The University of Minnesota Duluth currently ranks third among all NCAA II schools in total defense and one of the Bulldogs' ball-stopping ringleaders has been senior team captain A.J. Naatz. The second-year starter and 2017 All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference first team linebacker out of Menomonie, Wis., has racked up a team-leading 8.0 tackles for a loss this fall. Naatz has 11 stops in all for the No. 7 Bulldogs, who are allowing just 11.0 points and 215.0 yards per game.

"A.J. has a tremendous personality --  a great kid, student and leader on our team," said veteran UMD defensive coordinator John Steger.  "He is a guy who is always vocal, has ots of energy, and loves to play football. We have moved him around during his time here, playing him at both inside and outside linebacker positions. He is the total package when it comes to a young man and an athlete."

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Minnesota State-Mankato
Opponent Field: Alex Nemzek Stadium (MSU-Moorhead)
Road Trip: Moorhead, Minn.
Professional Athlete: Tiger Woods    
Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings
Pastime: Golf/Ping Pong
College Course: Educating the Human Brain
Prized Possession: My headphones
Book (Author): A Long Way Gone (Ishmael Beah)
Television Show: Game of Thrones
Actor: Will Ferrell
Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Movie: The Breakfast Club
Singer or Group: Kanye West or Bruno Mars
Food: Steak and potatoes
Restaurant: The Waterfront (Menomonie, Wis.)
Vacation Spot: Sedona, Ariz.
Video Game: FIFA 18 (Come get some)
Mobile App: FreeCell
Website: Moodle/Canvas

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: The guys I met on my visit here and the winning culture of the football program.
First Played Organized Football: 3rd Grade
Football Strength/Weakness: My knowledge of the game/My speed
Game Day Ritual: I listen to music and take a lap around the field.
Most Memorable UMD Football Moment: Playing in the Military Appreciation Night game every year.
Pet Peeve: Other people touching my face.
Biggest Fear: Snakes
My First Job (Age): As a Lifeguard (16)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: LeBron James
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I can play piano and my real name is Adam Jonas.
Best Player I've Ever Gone Up Against: (Former Sioux Falls running back) Max Mickey
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: It would be my singing voice.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My backpack
Sport I'd Like To Try Someday: Soccer
The Best Thing About College Football: The friends you make along the way.
Influences on My Athletic Career: Papa Duey and Mother Kay
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Success only comes before work in the dictionary.
What I'll Miss Most About UMD Football Come Next Year: Walking into the locker room everyday and seeing my brothers.
Post-UMD Plans: Work at a nonprofit for individuals with disabilities. It's a life goal to start my own nonprofit.