture of the room is great and it will translate to the field.
He started off by talking about #1 Ife Current (6’2, 195, SR) who transferred in after a terrific season at University of Nebraska-Kearney. He was recognized with All-American honors and was an All-Region selection after posting 4 INTs, 4 PBUs, and 55 tackles (45 solo). It is so fun to watch Ife highlights because he is so physical and dominant. Gales believes that Ife can be a shutdown corner in the MVFC as well and that he will play on the boundary. He also said that Ife has been a great addition to the room and that he is able to click with everyone.
#7 Noah St-Juste (5’10, 180, JR) played in the slot and at Sam last season but is competing to be CB2 while also still being used in the slot. Remember, St-Juste was excellent when asked to matchup with slot receivers in 2025. Go look at Taco Dowler’s stats in the week 2 matchup vs. Montana State. Coach Gales say that Noah is a technician and super savvy in his approach. He totaled 27 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 PBU, and a QBH last season. He’s put in a ton of work and is a film junky and asks next level questions in the meeting room. He said that Noah knows the system and is like a coach on the field.
Another hold over that saw some time on the field in 2025 is #21 Myles Green (6’0, 185, SO). He finished the season with 8 tackles and 1 INT. Myles has consistently been a name that is brought up in conversations with the coaches. They’re not sure where he will play this year but he will be on the field due to his versatility. Coach Gales believes that he could be in the echelon of corners such as Jordan Brown, Don Gardner, and Dalys Beanum. He saw those guys up close so that is one heck of a compliment! He said that Myles trains like a pro and has seen huge growth (bigger, stronger, faster). He said Myles is taking on the challenge and is eager to get on the field this fall.
The second transfer that the Jacks brought in is #6 Paul “PK” Kim (5’11, 190, JR). I was really impressed when I saw PK in person. He does not look like a D3 athlete and physically you would never ever know. In two years at Wisconsin Whitewater he earned all-conference selections and totaled 51 tackles, 12 PBUs, and 1 INT. Every coach I talked to called PK a “technician” with Coach Gales going even further saying that he just does everything right. Coach Gales says that he can play the boundary or field and that he is the perfect fit for what they needed in a cornerback. I’m excited to see PK in game action and see exactly how he translates to the MVFC.
Another player who may spend some time at corner is someone we highlighted in the safety room. Coach Gales said that #2 Amaje Parker (6’0, 195, JR) has a terrific work ethic and that he made a big jump over the summer. He’s twitchy and explosive and brings a big personality to the defensive back meetings.
#15 Jamari Holliman (’60, 195, JR) is another intriguing player who returned to the room this year. After transferring in from FIU, Holliman saw action in 6 games, primarily on special teams. Coach Gales said that Jamari is a freak athlete with a 40″ vertical and a 4.4. He said that Jamari is still raw but he is improving daily. He’ll be a core special teams guy this year and will strive to see time at corner.
The Jacks brought in 3 talented freshmen in this class with the one most likely to see the field early being #13 Emeir White (5’11, 185, FR). He was impressive to see work in practice. Coach Gales says that he is long and athletic and and that he wants to make every play. He commended Emeir for working his tail off to hit the ground running when he got to Brookings. He said that Emeir is quiet but he’s a dog that just handles his business every day. #14 Jayden Noel (6’1, 205, FR) is obviously a little bigger but looks to be just as talented. Coach Gales says that he is raw right now but he has unlimited potential. He has noticeably long arms and is God gifted with his athleticism. He said that Jayden will likely be a boundary corner and that he will compete for special teams this season.
The 3rd guy in the class is #31 Robert Hunter (6’0, 185, FR) who early enrolled and was in Brookings for spring. Unfortunately Robert was injured over the summer and will miss the entire season. He said that Robert is raw but he has a ton of natural athleticism and that he is really twitchy. Here’s to a speedy recovery for Robert.
I really like this room entering 2026. The Jacks were able to go out and get the guys that fit their scheme and fit their culture. Whether it was a conversation with Bergstrom, McLin or Gales, they seem genuinely excited about this group and think that they will surprise some people. Only time will tell but I’m excited too.
Go Jacks,
Matt
