SIOUX FALLS -- University of Sioux Falls Head Coach Jon Anderson and student-athletes Ty Smith and Harvey Enalls addressed the media during the annual Football Media Day held this afternoon at Bob Young Field Suites - Pressbox.

Area media from television, newspaper and radio attended the event. USF President Brett Bradfield, and Director of Athletics Pam Gohl along with the USF radio team of Tom Frederick, Tim Hiatt and Chad Birger were also on hand for the event.

Anderson talked about the state of his team and how the players how exhibited high energy, enthusiasm and how working together as a family is a long cherished value. 

"This team was ready for day one to get back onto the field," said Anderson. I am impressed by their approach, mental toughness and willingness to lead at every level. They are working hard in prep for the season opener. This is an exciting time for them after missing football a year ago," he said.

The players shared that they were really excited to get back on the field and with their brothers on the team.

"This is family (USF Football) is special. We do a lot together and share," said Harvey Enalls, who is a two-time All-NSIC honoree. "The chemistry and family aspect has been fantastic," he said.

"I love playing football - I really enjoy doing it," said  senior wide receiver Ty Smith. "And, to do it with friends is very special," he said.

Check out the video and extended comments from Anderson, Enalls and Smith. 



USF FOOTBALL 2021 PREVIEW -- After losing the 2020 season to the CoVID-19 pandemic, a veteran team mixed with talented newcomers will look to make the 101st year in University of Sioux Falls football history special. The Cougars, led by Head Coach Jon Anderson, are showcasing high energy with a focused and driven approach to continuing a long legacy of winning at USF.
 
Beginning in 1902 and continuing into the 21st century, the program has thrived on high expectations through a rich tradition heaped in excellence. The Cougars have 451 wins (451-418-20), 26 consecutive winning seasons and earned postseason NCAA DII playoff berths in four of five seasons. It is a program that has four national NAIA championship and 20 conference crowns including the 2016 team that was unbeaten in NSIC play.
 
Adding to that, USF is a squad that was a top-35 offense nationally in 2019 with a defense that was one of the nation's best (top-five).
 
According to Anderson, USF is aware of the high expectations of this program. And, it makes his players focused on results.
 
"On this team, I see a lot of veterans who have played a lot of football and are knocking rust off," said Anderson. "They are in shape and excited to be back and playing competition. We also have several other guys who have experience in the program and while limited experience are ready to step up. Already this fall, we are seeing a lot of good things," he said.
 
Expectations for the 2021 team remain high as the Cougars look to compete for an NSIC title and a berth in the postseason.
 
"We are excited about what our guys did in the offseason," said Anderson, who has a two-year mark of 24-11 as he begins year five with the Cougars. "We accomplished a lot this this summer in strength and conditioning and with leadership. With number of returners and seniors coming back, leadership has been good. The challenge for us is not just a year older but a year better. And, we will try to continue to improve throughout fall camp and be ready to play when we open the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Bemidji State at 6:05 pm in a game that will be on Midco Sports.  
 
With an 8-4 season in 2019, USF put together its 26th straight winning season which ranks fourth best across all divisions of NCAA. USF has had at least six wins in every season in the NSIC and a winning run in DII of nine years, including 5-4 in the transition year from NAIA to DII in 2011.  The Cougars began NSIC play in 2012 and had a 9-2 mark while earning their first DII ranking (as high as No. 17). In 2014 USF opened 10-0 (11-1 overall) and later advanced to the Mineral Water Bowl, which they won 42-10 over Central Oklahoma of the MIAA.
 
The Cougars earned its first NCAA DII playoff berth in 2015 (9-3 season) and won the NSIC with an unbeaten record (11-0, 12-1 overall) while earning a first-ever DII playoff win with a 34-21 win over Azusa Pacific as USF advanced to Sweet 16 in 2016. In 2017, the Cougars had the league's top defense and was ranked in the top five nationally in a 9-3 season which included another playoff berth in Anderson's first season as head coach. In 2018, the Cougars finished 7-4 with a 5-2 mark tied for second in the NSIC South. In 2019, USF was 8-4 with a 4-3 record in the South but earned a NCAA DII postseason bid for the second time in three years with Coach Anderson at the helm.
 
