UMD Athletics

AS A BULLDOG: Was relegated to mostly fill-in special teams tasks in 2011, but eyes extended playing assignments with the offensive unit this time round ... appeared in a pair of games last season and had one tackle to show for it (versus Upper Iowa on Sept. 10) ... was redshirted as a first-year freshman in 2010.

BEFORE UMD: Is the latest in a classy and talented line of Northwestern High School products who have elected to continue their football careers at UMD ... landed the Duluth News Tribune's 2009 All-Area Player of the Year award after captaining the Tigers to the Heart O' North Conference title, an appearance in the WIAA Division 4 semifinals, and a 12-1 overall record ... was a two-time All-Heart O' North Conference pick ... started at fullback and middle linebacker for head coach Dennis Scherz ... rushed for 1,487 yards and scored 21 touchdowns as a senior .. also developed into one of the best shot put competitors in the state during his four years with the Tiger track team ... placed second in that event at the 2009 Wisconsin Division 2 state meet.