AS A BULLDOG: Took a substantial leap forward as a sophomore and had the numbers to prove it ... answered the starting call at left cornerback in 13 of 14 outings last fall -- bypassed the Oct. 1 home clash with Minnesota State-Moorhead while nursing an injured shoulder ... his 59 total tackles were good for eighth place on UMD’s 2011 defensive charts ... also paced the Bulldogs in interceptions last season with two and returned one of those thefts 39 yards for a touchdown in UMD’s 20-12 season-opening victory at Augustana College ... was a 2011 All-NSIC North Division honorable mention selection ... filled a backup role two years ago and figured in on 17 total tackles -- with 13 of those stops coming in the opening five outings of the season ... made his first collegiate start in the 2010 opener at Central Washington ... was redshirted as a first-year freshman in 2009. COLLEGIATE HIGHS: Total Tackles - 8 at St. Cloud State (10/29/11). Interceptions - 1 at Winona State (10/8/11) and at Augustana (9/3/11). Pass Breakups - 1 vs. Minnesota State-Mankato (11/12/11) and at Augustana (9/3/11). BEFORE UMD: Saved some of his best prep football for last and was rewarded by gaining spots on the All-Big Rivers Conference Team (his second straight selection) and All-Northwest Team … participated in two state tournaments as a two-way player (defensive back and running back) for Menomonie High School … earned a reputation as a ball hawking defender, racking up six interceptions as a senior … was coached by Joe LaBuda … also lettered three times as a sprinter on the Indians track and field team.