FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: South Dakota, Montana State Target 2027 Defensive Standouts

Promising high school and JUCO prospects receive offers from FCS programs

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:54am

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Several top defensive prospects in the 2027 recruiting class have received offers from FCS programs South Dakota and Montana State, including Amarie King, Jayden Harris, and Leshem Nyante. Meanwhile, JUCO standouts Maurice 'MJ' Harrell and Jadhari Young also picked up their first Division I offers.

Why it matters

These recruiting updates highlight the ongoing efforts of FCS programs to identify and secure commitments from talented high school and junior college players who can contribute immediately. The offers demonstrate the programs' ability to evaluate film, connect with prospects, and sell their visions for the players' development and roles within the team.

The details

Amarie King, a 2027 defensive back from Wisconsin, received an offer from South Dakota after impressing defensive coordinator Billy Kirch. Jayden Harris, a 2027 athlete from California, was offered by Montana State after meeting with the coaching staff during a junior day visit. Leshem Nyante, a 2027 offensive tackle from Texas, picked up an offer from Texas Rio Grande Valley following a conversation with offensive line coach Jeff Bowen. On the JUCO side, Maurice 'MJ' Harrell, a 2026 defensive back from Kansas, was offered by Houston Christian, while Jadhari Young, a 2026 wide receiver from California, received an offer from Eastern Illinois.

  • On April 17, Amarie King received his offer from South Dakota.
  • On April 18, Jayden Harris received his offer from Montana State.
  • On April 17, Leshem Nyante received his offer from Texas Rio Grande Valley.
  • On April 17, Maurice 'MJ' Harrell received his offer from Houston Christian.
  • On April 15, Jadhari Young received his offer from Eastern Illinois.

The players

Amarie King

A 2027 defensive back from Case High School in Racine, Wisconsin.

Jayden Harris

A 2027 athlete from Manteca High School in Manteca, California.

Leshem Nyante

A 2027 offensive tackle from Anna High School in Anna, Texas.

Maurice 'MJ' Harrell

A 2026 defensive back from Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Jadhari Young

A 2026 wide receiver from De Anza College in Cupertino, California.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Kirch told me bout the offer, and that conversation went well. He told me a lot about the school, and asked me what my family and parents do. He said that my film was amazing and that he wanted to offer me.”

— Amarie King

“First, it was Coach Lee, then I had meetings with Coach Daly and Coach Vigen, who broke the news while we were talking. They want me to come in and play early. They like my versatility as a defensive back, and that's why they offered me.”

— Jayden Harris

“Coach Bowen reached out this morning to officially extend the offer. It was a great talk, and he mentioned they really liked my film and how I would fit their system. So we are focused on building that relationship now.”

— Leshem Nyante

“Coach Coleman called and told me he liked what we saw from the videos I sent him, and that he wanted me to be a part of his program.”

— Maurice 'MJ' Harrell

“Coach Smith called me, and we had a long and great conversation. He told me he believes in me and that he thinks I can be great under his coaching.”

— Jadhari Young

The takeaway

These recruiting updates showcase the ongoing efforts of FCS programs to identify and secure commitments from talented high school and junior college players who can make an immediate impact on their teams. The offers demonstrate the programs' ability to evaluate film, connect with prospects, and sell their visions for the players' development and roles within the team.