When Isaac Vesel was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during his sophomore wrestling season at LaCrescent High School, he wasn't quite sure what his limitations would be from that point on. It was an anxious time indeed.

"But then the doctors told me the only thing I couldn't do is be a pilot or truck driver in the military," said Vesel. "That was it."

This meant, of course, Vesel could continue his athletic career at LaCresent High School, where he -- along with University of Minnesota Duluth senior offensive lineman Peter Bateman -- starred in football while playing under his father, Brett Vesel.  He eventually landed himself a scholarship with the Bulldogs and has been working the defensive trenches ever since. One year ago as junior, Vesel secured his first collegiate starting role at the defensive end position (he's been relocated to nose tackle this fall) and responded to that promotion with an All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division honorable mention citation. All that while sporting an insulin pump on his left leg.

"The biggest thing for me is making sure I'm checking my blood sugar all the time, especially before and after practices, workouts and games," said Vesel, a physical education major and a 2015 NSIC All-Academic Team qualifier. "Other than that, everything is pretty much normal."

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Winona State
Opponent Field: Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium (Winona State)
Road Trip: St. Cloud, Minn.
Professional Athlete: Ryan Dungey
Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings
Pastime: Playing backyard football
College Course: Fishing Skills
Prized Possession: All of my shoes
Book (Author): Friday Night Lights (H.G. Bissinger)
Television Show: First Take
Actor: Denzel Washington
Actress: Jessica Alba
Movie: Remember the Titans
Singer or Group: Kid Ink
Food: My mom's lasagna
Restaurant: Anchos Southwest Grill (Riverside, Calif.)
Vacation Spot: Southern California
Video Game: NCAA Football
Mobile App: Twitter
Website: www.netflix.com

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: The great football program and the city of Duluth.
First Played Organized Football: 4th grade
Football Strength/Weakness: My work ethic/My height
Game Day Ritual: I hang out in the locker room and listen to my music
Most Memorable UMD Football Moment: Beating Ouachita Baptist in overtime (48-45) in in the 2014 NCAA II playoffs
Pet Peeve: People who chew really loud
Biggest Fear: Having regrets
First Job (Age): Running youth camps (18).
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Urban Meyer
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I'm a Type 1 diabetic.
Best Player I've Ever Gone Up Against: That's a good question.
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd be taller.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My insulin pump
Sport I'd Like To Try Someday: Mixed martial arts
The Best Thing About College Football: The rush you get on game day.
Influences on My Athletic Career: My mom and my dad
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Work your hardest at everything that you do!
What I'll Miss Most About UMD Once My Playing Days Are Over: Being around the team every single day.
Post-UMD Plans: Pursue a college football coaching career.