The offense, which is directed by fifth-year coordinator Jim Chapin, has eight starters returning to a unit that led the NSIC in total offense and ranked 35th in NCAA DII with 427.3 yards per game.
 
As a unit, USF ranked second in scoring at 35.3 points per game (423 total points) with 57 TDs (second most in the NSIC). It was an offense that featured balance with 216.2 yards per game (second in the NSIC) and 211.4 passing yards per game with its 8.6 average per play ranking second and the 61.2 percent completion rate the best in the league.
 
USF had 519 attempts for 2,594 rushing yards for 5.0 per rush and 28 TDs (second in the NSIC). In the passing game, USF was ninth in the league with 180-of-294 completions for 2,537 yards.  
 
In reviewing down the offense, USF will to replace All-NSIC quarterback Caden Walters with a group of four contending for the position including redshirt sophomore Josh Swanson (6-4, 202, Pewaukee, Wisc.), redshirt freshman Adam Mullen (6-0, 195, Highlands Park, Colo.), freshman Jaice Miller (6-4, 225, Champlin, Minn; and freshman Tyler Schuster, 6-2, 195, Andover, Minn.).
 
USF's rushing game has the potential to again be one of the best in the NSIC and in the region with the return of second team-All-NSIC running back Thuro Reisdorfer (6-1, 206, Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Ja'Tai Jenkins (5-10, 195, Goodyear, Ariz.).
 
 In 12 games, including 11 starts, Reisdorfer had 1,150 yards rushing (third in the NSIC, 17th in DII) on 169 carries with 13 rushing TDs (2nd, NSIC; 22nd, DII). Reisdorfer, who was named second team All-NSIC and is USF's Offensive Player to Watch (NSIC), was ranked in six rushing and scoring categories in NCAA DII.  The redshirt junior was second in the NSIC and 13th in DII in yards per carry at 6.8 yards per rush and ranked third in the league and 31st in DII in rushing yards per game at 95.8 per game. With 19 TDs, he was second in the league and seventh in NCAA DII in scoring. His 114 points and 9.5 points per game also ranked second in the league and was 10th (points) and 16th (ppg) in NCAA DII. Reisforder, who had a 98 yard TD run and an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD, ranked fourth in the NSIC in all-purpose yards with 122.8 per game (42nd nationally). He had nine games of 100 yards or more all-purpose yards.
Jenkins, a redshirt sophomore, had 105 carries for 579 yards (second on USF in yards) and four TDs. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 48.2 yards per game. In addition, he had four catches for 55 yards and a TD and recorded 634 all-purpose yards. That 1-2 punch, which Anderson said is as good as any in the NSIC, will be complemented by sophomore speedster Landon Freeman (5-11, 178, Sioux Falls, S.D.), redshirt freshman Jacqueze Lockett (5-11, 165, Milwaukee, Wisc.) and Dylan Rudingen (5-9, 205, Sunborg, Minn.). It is a deep backfield and one that has great potential.
 
"I like the running back group," said Anderson. "They are hungry and talented," he said.
 
At wideout, USF is deep and talented, noted Anderson. "Everyone understands their roles and are developing a great connection with our quarterback," he said.
 
Redshirt junior Ty Smith (6-4, 215, Sioux Falls, S.D.) leads the receiving corps, called by Anderson, with the potential to be most talented and deepest group since I have been here. There is strong competition and a lot of guys who can be playmakers," he said.
 
Smith has accumulated 61 career receptions for 857 yards and four TDs with 20 starts in 22 games. He owns two 100-yard receiving games with 110 yards and five receptions with a TD against Minnesota State in 2017 his career-best. A year ago, Smith, who has had at least two catches 14 times in his career, had 27 receptions for 361 yards and a TD. 
 
Also back in the wide receiver group is Darrion Conrad (5-10, 163, Maywood, Ill.), who provides speed and athleticism. He has seven catches for 47 yards in two seasons with USF. Transfer Dom Pegley (6-1, 215, Akron, Ohio) has the flair for the big play. A second team all-conference selection at Alderson Broaddus, Pegley hauled in 50 passes for 779 yards and seven TDs in 2019. He five game of 100 yards or more including a career-best 153. Sophomore Tanner Beaton (5-10, 168, Fargo, N.D.), had three catches for 33 yards in 2019. Also Carter Slykhuis (5-10, 162, Tea, S.D.) is expected to be in the mix at wide receiver.
 
