quick facts football staff 2012 north dakota state

MEDIA/RECRUITING GUIDE CREDITSThe North Dakota State University football media/recruiting guide was written by Jeff Schwartz, director of athletic media relations. Edito-rial assistance by Jenny Beam and Glenda Klein. Cover design and layout by University Publication Services. Photography by RLE Graphics, Jeff T. Green, Dennis Hoff, Dennis Hubbard, Dan Koeck, Robert A. Nelson, Matt Strasen, Wayne Tilcock, Travis Wigdahl. Supplementary information and photography provided by the Fargodome, the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the North Dakota Tourism Division.

School .........................North Dakota State UniversityCity/Zip........................................ Fargo, ND 58105Founded .........................................................1890Enrollment ..................................................14,443Nickname ...................................................... BisonSchool Colors .............................Yellow and GreenHome Field .............. Gate City Bank Field (18,700)Surface ...................AstroTurf®’s GameDay Grass™Head Coach .................. Craig Bohl (Nebraska, ’82)Record (Years) ......................................... 75-31 (9)Affiliation ............................. NCAA Division I (FCS)Conference ..........Missouri Valley Football (MVFC) Basic Offense ........................................West CoastBasic Defense ................................................... 4-32011 Overall Record .......14-1 (NCAA FCS Champs)2011 Conference .................................... 7-1 (T1st)Lettermen Returning ..........................................42Lettermen Lost ...................................................23Starters Returning ..............................................14 Offense ........................................................6 Defense ........................................................7 Specialty ......................................................1Starters Lost .......................................................11President ............................... Dr. Dean L. BrescianiDirector of Athletics ............................Gene TaylorAthletic Department Phone............ 701-231-7447Ticket Office Phone ......................... 701-231-6378

QUICK FACTS

FOOTBALL STAFFHead Coach Craig BohlAlma Mater/Year Nebraska/1982Record at School/Years 75-31/9Career Record/Years SameOffice Phone 701-231-7796Football Office 701-231-7816Assistant Coaches Brent Vigen (NDSU, 1998), Offensive Coordinator/QBs Chris Klieman (UNI, 1990), Defensive Coordinator/DBs Tim Polasek (Concordia, 2002), FBs/TEs/Special Teams AJ Cooper (NDSU, 2006), Defensive Ends Scott Fuchs (NDSU, 1995), Offensive Line Kenni Burns (Indiana, 2006), Recruiting Coordinator/WRs Nick Goeser (UW-Eau Claire, 2003), Defensive Tackles Steve Stanard (Nebraska, 1989), Linebackers John Richardson (NDSU, 2010) Assistant Coach, Defense Gordie Haug (Bemidji State, 2011), Offensive Assistant

Administrative Asst. Margie TrickleAsst. Athletic Trainer Bobby Knodel (NDSU, 2003)Dir. of Athletic Performance Jim Kramer (UW-LaCrosse, 1989)Dir. of FB Ops/Equip. Services Brian Gordon (USF, 2002)Video Coordinator Jake Chapman (Ohio, 2012)

Dir of Athletic Media Relations Jeff SchwartzDirect Office Phone 701-231-8332Cell Phone 701-793-0538E-Mail [email protected] 701-231-8022Press Box Phone 701-298-2600

Non-Discrimination Policy North Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression/indentity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, public assistance status, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, race or religion . Direct inquiries to the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708.

2012 North Dakota State University Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT SITE TIMESept. 1 ROBERT MORRIS (Trees Bowl) FARGO 6:07 p.m. (NDSU leads series 1-0, Bison won, 43-17, in Fargo in 2010)Sept. 8 at Colorado State Fort Collins, Colo. 5 p.m. (MT (First meeting ... Bison are 0-1 vs. Mountain West)Sept. 22 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M FARGO 3:07 p.m. (First Meeting ... Bison are 3-0 vs. Southwest Athletic Conference)Sept. 29 *at Northern Iowa Cedar Rapids, Ia. 6:07 p.m. (UNI leads series 25-19 ... Bison won, 27-19, in Fargo in 2011)Oct. 6 *YOUNGSTOWN STATE (Homecoming) FARGO 1:04 p.m. (YSU leads series 4-2 ... YSU won, 27-24, in Fargo in 2011)Oct. 13 *INDIANA STATE FARGO 3:07 p.m. (NDSU leads series 4-0 ... Bison won, 27-16, at Terre Haute in 2011)Oct. 20 *vs. South Dakota Sioux Falls, S.D. 6 p.m. (NDSU leads series 49-25-3 ... Bison won, 38-16, in Fargo in 2010)Oct. 27 *SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Harvest Bowl) FARGO 2:37 p.m. (Series tied 3-3 ... Bison won, 9-3, at Carbondale in 2011)Nov. 3 *at Missouri State Springfield, Mo. 1 p.m. (Series tied 2-2 ... Bison won, 51-21, in Fargo in 2010)Nov. 10 *SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (Dakota Marker) FARGO 2:37 p.m. (NDSU leads 53-40-5 ... Bison won, 38-14, at Brookings in 2011)Nov. 17 *at Illinois State Normal, Ill. Noon (NDSU leads series 3-2 ... Bison won, 20-10, in Fargo in 2011) All times are LOCAL *–Missouri Valley Football Conference games Home Games at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome in BOLD CAPITALS

