Myles Harden added to the CPOY Award List

A South Dakota football player has been added to the watch list for NCAA Comeback Player of the Year Award for the 2023 football season.

Myles Harden, a junior defensive back for the Coyotes, is one of 49 players that have been announced for the watch list for the award. Harden is only one of six FCS players added to the list. 

Harden is coming back off a season-ending injury after playing in just six games last season. Despite the injury last season, Harden was able to make All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honoree with six turnovers and third on the team in tackles at the time.

Harden said injuries are a part of the game and he will have to deal with them and overcome the adversity that comes with them.

“It was like a stepping stone, dealing with adversity and knowing what to do,” Harden said.

Harden said he worked hard during the offseason so that he could come back and play with his team after his previous season was cut short.

“It means everything to be out here with these guys,” Harden said. “It means a lot that people recognize what I am going through off the field.”

Harden, on the season for the Coyotes, has an interception, a fumble recovery as well as 32 tackles. These tackle numbers have him in seventh on the team in total tackles, and the one interception has him tied for first on the team.  

Harden said being back on the field and producing the way he has been means a lot to him. 

“It means a lot that they see what I can do on the field,” Harden said.

Harden was able to celebrate a 34-31 win over the No. 23 Youngstown State, and Harden celebrated with the team despite allowing a touchdown as he moved on that play.

Harden said the team battled with adversity throughout the game. He also said they just needed to think about the next play and keep that mentality throughout the game. 

“It means a lot knowing the adversity we had to deal with today and knowing we got the win,” Harden said. “Next play mentality.”