BEFORE UMD: Reigned as La Crescent High School's leading tackler in 2011 with 89 stops en route to carving out a slot for himself on the All-Hiawatha Valley League Team for the second straight season ... also nailed down Associated Press All-State (honorable mention), St. Paul Pioneer Press All-State (honorable mention) and Winona Daily News All-Area (first team) recognition as a senior ... was a two-way starter (defensive and offensive lineman) for four seasons ... captained the Lancers in both 2011 and 2010 ... accumulated 218 total tackles, including 10 quarterback sacks during his career ... lettered four times in wrestling and twice in track (sprints/throws) as a prep ... is the son of Brett (his high school football coach), and Gerilyn Vesel.