Washington alum Alex Coker-Photo courtesy of the University of South Dakota Athletics.

College football kicked off across the country last weekend, and one Washington Demon alum made a defensive impact for the Division I University of South Dakota Coyotes football team (0-1 overall). The Coyotes opened the season in Albuquerque, New Mexico, squaring off against the University of New Mexico Lobos (1-0 overall). New Mexico outscored South Dakota 21-0 in the second quarter, propelling the Lobos to a 48-21 victory.

Redshirt sophomore Alex Coker started at outside linebacker for South Dakota’s defense. The 2014 Washington grad made nine total tackles (four solo), the second most on the team, and came up with a second quarter sack for a seven-yard loss.

Last season, Coker was one of 39 Coyotes players to compete in all 11 games, making 12 tackles as a reserve linebacker. Coker’s four-year high school football career featured a trip to the state championship in 2013. He earned all-state defensive back honors as a junior, and was named an all-state running back his senior season.

The South Dakota Coyotes are hosting their season opener this afternoon, welcoming the Weber State Wildcats (0-1 overall) to town for a non-conference clash. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Vermillion, SD.