2011 North Dakota State Results2011 FCS National Champions, 14-1 Overall, 7-1 MVFC (T1st)

DATE OPPONENT SCORE ATT. Sept. 3 LAFAYETTE W 42-6 17,023Sept. 10 SAINT FRANCIS, PA. W 56-3 18,341Sept. 24 at Minnesota W 37-24 48,802*Oct. 1 ILLINOIS STATE W 20-10 18,904*Oct. 8 at #17 Southern Illinois W 9-3 9,059*Oct 15 MISSOURI STATE W 51-21 18,029*Oct 22 at South Dakota State W 38-14 14,823*Oct 29 #2 UNI W 27-19 18,886*Nov. 5 at #16 Indiana State W 27-16 6,412*Nov. 12 YOUNGSTOWN STATE L 24-27 18,450*Nov. 19 at Western Illinois W 37-21 3,560$Dec. 3 #17 JAMES MADISON W 26-14 17,432$Dec 10 #6 LEHIGH W 24-0 18,111$Dec 17 #2 GEORGIA SOUTHERN W 35-7 18,108$Jan. 7 vs #1 Sam Houston State W 17-6 20,586*—Missouri Valley Football Conference games$—NCAA Division I FCS PlayoffsHome Games in BOLD CAPITALS

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CONTENTSIntroduction ...................................................1 Table of Contents .......................................................... 2 Bison By The Numbers .................................................. 3 Media Information..................................................... 4-5 Facility History ........................................................... 6-7 Head Coach Craig Bohl .............................................. 8-9 Sunderland Family Office Complex ............................. 10 Assistant Coaches and Staff ................................... 11-15 Roster .................................................................... 16-17 Offensive Personnel Breakdown ................................. 18 Defensive Personnel Breakdown ................................ 19 Preseason Depth Chart ............................................... 20

The 2012 Bison.............................................21Opponents ..................................................55 Game Schedule and Travel Plans ................................ 56 Robert Morris ............................................................. 57 Colorado State ............................................................ 58 Prairie View A&M ....................................................... 59 Northern Iowa ............................................................ 60 Youngstown State ....................................................... 61 Indiana State ............................................................... 62 South Dakota .............................................................. 63 Southern Illinois .......................................................... 64 Missouri State ............................................................. 65 South Dakota State ..................................................... 66 Illinois State ................................................................ 67 Opponents’ Composite Schedule ............................... 68

Missouri Valley Football Conference .......69 Conference Profile ...................................................... 70 Conference Composite Schedule ................................ 71 Preseason Awards ...................................................... 71 Standings, All-Conference Teams................................ 72 All-Newcomer Team ................................................... 73 All-Academic ............................................................... 74 Team Statistics, Player of the Week ............................ 75 Individual Statistics ..................................................... 76Season Review............................................77 Game-by-Game Recaps ......................................... 77-84 Results and Final Statistics ..................................... 85-87 Individual, Team Highs ................................................ 88 Defensive Statistics ..................................................... 89 Honors and Awards Summary .................................... 90

Bison Tradition .............................................91 Bison in the Pros .................................................... 92-93 All-Americans......................................................... 94-97 All-Conference Players ................................................ 98 North Central Conference History .............................. 99 Academic Awards .............................................. 100-101 Special Hall of Fame Awards ..................................... 102 All-Stars..................................................................... 103 Dennis Drews MVP Award ........................................ 103 Team Captains Listing ............................................... 104 Retired Jersey Number ............................................. 105 Spirit and Traditions .................................................. 106 The Dakota Marker Trophy ....................................... 107 Why the Bison? ......................................................... 108 The Herd ................................................................... 108 Congressional Medal of Honor ................................. 108

Playoff History ...........................................109 Postseason Notes and Facts .............................. 110-111 Playoff Game Summaries................................... 112-128

Records .....................................................129 Bison Background ..................................................... 130 Longest Plays ............................................................ 131 Bison Record Book Snapshot .................................... 132 Rushing .............................................................. 133-135 Passing ............................................................... 136-137 Receiving .................................................................. 138 Total Offense ............................................................. 139 Scoring ...................................................................... 140 All-Purpose ............................................................... 141 Punting, Interceptions .............................................. 142 Tackling .............................................................. 142-143 Other Defense ................................................... 144-145 Attendance Figures, Dacotah Field .................... 146-147 Bison Athletic Hall of Fame ....................................... 148 Final Polls .................................................................. 149 Annual Games .......................................................... 150 Televised Games ....................................................... 151 Coaching History ................................................ 152-153 All-Time Results ................................................. 154-158 Series Records .......................................................... 159 FCS Championship, Future Schedules....................... 160NDSU At A Glance ............................ 161-172

BISONFOOTBALL

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1 North Dakota State University defeated Sam Houston State 17-6 in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 7, 2012, to win the progrram’s first NCAA FCS Na-tional Championship. It was NDSU football’s ninth championship overall.

7 Cornerback Marcus Williams led North Dakota State with seven interceptions, one off the school record, during the 2011 season. He scored three times off interceptions and also returned a kickoff the distance

12.7 North Dakota State led NCAA FCS in scoring defense, limiting opponents to 12.7 points per game in 2011. The Bison only al-lowed 27 points in four NCAA playoff games.

53 North Dakota State kicker Ryan Jastram connected on a career long 53-yard field attempt with time running out in the first half against James Madison in the second round of the NCAA FCS playoffs.

