Iowa native's journey: How Nathan Laperi became a defensive leader at South Dakota

VERMILLION, S.D. — When Nathan Laperi transferred to the University of South Dakota a year ago, he just wanted to earn a spot on the field. Now, the Plano, Texas, native is being asked to lead a young Coyotes defense — and his rise is a story of hard work, adaptability, and Midwest values.

Laperi, a junior defensive end, appeared in all 15 games last season without a single start. Yet he finished second on the team in tackles for loss (5.5) and sacks (4.5). His breakout came in Week 2 against Lamar, when he recorded the first two sacks of his college career in the same game. That performance showed the disruptive potential that coaches saw when he left North Texas after his freshman year.

Now, with veterans Caden Crawford, Nyle Dickel, and Mosai Newsom gone, Laperi is one of the experienced faces in the defensive line room. He shares that responsibility with senior defensive tackle Chris Dixon, who started all 15 games last season. Together, they form the anchor of a unit that needs to improve after finishing near the bottom of the Missouri Valley Football Conference in sacks and quarterback pressures.

What Laperi learned from veterans last season

Laperi credits his development to watching and learning from Crawford and Dickel every day. “I feel a lot more comfortable coming into this year,” he said. “The biggest thing I did this offseason was going back and watching games from last year — both my reps and theirs. Those were two guys I learned from every day.”

That willingness to absorb lessons from experienced teammates is a hallmark of the program’s culture. It’s also why Laperi was chosen to represent USD at MVFC Media Day alongside Tysen Boze in July — a clear sign of the trust coaches have placed in him.

Building a new defensive front

The rest of the defensive line is still taking shape during fall camp. At defensive end, redshirt junior transfers Isaiah Wray (Concordia, St. Paul) and Tyler Sapit (Bemidji State) have been rotating with the first team. Inside, redshirt senior John Starman (Brown University) and senior Jeff Bowie — who began his college career at Iowa — are sharing reps next to Dixon.

That mix of athleticism and experience leaves questions, but Laperi’s leadership is helping newcomers adjust quickly. “Me and Chris Dixon will be leading the way up front,” Laperi said. “That’s where our defense starts. Last year, we were too worried about the run. This year, we need the mentality to stop them behind the line. We have to create more pressure as an entire unit.”

Adapting to a new home in the Midwest

Laperi’s move to South Dakota required more than learning a new defense. He had to adjust to a new campus, new teammates, and new coaches. But he says the transition is behind him. “I love it here,” he said. “I love the staff, the players, and the town of Vermillion. I feel much more comfortable than last year. I’ve lived in St. Louis and Nebraska, so it’s safe to say I love the Midwest.”

That comfort has fueled his development. For a player who arrived simply hoping to establish himself, Laperi has become one of the faces of a program with championship aspirations. The Coyotes were picked fifth in the MVFC preseason poll, behind South Dakota State, Illinois State, Youngstown State, and North Dakota.

What’s ahead for Laperi and the Coyotes

Laperi believes the defensive front can take a significant step forward this fall. If that happens, it will start with the example he and Dixon set every day in practice. “For this team, the sky is the limit,” Laperi said. “It just depends on how much we want to come together and how hard we want to push one another. It’s on us to prove everyone wrong.”

For Iowa football fans, Laperi’s story is a reminder that hard work, humility, and a commitment to team can turn a transfer into a leader. And with a defense hungry to improve, the Coyotes may surprise the conference this season.

Frequently asked questions about Nathan Laperi and USD football

How did Nathan Laperi perform last season?

Laperi appeared in all 15 games for South Dakota in 2025, recording 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He ranked second on the team in both tackles for loss and sacks despite not starting a single game.

What position does Nathan Laperi play?

Laperi is a defensive end for the University of South Dakota Coyotes. He is listed as a junior and is expected to be a key starter in the 2026 season.

Where did Nathan Laperi transfer from?

Laperi transferred to South Dakota from North Texas, where he spent his true freshman season in 2024. He is originally from Plano, Texas, but has also lived in St. Louis and Nebraska.

What are the Coyotes’ expectations for the 2026 season?

South Dakota was picked fifth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll. The team aims to improve its pass rush and defensive pressure after finishing near the bottom of the conference in sacks and quarterback pressures last season.