Michael Nee, Glenbard East’s 6-2 guard, has transformed from an underrated recruit to one of Illinois’ premier shooting talents. He drilled 98 threes as a junior, hitting 47% from beyond the arc, and crossed 1,000 career points before his senior year. His persistence paid off with multiple Division I offers and a commitment to South Dakota after an impactful official visit, where the staff and small-town vibe clicked. Nee will join Hinsdale Central’s Vince Buzelis at South Dakota, adding a shyly rising Illinois pipeline to the Coyotes. Nee’s floor-spacers’ gravity could seed immediate offensive upside, provided he can defend and handle more ballhandling duties in a college system. The Breakaway Adidas circuit helped him showcase elite range, and his growth arc suggests a breakout college season with real fantasy leverage for shooters.

The recruiting arc emphasizes not just Nee’s shooting, but the broader narrative: a program that values shooting versatility and a coaching staff that actively pursued him early. The connection to Vince Buzelis, and the familial link to Matas Buzelis of the Bulls, adds a compelling storyline as Illinois prospects feed into the Coyotes’ roster. South Dakota’s embrace of these under-the-radar Illinois talents signals a trend where prolific shooters find college homes that maximize their floor-stretching skills, setting the stage for a potential fantasy-friendly run if Nee can scale his defensive and playmaking responsibilities in his first year.

University of South Dakota's head football coach, Travis Johansen, is actively seeking to rebuild his team's roster following a challenging offseason. With several seniors graduating and an influx of transfers affecting team dynamics, Johansen has shifted focus to the spring transfer portal to enhance the squad. This approach is especially critical due to recent NCAA regulations that reduce team rosters, limiting them to 105 players, compelling many schools to offload talent, thereby expanding the pool of available athletes.

Johansen emphasizes the importance of attracting players who not only possess talent but also align with the team's culture and scheme. Faced with unexpected player departures, the recruitment strategy has grown more complex, but Johansen remains determined to secure individuals with multiple years of eligibility, ensuring the team can develop a strong foundation for the future. His proactive measures aim to establish a competitive roster ahead of the upcoming season.

The Denver Broncos are actively seeking to finalize their 90-man roster ahead of organized team activities, starting with a rookie minicamp featuring tryout players. One standout is Travis Theis, a running back from South Dakota. Standing at 5-11 and weighing 215 pounds, Theis showcased impressive statistics during his collegiate career, amassing 1,172 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in his final season. His phenomenal performance earned him second-team AFCA All-American honors and he finished as the all-time leading rusher for the Coyotes, highlighting a steady increase in production throughout his college tenure.

Theis's notable leap from 844 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2023 to over 1,172 yards with 19 touchdowns in 2024 suggests he has the potential to make a significant impact if given a chance in the NFL. The Broncos are keen to evaluate his skills closely during the minicamp and potentially add him to their depth chart.

Blake Holden, a former standout from Watertown High School, will showcase his skills at the USD Pro Day in Vermillion, SD, scheduled for March 26. This 6'3", 300-pound defensive lineman was a key contributor to the University of South Dakota Coyotes, who achieved an impressive 11-3 season in 2024, sharing the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. With 53 tackles and five quarterback sacks in his final season, Holden earned second-team All-MVFC honors, making him a strong candidate for professional opportunities.

Other Coyotes participating in the Pro Day include notable players like wide receivers Tristan Michaud and AJ Coons, along with defensive backs Dennis Shorter and Keyon Turner. This event will be crucial for these athletes looking to transition into professional football, following a successful collegiate career.