77 North Dakota State wide receiver Warren Holloway set a school single-game record with 77 receptions for 1,003 yards and eight touchdowns. Holloway is the second receiver in NDSU history to post 1,000-yards receiving.

142 North Dakota State quarterback Brock Jensen attempted a school record 142 passes without an interception during the 2011 season. Jensen set records with 15 straight completions vs. Mis-souri State and 19 straight completions over two games.

1,000 For the first time in school history, North Dakota State had two players rush for over 1,000 yards -- Sam Ojuri (1,105) and D.J. McNorton (1,020) -- and a 1,000 yard receiver in Warren Hollo-way (1,003) -- in the same season.

18,143 North Dakota State averaged a school record 18,143 fans over nine home games during the 2011 season. The Bison ranked 10th in NCAA FCS attendance.

48,802 A crowd of 48,802 watched North Dakota State defeat Min-nesota 37-24 at TCF Bank Stadium on Sept. 24, 2011. The Bison exploded for 28 points in the second quarter to break open the contest.

BISON BY THE NUMBERS

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CREDENTIALS All requests for working media credentials/photo passes for North Dakota State football games should be directed to the athletic media relations of-fice. Passes will be available for pickup at the Fargodome Will Call window or in advance at the athletic media relations office. The media entrance at the Fargodome is on the north side, down a driveway below ground level. Football questions should be directed to Jeff Schwartz at (701) 231-8332, email: [email protected], or fax (701) 231-8022.

INTERVIEWS All requests for interviews with NDSU student-athletes should be made through the athletic media relations office by calling (701) 231-8332. During the season, NDSU athletes will available on Tuesday and/or Wednesdays (1-2:15 p.m.), class and practice schedules permitting. NO athlete phone numbers will be issued. Postgame interviews will be conducted only upon request prior to the conclusion of the game to make arrangements.

PRESS BOX All requests for press box space requests should be made at least one week prior to kickoff. Absolutely No One Will Be Admitted Without Proper Creden-tials. Soft drinks and a pre-game buffet will be available in the press box. The buffet will begin approximately an hour and a half prior to kickoff.

MEDIA SERVICES Play-by-play; individual and team statistics at the quarter breaks, at half-time, and at the conclusion of the game; scoring summary; pre-game informa-tion; and programs will be furnished at your seat.

PHOTOGRAPHY AREA Photographers may receive credentials from the media relations office. The pass issued will be good for both sideline and press box areas as well as parking. Photographers must have a pass to be admitted to the stadium. Space is limited on the sideline. Do not enter the Bison sideline between the 25-yard lines, The visiting bench area from the 20 to the 20 is a pass through area only. The other areas are accessible--from the 25s to the endlines and behind the endlines--providing the bearer of the pass remains behind the dotted restraining line.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS North Dakota State’s home football games are played at Gate City Bank Field in the Fargodome at the intersection of 19th Ave. N. and N. University Dr. n From I-94: Use Exit 349B for I-29 northbound toward Grand Forks. n From I-29 Northbound: Use Exit 67 for 19th Avenue North and turn right. Follow 19th Avenue (go under an underpass, past two stop lights) and turn right into the Fargodome parking lot. Media Parking is in Lot B.

GoBison.com The most complete and up-to-date information regarding NDSU athletics is available on the Internet at GoBison.com. The site includes official sports information content such as news, scores and statistics, as well as online ticket sales, in-game statistics, live and on-demand broadband video, a photo store, and more. Log on today!

LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS

RADIO

WDAY-AM 970301 8th St. S.Fargo, ND 58103Sports Director: Dom IzzoPhone: (701) 241-5210Fax: (701) 451-5765www.wday.com

Radio Fargo Moorhead1020 25th St. S.Fargo, ND 58103Sports Director: Jack MichaelsPhone: (701) 297-3614Fax: (701) [email protected]

KNDS-FM 96.3 (ThunderRadio)1233 North University DriveFargo, ND 58102Sports Director: Jared RoemenPhone: (701) [email protected]

Dakota News NetworkPO Box 2027Fargo, ND 58107Sports Director: Steve CarlsonPhone: (701) 237-5000Fax: (701) [email protected]

WIRE SERVICE

AP BismarckPO Box 1018Bismarck, ND 58502Editor: Phyllis MensingPhone: (701) 223-8450Fax: (701) [email protected]

AP FargoPO Box 3026Fargo, ND 58108Editor: Dave KolpackPhone: (701) 235-1908Fax: (701) [email protected]

PRINT

The Forum of Fargo-MoorheadSports Editor: Kevin [email protected]: (701) 451-5651Fax: (701) 241-5487Beat Writer: Jeff KolpackPhone: (701) [email protected]

The SpectrumNDSU Memorial UnionFargo, ND 58105Sports Editor: Sam HerderPhone: (701) 231-5262Fax: (701) [email protected]

Bison Illustrated502 1st Ave. N. First FloorFargo, ND 58102Publisher: Mike DragosavichEditor: Andrew JasonPhone: (218) 306-8985Fax: (888) [email protected]@bisonillustrated.comwww.bisonillustrated.com

TELEVISION

WDAY-TV 6 (ABC)301 8th St. S.Fargo, ND 58103Sports Director: Dom IzzoPhone: (701) 241-5332Fax: (701) [email protected]

Valley News LiveKVLY-TV 11 (NBC)KXJB-TV 4 (CBS)1350 21st Ave. S.Fargo, ND 58103Sports Director: Jamal SpencerPhone: (701) 237-5211Fax: (701) [email protected]

KVRR-TV 10 (FOX)4015 9th Ave. S.Fargo, ND 58103Sports Director: Jim NelsonPhone: (701) 277-1515Fax: (701) [email protected]

MEDIA COVERAGE

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For the third straight year, the Mighty 790 AM of Fargo serves as the flagship station of the Bison Radio Network.Eight new affiliates join this fall including an affiliate switch in Minneapolis. The network affiliate list grows from 11 to 20 stations according to North Dakota State University Director of Athletic Sales and Broadcasting JEREMY JORGENSON.