Anderson is confident in his offensive front, which returns experience and a multitude of talented newcomers and returners.
 
"I believe they are a solid group and we have solid depth," he said.
 
USF returns two starters on the offensive line including redshirt junior Jackson Wright (6-5, 295, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa) and redshirt sophomore Brennan Moran (6-4, 300, No. Sioux City, Iowa). They are joined by Terrell Connor (6-6, 290, Owatonna, Minn.), who has played in 20 career games with 12 starts and a career grade of 81 percent. Moran also has a career 81 percent grade, started in 12 straight games in 2021 and led the Cougars with 58 knockdowns.
 
Connor also played in eight games and had an 81 percent grade. Also back with experience is Bryce Couch (6-3, 295, Trenton, Ohio), who has an 82 percent grade in 15 career games. USF will also look to Jasper Parks (6-7, 295, Mesa, Ariz., Western New Mexico), Matt Kjellegaard (6-3, 285, Oakdale, Calif., transfer from Fresno State), Sebastian Pares (6-6, 270, redshirt freshman, West Chicago, Ill.), Jered Dexter (6-4, 290, Brentwood, Calif., Laney College transfer)  Zach Lyons (6-0, 292, Eldersburg, Md.) and Peter Narrai (6-4, 285, Franklin, Wisc.).
 
Led by the return of redshirt junior Ben Sokup (6-5, 250, Altoona, Wisc.), USF will be deep and talented at tight end.   Sokup, a nominee for the AFCA/All Good State Team and an Academic All-NSIC in 2020, had six catches for 136 yards in 2019 when he started eight and played in 12 games. He will be joined by redshirt junior Caleb Kennedy (6-5, 250, Broomfield, Colo.), freshman Mark Leonard (6-5, 250, Rochester, Minn.), redshirt freshman Hunter Schneider (6-4, 245, Ripon, Wisc.) and sophomore Josiah Jansen (6-5, 245, Orange City, Iowa). It is a group that has size, good speed and the capacity to make big plays.
 
USF's defense returns seven starters to unit that ranked fourth in DII
 
"We have a lot of experience back on defense and a group of leaders, who have worked hard this past spring and summer," noted Anderson. "I like the depth upfront, a solid linebacking group and an experienced secondary with playmakers all over the defense," he said.
 
In 2019, the Cougars defense was again one of the best in DII, ranking4th in NCAA DII and second in the NSIC by allowing 260.7 yards per game. The Cougars were 14th in DII with 17.3 points per game while owning a fifth place ranking in pass efficiency defense. USF was 12th in DII and second in passing (161.8 yards per game) and ranked fourth in the NSIC and 16th in DII by limiting opponents to 98.8 yards per game.
 
It was the second time in three seasons that USF had one of the nation's top 10 defenses. And, this year returns a wealth of talent. Starting on the defense line, the Cougars have a unit that should create pressure while stopping opponent rushing attacks.
 
According to Anderson, one of the strengths of the team will be the defensive line.  Leading the way is redshirt senior Joey Wehrkamp (6-2, 250, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who has 95 career tackles (55 solo stops) in 35 starters in his career. He has recorded 19 tackles for loss with eight sacks. Also upfront for USF will be redshirt sophomore Amaurii Grosskopf (6-4, 280, Beloit, Wisc.), who had 39 tackles with 22 solo stops and five tackles for loss in 2019. USF also rerurns David Vargas (6-3, 299, Randolph, N.J.), who has 39 career tackles with 20 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss in 13 games. Also upfront will be redshirt junior Jesse Ybarra (6-1, 280, Moreno Valley, Calif.), senior David Martinez (6-4, 290, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) as well as freshman Walker Harris (6-1, 215, Summerfield, N.D./Jacksonville State transfer).
 
"We are excited about the group upfront and know they will make plays. They are a definite strength for us," he said.
 
