South Dakota Shines with AFCA All-America Honors: Grace and Theis Lead the Coyotes

South Dakota has always been known for its vibrant sporting culture, supported extensively by the University of South Dakota (USD). Here, the community prides itself on nurturing talented athletes across various disciplines, including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, and golf. However, it is the accomplishments in football that have recently caught the national spotlight, thanks to Mi’Quise Grace and Travis Theis, who have earned the 2024 AFCA Second Team All-America honors.

This significant achievement not only highlights individual excellence but also demonstrates South Dakota’s growing influence in collegiate sports, particularly within the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).

Mi’Quise Grace: Defensive Dynamo

It has been a landmark year for Mi’Quise Grace, a sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio, playing for the Coyotes. His defensive prowess has been turning heads nationwide, reinforcing his stature by becoming the 2024 MVFC Defensive Player of the Year. Grace’s extraordinary statistics of 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks signal his readiness for the big leagues.

Grace’s highlight of the season was undoubtedly his career day against Indiana State, where he recorded 4.0 tackles for loss (TFLs) and 2.5 sacks in a stunning 49-0 victory. This shutout game was one for the history books of South Dakota football, showcasing both Grace’s individual skills and the team’s defensive strategies.

Travis Theis: Running Back Extraordinaire

Travis Theis, a senior hailing from Pratt, Kansas, has been a cornerstone in the Coyotes’ offensive strategy. Not just a repeated starter across his four-year career, Theis has rewritten the record books at USD, holding the program record for career rushing scores.

This season alone, Theis has notched three 100-yard rushing games, with his top performance being a 147-yard game against Southern Illinois. In post-season play, he continued his upward trajectory, now sitting with 18 rushing scores this season, edging closer to breaking USD’s single-season rushing record.

The Broader Implications for South Dakota Athletics

South Dakota’s strong presence in college football, especially making it to the FCS semifinals in 2024 for the first time, underscores the university’s commitment to developing top-tier athletes and teams. Such accomplishments not only boost the profile of USD athletics but also ignite a passion for sports in communities throughout South Dakota.

The recognition of athletes like Grace and Theis continues to foster a rich sporting legacy within the state, ensuring that it remains an influential player in national college athletics.

For more updates on the Coyotes and their journey, follow University of South Dakota Athletics on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Looking Ahead

The stories of Grace and Theis resonate well beyond their individual accomplishments. They signify a rising trend in South Dakota sports—one that combines local talent, strategic vision, and a supportive community to build competitive teams in national arenas. As South Dakota continues to build on these successes, the Coyotes are poised as a team to watch in forthcoming seasons.

Conclusion

Indeed, the AFCA All-America honors for Mi’Quise Grace and Travis Theis symbolize more than personal achievement. They mark a significant affirmation of South Dakota’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional sports talent. As the state’s sports enthusiasts rally behind their heroes, USD’s impact on college football and its dedication to athletic excellence promise an exciting future.