The Bison Radio Network stations include: KFGO 790 AM (Fargo, simul-cast on KRWK 101.9 FM); KFYR 550 AM or ESPN 710 AM (Bismarck); KHRT 1320 AM (Minot); KSJB 600 AM (Jamestown); KEYZ 660 AM (Williston); KDVL 102.5 FM (Devils Lake); KHND 1470 AM (Harvey); KZZJ 1450 AM (Rugby); KPOK 1340 AM (Bowman); KAUJ – 100.9 FM (Grafton); KLTC 1460 AM (Dickinson); KRCQ 102.3 FM (Detroit Lakes); WLKX 95.9 FM (North) / KBGY 107.5 FM (South) (Minneapolis/St. Paul); KDDG 105.5 FM (Albany); KZCR 103.3 FM (Fergus Falls); KMGK 107.1 FM (Glenwood), and KKCQ 96.7 FM (Fosston).

Veteran announcer SCOTT MILLER returns for his 15th year as the play-by-play voice of the Bison and 17th year overall, while Jorgenson will report from the sidelines.

Former NDSU quarterback STEVE WALKER will fill in for Bison Athletic Hall of Famer and ex-NFL standout PHIL HANSEN as the color analyst, while Hansen focuses on political aspirations. A two-time Great West Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Walker is NDSU’s all-time passing leader with 7,033 yards and 60 touchdowns from 2004-07. He had a 30-6 record as a starter including back-to-back 10-1 seasons in 2006 and 2007.

The Bison gameday format includes a 30-minute pregame show with comments from Bison head coach CRAIG BOHL, in-depth analysis of the op-ponent, features, and starting lineups. Sideline reports are used throughout the game and a complete 30-minute postgame show is covered from the press box and locker room areas.

Broadcasts are available on the Internet at GoBison.com to access the streaming audio. Inside the Fargodome, fans can listen to 770 AM.

Bison Feedback, the weekly call-in radio show, is scheduled to air Mondays from 6-7 p.m. before Monday Night Football. The first show is scheduled for Sept. 3. The host is Bison play-by-play voice SCOTT MILLER and is scheduled to air on KFGO-AM 790 of Fargo. The weekly call-in show can also be heard on GoBison.com.

BISON WEEKLY PRESSCONFERENCES At noon every Monday during the football season, NDSU head coach CRAIG BOHL will conduct a press conference in the Fargodome team meeting room. The first gathering is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 27, prior to the season opener against Robert Morris. The final regular season session is planned for Monday, Nov. 12, prior to the Illinois State game. A light lunch will be served to members of the media at 11:45 a.m. prior to the start of the conference at noon. Coach Bohl will have a few prepared remarks and then will take ques-tions from the audience. As a courtesy, please let the NDSU athletic media relations office know at least two days in advance of your attendance at any press conference. An audio file from the weekly Monday press conferences will be posted on GoBison.com late Monday afternoons or early Tuesday morning.

VALLEY WEEKLYTELECONFERENCE The Missouri Valley Football Conference will conduct Q&A teleconferences every Tues-day throughout the season. Each MVFC coach will be available for a five-minute segment. The calls will be re-corded and will be available on the MVFC web site (and via telephone playback) each week. Please contact Mike Kern at the Missouri Val-ley Football Conference office for additional information. The scheduled dates and times: A28, S4-11-18-25, O2-9-16-23-30, N6-13.Weekly Schedule10:00 a.m. Brock Spack, Illinois State10:05 a.m. Mark Hendrickson, Western Illinois10:10 a.m. Dale Lennon, Southern Illinois10:15 a.m. Joe Glenn, South Dakota10:20 a.m. John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota St10:25 a.m. Trent Miles, Indiana State10:30 a.m. Eric Wolford, Youngstown State10:35 a.m. Terry Allen, Missouri State10:40 a.m. Mark Farley, UNI10:45 a.m. Craig Bohl, North Dakota State

THE CRAIG BOHL FOOTBALL SHOW North Dakota State University Director of Athletic Sales and Broadcasting JEREMY JOR-GENSON hosts “The Craig Bohl Football Show”, which is scheduled to air at 10:30 a.m. Sundays throughout the season on KXJB-TV (CBS) in Fargo, and offered statewide on KFYR-TV (NBC) in Bismarck, KMOT-TV (NBC) in Minot,

BISON RADIO NETWORK

Steve Walker

Scott Miller

IMPORTANT MEDIA RELATIONSPHONE NUMBERS

Jeff Schwartz, Director of Athletic Media RelationsOffice Phone: (701) 231-8332 Cell Phone: (701) 793-0538Home Phone: (701) 280-9551FAX Number: (701) 231-8022Press Box: (701) 298-2600Glenda Klein, Administrative AssistantOffice Phone: (701) 231-7197

Jeremy Jorgenson

KQCD-TV (NBC) in Dickinson, and KMUV-TV (NBC) in Williston. The show will also re-air after the late local news on KVLY Sunday nights and and throughout the week on Midco Sports Network. The show will remain on demand via the internet on both www.ValleyNewsLive.com and Gobison.com.