At linebacker, USF will be led by All-NSIC standout Harvey Enalls  (6-1, 225, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who time has earned all-league honors. He has recorded 134 career tackles with 77 solo stops. Enalls, a redshirt senior, has 12.5 career tacklesf or loss, 8.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries. He has had two tackles or more in a game 25 times and four or more tackles 17 times with double-digits twice.  "Harvey Enalls does a great job at leading the defense," said Anderson.
 
Others at lienbacker will be redshirt sophomore Cody Jantzen (6-3, 230, St. Germain, Wisc.), who had 10 tackles in 12 games in 2019. He is joined by redshirt sophomore Masaeo Wooden (6-1, 239, Milwaukee, Wisc.), redshirt junior Grant Rice (6-3, 230, Gayville, S.D.), redshirt freshman Noah Schmitt (6-0, 200, Jordan, Minn.), freshman Dylan Law (6-3, 225, Crystal Lake, Ill.) and junior Ty'Rese Washington (6-2, 205, Columbia, S.C.). 
 
Anderson also feels his secondary is solid, led by several returns. At cornerback redshirt senior Dorian Fedrick (6-2, 177, Rialto, Calif.) had 32 tacles (17 solos) with a tackle for loss, interception and six pass breakups in 2019. He will be hoined by senior transfer Lee Pitts (5-11, 190, Agoura Hills, Calif./Azusa Pacific transfer), redshirt sophomore  Connor Aldrich (6-1, 174, Rockford, Ill.) freshman Justin Mathieau (6-2, 185, Naples, Fla.)
 
At safety, veteran Nate Durfee is back for his senior campaign.  Durfee (6-1, 205, Sioux Falls, S.D.), has 127 career tackles (79 solo stops) in 35 games with 24 starts. He has 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions with nine passes defended and eight breakups. Redshirt junior Gio Purpurra (6-2, 185, McHenry, Ill.), has played in 23 games with 33 career tackles and 22 solo stops. He has three tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. Also in the safety role will be sophomore Carter Lohr (6-0, 175, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who had a great spring, said Anderson. He also played in three games for the 2019 playoff team. Redshirt senior Chris Hill (6-1, 210, Bealeton, Virginia/Alderson Broaddus) has 46 career tackles and a forced fumble while at Alderson Broaddus in 2019.
 
"The secondary is solid and we look for good things from that group," said Anderson. "They continue to work through the reps and gain experience and confidence," he said.
 
On the special teams, USF will utilize Luke Barnes and Anthony Villarreal in the snapping roles. At punter, USF will look to freshman Seamus Hall (6-2, 185, Walla Walla, Wash.), or freshman Nick Hernandez (6-0, 185, San Antonio, Texas) while Hernandez and junior Peter Slyso (6-1, 25, Rovinka, Slovakia/Sterling College), who try and win placing kicking duties.
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sioux Falls Football - 101 years - Expectations Remain High
 
2021 PREVIEW -- After losing the 2020 season to the CoVID-19 pandemic, a veteran team mixed with talented newcomers will look to make the 101st year in University of Sioux Falls football history special. The Cougars, led by Head Coach Jon Anderson, are showcasing high energy with a focused and driven approach to continuing a long legacy of winning at USF.
 
Beginning in 1902 and continuing into the 21st century, the program has thrived on high expectations through a rich tradition heaped in excellence. The Cougars have 451 wins (451-418-20), 26 consecutive winning seasons and earned postseason NCAA DII playoff berths in four of five seasons. It is a program that has four national NAIA championship and 20 conference crowns including the 2016 team that was unbeaten in NSIC play.
 
Adding to that, USF is a squad that was a top-35 offense nationally in 2019 with a defense that was one of the nation's best (top-five).
 
According to Anderson, USF is aware of the high expectations of this program. And, it makes his players focused on results.
 
"On this team, I see a lot of veterans who have played a lot of football and are knocking rust off," said Anderson. "They are in shape and excited to be back and playing competition. We also have several other guys who have experience in the program and while limited experience are ready to step up. Already this fall, we are seeing a lot of good things," he said.
 
Expectations for the 2021 team remain high as the Cougars look to compete for an NSIC title and a berth in the postseason.
 
