FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 15)

The latest news from around FCS football, including South Dakota State running Isaiah Davis accepting an invite to the Senior Bowl

The FCS Football Front Page will deliver the biggest and most storylines from across the FCS throughout the offseason.

Each day we will bring you the top stories from around the country regarding FCS football. From coaching changes to recruiting updates, and everything in between the FCS Football Front Page has you covered.

South Dakota State RB Isaiah Davis Accepts Senior Bowl Invite

South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis officially accepted his Reese's Senior Bowl invite on Saturday. He was originally expected to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Davis had a historic career for the Jackrabbits, including leading the program to back-to-back FCS national titles. Over four seasons, Davis recorded 4,548 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. He ranks No. 3 all-time in rushing touchdowns and rushing yards in school history. He earned first-team FCS All-American honors and was named the 2023 MVFC co-Offensive Player of the Year. 

Davis is the third FCS prospect to accept an invite to the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl, joining Houston Christian EDGE Jalyx Hunt and New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube. 

South Dakota DB Myles Harden Receives NFL Combine Invite

South Dakota cornerback Myles Harden was selected to participate in the 2024 NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

Harden declared for the NFL Draft after four seasons with the Coyotes. He recorded 143 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, 26 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles over his career. He earned first-team All-American honors from multiple publications this season. Harden also earned All-Conference honors in back-to-back seasons. 

South Dakota has not had a player selected in the NFL Draft since 2014. Harden would be the first defensive back since Mike Slaton (1986) to be drafted for the Coyotes. Multiple draft experts have Harden graded as a potential day-three prospect (Rd. 4-7).  

Dartmouth WR Jamal Cooney Transfers To UAlbany

Former Dartmouth wide receiver Jamal Cooney announced his commitment to UAlbany on Sunday. He will have two seasons of eligibility for the Great Danes. 

Cooney played three seasons at Dartmouth but entered the transfer portal after the 2022 season. He earned first-team All-Ivy honors from Phil Steele and was an All-Ivy honorable mention in 2021. He recorded 31 receptions for 368 receiving yards and 249 punt return yards. 

Cooney committed to Missouri State after transferring last season but decided to sit out the 2023 season. He signed with Dartmouth out of St. Thomas Aquinas in the class of 2019. 

South Carolina DB Isaiah Norris Transfers To North Carolina Central

Former South Carolina defensive back Isaiah Norris announced his commitment to North Carolina Central on Jan. 12. He will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Eagles.

Norris saw action in nine games over three seasons with the Gamecocks. He signed with South Carolina as a three-star prospect out of Georgia Military College, where he spent two seasons. He was the No. 77 overall JUCO prospect and No. 10 cornerback, according to the On3 industry rankings. 

Norris is expected to compete for a major role in the secondary for the Eagles. North Carolina Central lost multiple starters at the defensive back position, including All-MEAC selections Khalil Baker and Jason Chambers. 

Grambling State Lands Commitment From 3-Star RB Tony Phillips Jr.

Three-star running back Tony Phillips Jr. announced his commitment to Grambling State on Jan. 13. He committed to the Tigers over offers from Arkansas, Campbell, Florida Atlantic, Tennessee, and Syracuse. 

The 5-foot-7, 170-pound running back is from Kankakee High School in Kankakee, Illinois. He is the No. 107 running back and No. 34 player in the state of Illinois, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

Phillips totaled 1,218 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, and averaged over 11.0 yards per carry as a senior. He is the sixth-highest-rated commit in Grambling State history and one of the first commits for new head coach Mickey Joseph. 

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