BISON FEEDBACK North Dakota State head coach CRAIG BOHL is the guest of the weekly call-in radio

show Mondays from 6-7 p.m. before Monday Night Football. The first show is scheduled for Sept. 3. The host is Bison play-by-play voice SCOTT MILLER and is scheduled to air on KFGO-AM 790 of Fargo and several Bison Radio Network affiliates during the season. The weekly call-in show can also be heard on GoBison.com.

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North Dakota State University ranked 10th with a school record average of 18,143 in the Division I Football Cham-pionship Subdivision (FCS) attendance figures released by the NCAA. North Dakota State had a season-high 18,904 spectators in the Fargodome for the 20-10 win over Illinois State on Oct. 1, 2011. NDSU had its second sellout with 18,886 in attendance for the 27-19 win over Northern Iowa on Oct. 29. The foot-ball program has enjoyed 10 sellouts over the past six seasons including a school record 19,053 against South Dakota State in 2006. The Bison are 44-11 in the Fargodome

over the past nine years under head coach Craig Bohl. “I think fans in our state and our region have embraced our football program. It’s been a collabrative effort by a number of people. It’s a good product,” said Bohl. “The atmosphere of the Fargodome has definitely changed. It’s become a great part of not only Championship Division football, but college football. It’s definitely a collegiate atmosphere.” Appalachian State led the nation with an average of 26,211 fans. James Madison was second at 25,002 and Montana was third at 24,878.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE RANKS 10TH INFCS AVERAGE ATTENDANCE IN 2011

Gate City Bank Field

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HOME UNDEFEATED STREAK35 Games Won 36 Games Without a Loss35 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Tie

1964 196820 Moorhead State 13 49 Nebraska-Omaha 7 46 Morningside 12 21 So. Dak. State 320 So. Dak. State 13 70 Augustana 1842 Augustana 7 42 Morningside 14 7 Montana State 0 63 Mankato State 8

1965 196959 Wis.-Milwaukee 20 28 Northern Illinois 055 Minnesota-Duluth 8 24 South Dakota 620 Northern Iowa 7 64 North Dakota 14 6 North Dakota 3 41 Northern Iowa 1366 South Dakota 8 19701966 14 Eastern Michigan 1435 St. Thomas 6 55 Morningside 728 Morningside 14 45 Augustana 735 So. Dak. State 6 35 So. Dak. State 035 Montana State 23 60 Mankato State 2128 Augustana 0 19711967 41 Northern Arizona 910 Northern Iowa 9 28 Montana State 1271 Wis.-Milwaukee 0 16 South Dakota 1534 North Dakota 1034 South Dakota 0 (Streak ended with a 23-7 homecoming loss to North Dakota in 1971)

Gate City Bank Fieldat the Fargodome

Name: Gate City Bank at the FargodomeCapacity: 18,700First Game: Sept. 4, 1993, NDSU 35, Pitt State (Kan.) 16Largest Football Crowd: 19,053, Nov. 18, 2006, vs. South Dakota State (won

41-28)Playing Surface: AstroTurf®’s GameDay Grass™ 3D60 infilled turfStadium Height: The roof is 125 feet from the field floor and 110 feet, 7 1/2

inches above street levelTotal Site Area: 50-plus acresTotal Building Area: 470,000 square feetStructure Volume: 25.5 million cubic feetLength of Electrical Conduit Used: 35 milesLength of Copper Wire: 200 milesTotal Length of Rebar: 355 milesTotal Amount of Concrete: 30,000 cubic yardsNumber Of Face Brick: One million unitsTotal Paint Used: 13,000 gallonsTotal Amound of Earth Moved: 140,000 cubic yardsPress Box: Located atop the east stands, it accomodates over 150 people

on two seating levels. Stretching from the 20 to the 20-yard line, it is serviced by an elevator and also features a press area room one level below. It is 170 feet wide by 16 feet deep.

SUCCESS—THE BISON WAY Success is the key word in describing football at Dacotah Field/Gate City Bank Field for North Dakota State. The Bison have lost at home only 36 times in the past 48 seasons. The record is 238-36-3 including a 93-22 record at Gate City Bank Field since 1993. The Bison have won 28, 25, and 22 (twice) games in a row over that span and compiled a 36-game undefeated streak from 1964 through 1971. Here is a success story virtually unrivaled in college foot-ball annals.

1964 5-0-01965 5-0-01966 5-0-01967 4-0-01968 4-0-01969 4-0-01970 4-0-11971 4-1-01972 5-0-01973 4-1-01974 5-0-01975 2-2-0

1976 5-1-01977 5-1-01978 5-1-01979 5-1-01980 4-1-01981 5-0-01982 7-0-01983 6-0-01984 6-1-01985 4-0-11986 7-0-01987 4-1-0

1988 8-0-01989 6-0-11990 8-0-01991 4-2-01992 5-1-0 1993 5-0-01994 5-1-01995 6-0-01996 4-2-01997 5-1-01998 4-3-01999 6-0-0

2000 7-0-02001 5-0-02002 2-4-02003 5-1-02004 5-1-02005 5-1-02006 5-0-02007 5-0-02008 4-2-02009 2-3-02010 6-1-02011 8-1-0

Here is a look at the outside of the $48 million Fargodome that is now the home to North Dakota State football.