"We are excited about what our guys did in the offseason," said Anderson, who has a two-year mark of 24-11 as he begins year five with the Cougars. "We accomplished a lot this this summer in strength and conditioning and with leadership. With number of returners and seniors coming back, leadership has been good. The challenge for us is not just a year older but a year better. And, we will try to continue to improve throughout fall camp and be ready to play when we open the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Bemidji State at 6:05 pm in a game that will be on Midco Sports.  
 
With an 8-4 season in 2019, USF put together its 26th straight winning season which ranks fourth best across all divisions of NCAA. USF has had at least six wins in every season in the NSIC and a winning run in DII of nine years, including 5-4 in the transition year from NAIA to DII in 2011.  The Cougars began NSIC play in 2012 and had a 9-2 mark while earning their first DII ranking (as high as No. 17). In 2014 USF opened 10-0 (11-1 overall) and later advanced to the Mineral Water Bowl, which they won 42-10 over Central Oklahoma of the MIAA.
 
The Cougars earned its first NCAA DII playoff berth in 2015 (9-3 season) and won the NSIC with an unbeaten record (11-0, 12-1 overall) while earning a first-ever DII playoff win with a 34-21 win over Azusa Pacific as USF advanced to Sweet 16 in 2016. In 2017, the Cougars had the league's top defense and was ranked in the top five nationally in a 9-3 season which included another playoff berth in Anderson's first season as head coach. In 2018, the Cougars finished 7-4 with a 5-2 mark tied for second in the NSIC South. In 2019, USF was 8-4 with a 4-3 record in the South but earned a NCAA DII postseason bid for the second time in three years with Coach Anderson at the helm.
 
The offense, which is directed by fifth-year coordinator Jim Chapin, has eight starters returning to a unit that led the NSIC in total offense and ranked 35th in NCAA DII with 427.3 yards per game.
 
As a unit, USF ranked second in scoring at 35.3 points per game (423 total points) with 57 TDs (second most in the NSIC). It was an offense that featured balance with 216.2 yards per game (second in the NSIC) and 211.4 passing yards per game with its 8.6 average per play ranking second and the 61.2 percent completion rate the best in the league.
 
USF had 519 attempts for 2,594 rushing yards for 5.0 per rush and 28 TDs (second in the NSIC). In the passing game, USF was ninth in the league with 180-of-294 completions for 2,537 yards.  
 
In reviewing down the offense, USF will to replace All-NSIC quarterback Caden Walters with a group of four contending for the position including redshirt sophomore Josh Swanson (6-4, 202, Pewaukee, Wisc.), redshirt freshman Adam Mullen (6-0, 195, Highlands Park, Colo.), freshman Jaice Miller (6-4, 225, Champlin, Minn; and freshman Tyler Schuster, 6-2, 195, Andover, Minn.).
 
USF's rushing game has the potential to again be one of the best in the NSIC and in the region with the return of second team-All-NSIC running back Thuro Reisdorfer (6-1, 206, Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Ja'Tai Jenkins (5-10, 195, Goodyear, Ariz.).
 
 In 12 games, including 11 starts, Reisdorfer had 1,150 yards rushing (third in the NSIC, 17th in DII) on 169 carries with 13 rushing TDs (2nd, NSIC; 22nd, DII). Reisdorfer, who was named second team All-NSIC and is USF's Offensive Player to Watch (NSIC), was ranked in six rushing and scoring categories in NCAA DII.  The redshirt junior was second in the NSIC and 13th in DII in yards per carry at 6.8 yards per rush and ranked third in the league and 31st in DII in rushing yards per game at 95.8 per game. With 19 TDs, he was second in the league and seventh in NCAA DII in scoring. His 114 points and 9.5 points per game also ranked second in the league and was 10th (points) and 16th (ppg) in NCAA DII. Reisforder, who had a 98 yard TD run and an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD, ranked fourth in the NSIC in all-purpose yards with 122.8 per game (42nd nationally). He had nine games of 100 yards or more all-purpose yards.
Jenkins, a redshirt sophomore, had 105 carries for 579 yards (second on USF in yards) and four TDs. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 48.2 yards per game. In addition, he had four catches for 55 yards and a TD and recorded 634 all-purpose yards. That 1-2 punch, which Anderson said is as good as any in the NSIC, will be complemented by sophomore speedster Landon Freeman (5-11, 178, Sioux Falls, S.D.), redshirt freshman Jacqueze Lockett (5-11, 165, Milwaukee, Wisc.) and Dylan Rudingen (5-9, 205, Sunborg, Minn.). It is a deep backfield and one that has great potential.
 
