Ed Meierkort

Vermillion, S.D. - South Dakota head coach Ed Meierkort announced on Wednesday, Feb. 3, that 18 student-athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Coyote football team. USD’s third NCAA Division I recruiting class will begin their South Dakota career during the 2010-11 academic year.

“I would like to thank all the people involved here at the U for their efforts in attracting possibly the best group of young men in our six-year tenure,” Meierkort said. “These young men have big-time potential and are excited to be a Coyote.”

Meierkort also announced Marquis Butler (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Brandon Gorsuch (Rapid City, S.D.) have transferred and will participate in spring practices for USD. Gorsuch joins walk-on Parker Erickson (Gayville, S.D.) to bring the total number of South Dakota products in the class to four. Kevin Robb (Rapid City, S.D.) and Robbie Jelsma (Springfield, S.D.) round out a total group of 20 that features five offensive lineman, four defensive backs and two wide receivers.

“Our goal this year was to attract offensive lineman, and we were able to get some guys with great size and athleticism,” Meierkort said. “As a whole, we continued to recruit big-time players against the schools that we need to compete against. We were able to sign some heavily-contested kids out of some talent-rich areas like Chicago and Denver.”

Fans are invited to tonight’s USD Signing Day Event at 5 p.m. at Pro’s Bar and Grill in Vermillion for a chance to visit with Meierkort and his staff about the class. For more information click on the link above.

2010 USD Football Signings:
Jordan Butler - ATH/WR, 5-8, 160, North Las Vegas, Nev. (Cheyenne HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Marquis Butler - DB, 6-0, 190, Los Angeles, Calif. (Locke HS/Utah State)
Bio - Highlight Video

Brandon Gorsuch - QB, 6-1, 210, Rapid City, S.D. (Central HS/Arizona Western)
Bio - Highlight Video

Kenny Greer - DL, 6-4, 260, Barrington, Ill. (Barrington HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Broc Gullett - OL, 6-4, 275, Buckeye, Ariz. (Glendale CC)
Bio

Kyle Guziec - LB, 6-4, 225, Lake Forest, Ill. (Loyola Academy)
Bio - Highlight Video

Matt Huffer - OL, 6-7, 240, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Robbie Jelsma - LB, 6-2, 220, Springfield, S.D. (Bon Homme HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Colton Kunde - OL, 6-5, 285, Lake Forest, Ill. (Lake Forest HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Chris Lundy - DB, 5-10, 170, Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Catholic HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Tom Manning - FB, 6-2, 220, Casper, Wyo. (Kelly Walsh HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Sean Neu - S, 6-3, 190, Littleton, Colo. (Columbine HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Michael Neilson - TE, 6-4, 225, Gilbert, Ariz. (Gilbert HS/BYU)
Bio

Adam Praska - OL, 6-4, 285, Elma, Iowa (Crestwood HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Nick Rawson - OL, 6-5, 275, Brookfield, Wis. (Milwaukee Marquette HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Kevin Robb - K, 5-10, 170, Rapid City, S.D. (St. Thomas More HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Mike Ruiz - WR/CB, 5-9, 160, Riviera Beach, Fla. (Dwyer HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Chase Salazar - DE, 6-5, 235, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit North HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Andrew Schofield - OL, 6-5, 260, Orland Park, Ill. (Sandburg HS)
Bio - Higlight Video

Aaron Swift - DB, 5-9, 175, Aurora, Colo. (Eaglecrest HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Terrance Terry - WR, 5-10, 190, Barrington, Ill. (Barrington HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Walk-ons:
Parker Erickson - DB, 6-0, 175, Gayville, S.D. (Gayville-Volin HS)
Bio - Highlight Video

Josh Vander Maten - QB, 6-2, 190, Rock Valley, Iowa (Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley)
Bio