THE FARGODOME



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BISON HEAD COACH

CRAIG BOHLQuick Facts

Born: July 27, 1958 Hometown: Lincoln, Neb. (East H.S.) College Ball: Nebraska (1977-79) Graduated: 1982 Position: Defensive Back Previous Coaching Experience: College: Graduate assistant coach at Nebraska for three years, 1981-83; Assistant coach at North Dakota State, one year, 1984; Assistant coach at Tulsa, two years, 1985-86; Assistant coach at Wisconsin, two years, 1987-88; Assistant coach at Rice, five years, 1989-93; Assistant coach at Nebraska, eight years, 1994-2002. Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration from Nebraska, 1982 Family: Married (Wife, Leia); Three children (Aaron, Mallory, Morgan)

North Dakota State head football coach Craig Bohl led the Bison to the program’s first NCAA Divi-sion I Football Championship with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State on Jan. 7, 2012, and the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. NDSU tied the school record for wins with a 14-1 ledger and posted a 7-1 record in the MVFC.

The Bison had the Fargodome rocking with each of the three home NCAA playoff games, sending the decibel levels off the chart. The NDSU faithful then took Frisco, Texas, by storm for the national cham-pionship game. North Dakota State’s stingy defense allowed only 27 points in four playoff games, while the balanced offense featured a pair of 1,000-yard running backs and 1,000-yard wide receiver.

Bohl was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Board of Trustees by vote of the membership at the organization’s 2012 convention. A finalist for the Eddie Robinson award, Bohl was named the 2011 AFCA Region 4 FCS and MVFC Bruce Craddock Coach of the Year.

Entering his 10th season, the tireless Bohl has a 75-31 record including a 16-8 record against nationally-ranked FCS teams, a 6-1 record in the FCS playoffs and 5-3 mark against Football Bowl Subdivi-sion (FBS) teams over the past six seasons -- includ-ing a 37-24 win at Minnesota in the 2011.

With the 75 wins, Bohl is second all-time at the school behind Rocky Hager. History was made in 2010 when he directed the tradition-rich program to a first-ever NCAA FCS playoff appearance -- drop-ping a 38-31 overtime decision at eventual national champion Eastern Washington in the quarterfinals. NDSU also hosted its first NCAA postseason game against Robert Morris in the Fargodome.

The Bison compiled a 9-5 record in 2010, a dramatic turnaround from the 3-8 ledger the year before. NDSU finished 4-4 and tied for third in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Since making the move to Division I FCS, the football program’s performance on the field with the West Coast offense and aggressive defense has rekindled the excitement in the Fargo-Moorhead community, state of North Dakota and the region.

NDSU’s average home attendance in the Fargo-dome has grown from 11,567 in 2003 to a school record 18,143 achieved in 2011. There have been 10 sellouts over the past six seasons. Capacity is listed at 18,700. The Bison are 44-11 at home over the past nine years.

North Dakota State has been ranked in The Sport Network or FCS Coaches Top 25 for 79 weeks since jumping to Division I in 2004. The Bison held down the No. 1 ranking in the FCS Coaches Top 25 for three weeks in 2011, and 10 weeks over the 2007-08 seasons. NDSU was ranked 1st in both Top 25 polls in the final 2011 regular season ranking.

Since his arrival, North Dakota State has had eight players earn 11 Academic All-America team honors. Thirteen different players have received All-America honors. A Bison student-athlete has been selected to the Allstate/AFCA Good Works team six times over the past eight years.

NDSU finished with a 10-1 record for the second straight season in 2007 including a 3-1 ledger in the Great West Football Conference. The Bison held down the No. 1 spot in the FCS Coaches Top 25 poll for seven weeks during the regular season. NDSU posted road wins over a pair of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS, formerly I-A) opponents -- Central

American Football CoachesAssociation (AFCA) Board of TrusteesFinalist for The SportsNetwork’s 2011, 2007, 2006 Eddie Robinson Award2011 Missouri Valley Football Conference Bruce Craddock Coach of the Year2011 AFCA Region 4 Division I FCS Coach of the Year2006 Great West FootballConference Coach of the Year2006 Football Gazette FCS Na-tional and Northwest Region Coach of the Year

Michigan, two-time champions of the Mid-American Conference, and Minnesota (27-21) of the Big Ten Conference before 63,088 fans at the Metrodome.

Bohl was again a finalist for The Sports Network’s Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year award. The Bison were No. 9 in the final Sports Network and FCS Coaches top 25 polls.

The 2006 season was magical. NDSU claimed its first league championship in 12 seasons and achieved a top five finish in the national rankings. The Bison were 10-1 overall, just a blocked field goal away from a perfect record.

North Dakota State went 4-0 to win the Great West Football Conference championship -- the pro-gram’s first since 1994 when NDSU was a member of the Division II North Central Conference.

The Bison charted an 8-0 record against FCS schools in 2006 including a 3-0 mark against nationally-ranked opponents.

North Dakota State was ranked No. 5 in The Sports Network and CSN Coaches final Top 25 polls. The Bison lost 10-9 to bowl-participant Minnesota of the Big Ten before 62,845 spectators at the Metrodome.