"I like the running back group," said Anderson. "They are hungry and talented," he said.
 
At wideout, USF is deep and talented, noted Anderson. "Everyone understands their roles and are developing a great connection with our quarterback," he said.
 
Redshirt junior Ty Smith (6-4, 215, Sioux Falls, S.D.) leads the receiving corps, called by Anderson, with the potential to be most talented and deepest group since I have been here. There is strong competition and a lot of guys who can be playmakers," he said.
 
Smith has accumulated 61 career receptions for 857 yards and four TDs with 20 starts in 22 games. He owns two 100-yard receiving games with 110 yards and five receptions with a TD against Minnesota State in 2017 his career-best. A year ago, Smith, who has had at least two catches 14 times in his career, had 27 receptions for 361 yards and a TD. 
 
Also back in the wide receiver group is Darrion Conrad (5-10, 163, Maywood, Ill.), who provides speed and athleticism. He has seven catches for 47 yards in two seasons with USF. Transfer Dom Pegley (6-1, 215, Akron, Ohio) has the flair for the big play. A second team all-conference selection at Alderson Broaddus, Pegley hauled in 50 passes for 779 yards and seven TDs in 2019. He five game of 100 yards or more including a career-best 153. Sophomore Tanner Beaton (5-10, 168, Fargo, N.D.), had three catches for 33 yards in 2019. Also Carter Slykhuis (5-10, 162, Tea, S.D.) is expected to be in the mix at wide receiver.
 
Anderson is confident in his offensive front, which returns experience and a multitude of talented newcomers and returners.
 
"I believe they are a solid group and we have solid depth," he said.
 
USF returns two starters on the offensive line including redshirt junior Jackson Wright (6-5, 295, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa) and redshirt sophomore Brennan Moran (6-4, 300, No. Sioux City, Iowa). They are joined by Terrell Connor (6-6, 290, Owatonna, Minn.), who has played in 20 career games with 12 starts and a career grade of 81 percent. Moran also has a career 81 percent grade, started in 12 straight games in 2021 and led the Cougars with 58 knockdowns.
 
Connor also played in eight games and had an 81 percent grade. Also back with experience is Bryce Couch (6-3, 295, Trenton, Ohio), who has an 82 percent grade in 15 career games. USF will also look to Jasper Parks (6-7, 295, Mesa, Ariz., Western New Mexico), Matt Kjellegaard (6-3, 285, Oakdale, Calif., transfer from Fresno State), Sebastian Pares (6-6, 270, redshirt freshman, West Chicago, Ill.), Jered Dexter (6-4, 290, Brentwood, Calif., Laney College transfer)  Zach Lyons (6-0, 292, Eldersburg, Md.) and Peter Narrai (6-4, 285, Franklin, Wisc.).
 
Led by the return of redshirt junior Ben Sokup (6-5, 250, Altoona, Wisc.), USF will be deep and talented at tight end.   Sokup, a nominee for the AFCA/All Good State Team and an Academic All-NSIC in 2020, had six catches for 136 yards in 2019 when he started eight and played in 12 games. He will be joined by redshirt junior Caleb Kennedy (6-5, 250, Broomfield, Colo.), freshman Mark Leonard (6-5, 250, Rochester, Minn.), redshirt freshman Hunter Schneider (6-4, 245, Ripon, Wisc.) and sophomore Josiah Jansen (6-5, 245, Orange City, Iowa). It is a group that has size, good speed and the capacity to make big plays.
 
USF's defense returns seven starters to unit that ranked fourth in DII
 
"We have a lot of experience back on defense and a group of leaders, who have worked hard this past spring and summer," noted Anderson. "I like the depth upfront, a solid linebacking group and an experienced secondary with playmakers all over the defense," he said.
 
In 2019, the Cougars defense was again one of the best in DII, ranking4th in NCAA DII and second in the NSIC by allowing 260.7 yards per game. The Cougars were 14th in DII with 17.3 points per game while owning a fifth place ranking in pass efficiency defense. USF was 12th in DII and second in passing (161.8 yards per game) and ranked fourth in the NSIC and 16th in DII by limiting opponents to 98.8 yards per game.
 
