VERMILLION, SD (KTIV) – “It’s the most beautiful game in the world because all 11 guys have to do their job on every single play. You know? 10 guys can do their job perfectly. If one guy doesn’t, the game falls apart. So they have a lot of responsibility on every play,” said redshirt junior and University of South Dakota starting quarterback Aidan Bouman.
This is the man who will take the lead for the USD Coyotes in the 2024 season. His head coach Bob Nielson praised his maturity and the development he showed on the field during the offseason.
“He doesn’t get rattled and when it comes to a crucial game, he’s a guy our team will look to because we know he’ll give us a chance to win,” coach Nielson said.
Bouman has been around football his entire life, as his father played for several NFL teams. The transition from high school ball to FCS was a big jump and one that presented some challenges.
“You leave high school, you’re the guy in high school, and then you get to school and you’re back to square one, you know. And sometimes that’s not easy for guys. And you know, honestly, when I look back, I might have some regrets and stuff, and of course I think I could have done some things differently at the beginning of my career to advance myself,” Bouman said.
However, he believes that you can learn from anything in life and he has taken that to heart by learning and growing as a player and leader of his team.
“I take everything that has happened to me with a grain of salt. I’m really proud of myself for making it this far, but ultimately there’s still a lot of work to do and I’m going to keep that mindset,” Bouman said.
Coach Nielson is confident that fans who attend Coyotes games this season will see a talented group of young men led by their quarterback.
“From a quarterback perspective, they give you a chance to win. You know, they’re great leaders, guys that can distribute the ball in the passing game like he can and also minimize mistakes that can keep you on schedule on offense,” coach Neilson said.
USD opens its season on Thursday, August 29th at the Dakota Dome against Northern State.
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