It didn’t go unnoticed. Bohl was selected the GWFC Coach of the Year by vote of the media and coaches. He received 29 first place votes and finished second in the balloting for The Sports Network’s Eddie Robinson Award that recognizes the FCS Coach of the Year. Bohl was selected the Football Gazette FCS National and Northwest Region Coach

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BISON HEAD COACH

THE CRAIG BOHL RECORD . . . . .YEAR SCHOOL POSITION OVERALL CONERERENCE (Place) NCAA 2003 North Dakota State Head Coach 8-3 5-2 NCC (2nd)2004 North Dakota State Head Coach 8-3 2-3 GWFC (3rd) 2005 North Dakota State Head Coach 7-4 3-2 GWFC (3rd) 2006 North Dakota State Head Coach 10-1 4-0 GWFC (1st) 2007 North Dakota State Head Coach 10-1 3-1 GWFC (2nd) 2008 North Dakota State Head Coach 6-5 4-4 MVFC (T4th) 2009 North Dakota State Head Coach 3-8 2-6 MVFC (6th) 2010 North Dakota State Head Coach 9-5 4-4 MVFC (T3rd) FCS QF 2011 North Dakota State Head Coach 14-1 7-1 MVFC (1st) FCS Nat’l Champ TOTAL Nine years 75-31 34-23 (2 titles) (6-1, 1 Title)

YEAR SCHOOL POSITION BOWL APPEARANCES 1981 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Def. Backs (grad assist) Orange1982 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Def. Backs (grad assist) Orange1983 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Def. Backs (grad assist) Orange1984 North Dakota State Assistant Coach, Defensive Backs Palm (DII Playoffs)1985 Tulsa Assistant Coach, Linebackers1986 Tulsa Assistant Coach, Linebackers1987 Wisconsin Assistant Coach, Linebackers1988 Wisconsin Assistant Coach, Linebackers1989 Rice Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator 1990 Rice Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator1991 Rice Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator1992 Rice Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator1993 Rice Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator1994 Duke Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Defensive Coordinator1995 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers Fiesta (Nat’l Champ)1996 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers Orange1997 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers Orange (Nat’l Champ)1998 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers Holiday1999 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers Fiesta2000 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Defensive Coordinator Alamo2001 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Defensive Coordinator Rose2002 Nebraska Assistant Coach, Linebackers/Defensive Coordinator Independence

Division I-AA.His first season was highlighted by North Dakota

State’s stunning 25-24 road win over perennial Divi-sion I-AA power Montana in just his second game at the helm.

Bohl fits the successful profile of Bison leaders of the past. He is articulate, high-energy, experienced, successful and charismatic.

His first full-time coaching position was as the defensive secondary coach for the Bison under Don Morton in 1984 when NDSU finished second in the nation with a 12-1 record.

After that Bohl coached on the Division I level for 18 seasons including stops at five different universities. He was the linebackers coach at Tulsa for two seasons (1985-86), the linebackers coach at Wisconsin for two seasons (1987-88), the defensive coordinator at Rice for five seasons (1989-93), the

COACH BOHL VS. OPPONENTS SCHOOL RECORD Arkansas-Monticello 1-0 Augustana 1-0 Austin Peay 1-0 Ball State 1-0 UC Davis 3-2 Cal Poly 2-2 Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 1-0 Central Connecticut State 1-0 Central Michigan 1-0 Concordia-St. Paul 2-0 Eastern Washington 0-1 Georgia Southern 2-0 Illinois State 3-2 Indiana State 4-0 Iowa State 0-1 James Madison 1-0 Kansas 1-0 Lafayette 1-0 Lehigh 1-0 Minnesota 2-1 Minnesota State, Mankato 1-0 Mississippi Valley State 2-0 Missouri State 2-2 Montana 1-0 Montana State 1-1 Montana Tech 1-0 Morgan State 1-0 Nebraska-Omaha 1-0 Nicholls State (La.) 2-0 North Dakota 0-1 Northeastern 1-0 Northern Iowa 1-3 Northwestern State (La.) 2-0 Northern Colorado 1-1 Robert Morris 1-0 Saint Francis (Pa.) 1-0 St. Cloud State 0-1 Sam Houston State 2-1 South Dakota 2-0 South Dakota State 5-4 Southern Illinois 3-2 Southern Utah 4-0 Stephen F. Austin 2-0 Tusculum (Tenn.) 1-0 Valparaiso (Ind.) 1-0 Wagner (N.Y.) 1-0 Weber State 2-0 Western Illinois 3-2 Wyoming 0-1 Youngstown State 1-3 TOTAL 75-31 Bold–2012 opponents

North Dakota State head football coach Craig Bohl horseback riding with Aaron, Mallory and Morgan.

of the Year.In 2005, he directed the Bison to a 7-4 record.

NDSU was ranked in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches and The Sports Network Top 25 polls for 10-of-12 weeks during the regular season climbing as high as No. 8 in both polls on Sept. 19.

Charter members of the Great West, North Dakota State won its final three league games to finish with a 3-2 record and tie for third place in the standings.

Bohl started his NDSU career with back-to-back 8-3 seasons. The Bison closed out the 2004 campaign with three straight wins including victories over nationally-ranked Northwestern State (La.) and UC Davis.