It was the second time in three seasons that USF had one of the nation's top 10 defenses. And, this year returns a wealth of talent. Starting on the defense line, the Cougars have a unit that should create pressure while stopping opponent rushing attacks.
 
According to Anderson, one of the strengths of the team will be the defensive line.  Leading the way is redshirt senior Joey Wehrkamp (6-2, 250, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who has 95 career tackles (55 solo stops) in 35 starters in his career. He has recorded 19 tackles for loss with eight sacks. Also upfront for USF will be redshirt sophomore Amaurii Grosskopf (6-4, 280, Beloit, Wisc.), who had 39 tackles with 22 solo stops and five tackles for loss in 2019. USF also rerurns David Vargas (6-3, 299, Randolph, N.J.), who has 39 career tackles with 20 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss in 13 games. Also upfront will be redshirt junior Jesse Ybarra (6-1, 280, Moreno Valley, Calif.), senior David Martinez (6-4, 290, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) as well as freshman Walker Harris (6-1, 215, Summerfield, N.D./Jacksonville State transfer).
 
"We are excited about the group upfront and know they will make plays. They are a definite strength for us," he said.
 
At linebacker, USF will be led by All-NSIC standout Harvey Enalls  (6-1, 225, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who time has earned all-league honors. He has recorded 134 career tackles with 77 solo stops. Enalls, a redshirt senior, has 12.5 career tacklesf or loss, 8.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries. He has had two tackles or more in a game 25 times and four or more tackles 17 times with double-digits twice.  "Harvey Enalls does a great job at leading the defense," said Anderson.
 
Others at lienbacker will be redshirt sophomore Cody Jantzen (6-3, 230, St. Germain, Wisc.), who had 10 tackles in 12 games in 2019. He is joined by redshirt sophomore Masaeo Wooden (6-1, 239, Milwaukee, Wisc.), redshirt junior Grant Rice (6-3, 230, Gayville, S.D.), redshirt freshman Noah Schmitt (6-0, 200, Jordan, Minn.), freshman Dylan Law (6-3, 225, Crystal Lake, Ill.) and junior Ty'Rese Washington (6-2, 205, Columbia, S.C.). 
 
Anderson also feels his secondary is solid, led by several returns. At cornerback redshirt senior Dorian Fedrick (6-2, 177, Rialto, Calif.) had 32 tacles (17 solos) with a tackle for loss, interception and six pass breakups in 2019. He will be hoined by senior transfer Lee Pitts (5-11, 190, Agoura Hills, Calif./Azusa Pacific transfer), redshirt sophomore  Connor Aldrich (6-1, 174, Rockford, Ill.) freshman Justin Mathieau (6-2, 185, Naples, Fla.)
 
At safety, veteran Nate Durfee is back for his senior campaign.  Durfee (6-1, 205, Sioux Falls, S.D.), has 127 career tackles (79 solo stops) in 35 games with 24 starts. He has 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions with nine passes defended and eight breakups. Redshirt junior Gio Purpurra (6-2, 185, McHenry, Ill.), has played in 23 games with 33 career tackles and 22 solo stops. He has three tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. Also in the safety role will be sophomore Carter Lohr (6-0, 175, Sioux Falls, S.D.), who had a great spring, said Anderson. He also played in three games for the 2019 playoff team. Redshirt senior Chris Hill (6-1, 210, Bealeton, Virginia/Alderson Broaddus) has 46 career tackles and a forced fumble while at Alderson Broaddus in 2019.
 
"The secondary is solid and we look for good things from that group," said Anderson. "They continue to work through the reps and gain experience and confidence," he said.
 
On the special teams, USF will utilize Luke Barnes and Anthony Villarreal in the snapping roles. At punter, USF will look to freshman Seamus Hall (6-2, 185, Walla Walla, Wash.), or freshman Nick Hernandez (6-0, 185, San Antonio, Texas) while Hernandez and junior Peter Slyso (6-1, 25, Rovinka, Slovakia/Sterling College), who try and win placing kicking duties.