Inside linebacker Nate Fears was in midseason form this past Saturday night at Malosky Stadium which meant making life miserable for members of the Bemidji State University offensive backfield crew.

In his final season opener as a collegian, Fears racked up seven total tackles and had the last of his team's school-record 10 sacks in helping the University of Minnesota Duluth to a 31-14 victory over the the 20h-ranked Beavers.

Fears, a 5-11, 235-pound native of Richfield, Minn., has been a rock-solid fixture in UMD's second line of defense for the past four seasons, having started all but one game during that time. He now needs just 15 more tackles to become the 11th Bulldog to reach the 200-stop mark for a career.

HIS FAVORITES:

Opponent: North Dakota

Opponent Stadium: The Alerus Center (North Dakota)

Road Trip: St. Cloud, Minn.

Professional Athlete: Ray Lewis

Professional Team: Baltimore Ravens

Pastime: Eating

College Course: Intercultural Communications in Hawaii

Prized Possession: My boar tusk I got while boar hunting in Hawaii

Movie: Forrest Gump

Book: The Bible

Television Show: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Singer/Group: Lil Wayne

Food: Chicken wings and barbecued ribs

Restaurant: Famous Dave's

Vacation Spot: Hawaii

Web Site: www.umdbulldogs.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: It was close to home and I liked what I saw with the football program

First Played Competitive Football: In the 1st grade

Football Strength/Weakness: My desire and love of the game/None

Game Day Ritual: I pray

Most Memorable Football Moment: Winning a share of the 2005 NCC championship and making it to the NCAA II playoffs

Pet Peeve: Bad drivers

My First Job: Mowing lawns

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Ray Lewis

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I'm a big ketchup lover

Biggest Fear: Rats

Best Player I've Ever Gone Up Against: (Former South Dakota running back) Stefan Logan

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd be a little taller

My Advice To An Aspiring Athlete: Play every play like it's your last!

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My cell phone

Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Boxing

Influences On My Athletic Career: My family and my high school coach Kyle Inforzato

Post-UMD Plans: Try to find a good job