USD cornerback Myles Harden named to the “Comeback Player of the Year” watch list

South Dakota cornerback Myles Harden is one of 49 college football student-athletes – and one of six FCS players – currently under consideration for the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award.
 
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
 
Harden was named a sophomore all-American by HERO Sports and an all-MVFC honoree last season despite playing in just six games. That’s because he forced six turnovers in those games and was the Coyotes’ third-leading tackler up to that point.
 
Harden was named a preseason, first-team all-American this year and is leading a South Dakota defense that ranks first in scoring defense among FCS scholarship programs. He has one interception, recovered a fumble and has 26 tackles, which ranks fourth on the team.
 
South Dakota is 4-1 and back in the top 10 of the national rankings for the first time since 2017. The Coyotes host nationally-ranked Youngstown State (3-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday inside the DakotaDome.