Now, just one season later, the Plano, Texas, native has entered the Coyotes’ preseason football practices carrying a different responsibility. ADVERTISEMENTIt has been an outstanding rise for a player entering only his second season with the program after transferring from North Texas, where he spent his true freshman season in 2024. South Dakota’s Nathan Laperi takes part in Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Day on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. Although he never earned a start, Laperi appeared in all 15 games and became USD’s best rotational defender. Joining him up front is senior defensive tackle Chris Dixon, who started all 15 games last season at defensive tackle.