Meet the South Dakota 2026 Newcomers: Part III

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SOUTH DAKOTA--</strong>We dive more into our 2026 newcomers series with five more South Dakota prospects that cracked our latest rankings. We found a sound running back group, a defensive tackle with GREAT upside, and a 1st Team All-State defensive back that we should have been sooner on!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1575913' first='Grayden' last='Juve'], RB, Rapid City St. Thomas More </strong><a href="https://x.com/GraydenJuve">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1601099,"width":"286px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/IMG_2075-rotated-crop-481x316-1736830479.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1601099" style="width:286px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grayden was rated in my top-tier amongst running backs overall at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase as that was the first reason he needed to be added to our 2026 rankings. I like how quick his vision opens up once he gets into the second level as you can tell on tape the next gear that Grayden has once he nearly sees the open field. Even as a pass-catcher, it's easy to see the pure balance that Grayden brings to the table in the backfield as there is just a sound poise when the ball is in his hands. Grayden also shows off a patience that intrigues me on the second level and for good reason, as the Cavaliers have one of the more stacked offensive lines in the state. He is one that his senior season could surely raise his stock even further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1568245' first='Tate' last='Connell'], DB, Sioux Falls Christian </strong><a href="https://x.com/TateConnell1">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1601105,"width":"274px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/tate_b53bcd-crop-339x223-1736830549.jpg?w=338" alt="" class="wp-image-1601105" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As an 11A All-State defensive back, [player_tooltip player_id='1568245' first='Tate' last='Connell'] was surely one caught my attention during the season for the Chargers. This 2026 safety is a certified menace around the ball and shows off the excellent football IQ with how quickly his presence attacks over the middle of the field. You can also gauge the persistency that Tate shows with the attention to detail with his footwork as this young man is a wrecking ball full of contact at the point of attack as a disruptor for pass breakups. Tate is surely on my "hit list" for the hardest hitting defensive backs in the Dakotas that I am seen on tape and one that surely looks like he is a fit on Saturdays for sure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591444' first='Carter' last='Merrill'], RB, Pierre T.F. Riggs </strong><a href="https://x.com/CarterMerrill18">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2026 running back that intrigues me with his patient vision in this group of newcomers is [player_tooltip player_id='1591444' first='Carter' last='Merrill'] of Pierre T.F. Riggs. The 5'10 170 pounder, also was a stockriser during the season too, as he didn't get his first start until Week 6 as a running back that impresses me on tape with his change of direction and fluidity he shows off on every rep. Carter also shows off a running back that I feel runs with much more finesse for his size than you would expect, which I love to see on tape as one that shows off the upside to be more durable thru contact upcoming. He surely looks like to be could be an early season bloomer that hopefully college coaches have done their homework on prior, as he has some great upside left to bring in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592358' first='Grady' last='Gran'], DL, WWSSC </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grady is a defensive tackle that has raw, yet intriguing tape based on how it's laid out and what you see from it. The 6'4 270 pounder shows off plenty of strength by ripping thru double teams, showing off agile hands yet you can surely grasp there is a great ceiling with this young man. Grady also shows quicker lateral movement just outside the inside box than you would expect at that from which is also intriguing to see on tape. Grady to me has the upside to raise his stock highly in this 2026 class of defensive linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592472' first='Slayten' last='Wilkinson'], RB/ATH, De Smet</strong> <a href="https://x.com/slayten_wilkie">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1601113,"width":"280px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/slayten-crop-339x223-1736830635.jpg?w=338" alt="" class="wp-image-1601113" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Slayten shows off plenty of athleticism with the running backs he puts out on tape, as there is plenty of elusiveness with his 6'2 175 pound frame for the taking. He runs like a bull along the edges of the field, and after contact you might just get the horns when you watch him work off his defenders on tape. I've heard from sources, that he was impressive with his junior season as I cannot wait to see that tape come out here hopefully very soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->