2014 Washington graduate Alex Coker. Photo courtesy of University of South Dakota Athletic Department.

A recent graduate of Washington Community Schools is excited to line up on the gridiron against a Big 12 foe this evening. Alex Coker, a 2014 graduate of Washington, is entering his redshirt freshman season at the University of South Dakota on the football team.

The Division I Football Championship Subdivision member has played several notable schools over the years, including the Oregon Ducks last season in Eugene. This season, the Kansas State Wildcats of the Big 12 Conference have scheduled the Coyotes for their season opener.

Coker was able to travel with the team to Oregon last season and says it was an impactful experience, “It was a really good experience for me and opened my eyes as to what college football was.”

Kansas State has dubbed tonight’s football game with the Coyotes as their Hall of Fame Game. Coker says he should see some playing time on special teams and as a back-up outside linebacker.

Kickoff between Kansas State and South Dakota is set for 7 p.m. at Bill Synder Memorial Stadium in Manhattan, KS.