North Dakota State was ranked No. 23 in the final 2004 ESPN/USA Today and The Sports Network Top 25 polls to highlight their first season at NCAA

linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at Duke for one season (1994), and the linebackers coach at Nebraska for eight years. The final three seasons at Nebraska also included the defensive coordinator duties.

His seasons at Nebraska included a number of Top 10 defensive national rankings for a team that compiled an 85-18 record including national cham-pionships with a Fiesta Bowl win in 1995 and an Orange Bowl win 1997. At Duke, he helped mold one of the biggest turnarounds in college football, work-ing with a program that posted an 8-4 record in 1994 after the Blue Devils had gone 3-8 the year before his arrival. A number of athletes who have played for Bohl while at Nebraska have played or been drafted in the National Football League.

A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, he was a reserve in the Cornhusker secondary from 1977 through 1979 under Tom Osborne and played on NU’s 1979 Orange Bowl and 1980 Cotton Bowl teams. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nebraska (1982).

Bohl and his wife, Leia, reside in Fargo. He has twin daughters, Mallory and Morgan, and a son, Aaron.

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Sunderland FamilyFootball Office Complex

The NDSU football offices are among the best in the country.

Artwork depicting great moments in Bison football grace the offices including this painting in the office of head coach Craig Bohl.

History of the Bison football program is prominent on the walls of the complex.

Each assistant coach has more than adequate space to work.

Staff meetings are held in the spacious conference room.

The NDSU football team meeting room is also utilized for pressconferences.

BISON WORKPLACE

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ASSISTANT COACHES

Brent Vigen begins his 15th season as an assistant coach at North Dakota State. He was named the offensive coordinator in January 2009 after spending the five previous seasons as the passing game coordina-tor and quarterbacks coach. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Champi-onship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7, 2012, with a

17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title.

For the first time in school history, the balanced Bison offense featured a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in D.J. McNorton and Sam Ojuri, and an 1,000-yard receiver in Warren Holloway in the same season. In addition, quarter-back Brock Jensen passed for a school record 2,524 yards.

Vigen helped to develop two-time Great West Football Conference Player of the Year quarterback Steve Walker.

North Dakota State was 8th in rushing offense (219.82 ypg) and 19th in total offense (400.09 ypg) in the 2009 NCAA Division I FCS statistics. In the MVFC statistics, the Bison were 1st in rushing offense (210.2 ypg) and 3rd in total offense (382.9 ypg).

Vigen worked as the running backs coach in 2003 under Coach Bohl. He was a member of former head coach Bob Babich’s staff at NDSU for the previous five years, serving as a graduate assistant for three seasons (1998-2000) before becoming a fulltime coach in 2001 working with both the quarterbacks and tight ends.

A native of Buxton, N.D., Vigen played tight end for the Bison from 1993-97 and was a two-year starter. He was a member of three NCAA Division II playoff teams and the 1994 North Central Conference cham-pionship squad.

Vigen earned both his bachelor’s degree (1998) and master’s degree (2000) from North Dakota State. Brent and his wife, Molly, have three boys, Jake, Grant and Luke. Molly played basketball at NDSU and was a member of the 1996 NCAA Division II national championship team and three NCC title squads.

BRENTVIGEN

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

(North Dakota State, 1998)

Chris Klieman enters his second season at North Dakota State and his first as the defensive coordi-nator. Klieman joined the Bison coaching staff in March 2011 as defensive backs coach. NDSU led the nation in scoring defense (12.73 ppg) and ranked 8th in turnover margin (+1.20 avg/g), 16th in pass efficiency defense (110.53 rating), 17th in rushing defense (118.73 avg/g), 19th in sacks (2.67 avg/g) and 20th in total defense (315.93 avg/g). The Bison defense allowed only 27 points in four FCS playoff games. Cornerback Marcus Williams was a consensus All-American, ranked among the national leaders with seven interceptions and scored four TDs including three on defense. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Champi-onship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7 with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Foot-ball Conference title. Klieman spent nine seasons at the University of Northern Iowa as defensive coordinator, co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach from 2006-10 under head coach Mark Farley and 1991-93 under then head coach Terry Allen. As defensive coordinator in 2009, Klieman led a UNI defensive unit that finished fourth in the nation in scoring defense (13.2 ppg). The Panthers also led the Missouri Valley Football Conference in rushing de-fense, passing defense and total defense, giving up a mere 267.2 yards per game. UNI held six of its 11 opponents to seven points or less during the 2009 season. Under Klieman’s direction as co-defensive coordinator in 2008, the Panthers ranked No. 4 in the nation in turnover margin and No. 9 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers forced 40 turnovers in 2008, which included 24 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries. In 2007, the Panthers had 11 different players intercept passes. The 11 players tallied a total of 21 interceptions. He was a three-time all-conference defensive back for the Panthers and a four-year letterwinner from 1986-1990. Klieman came back to his alma mater after serving as the Loras College head football coach in 2005. Prior to being named the Duhawk head coach, Klieman served as the Loras defensive coordinator and turned them into one of the Iowa Conference’s most feared defensive units. After his playing career was over, Klieman served as an assistant coach for the Panthers from 1991-93. Klieman also had assistant coach-ing stints at Loras (2001-2004), Missouri State (1999), Kansas (1997) and Western Illinois (1994-1996). Klieman earned both his bachelor’s (health education, 1990) and master’s (physical education, 1992) degrees from UNI. Chris and his wife, Rhonda, are the parents of two sons, Devin and Colby and one daughter, Haley.

CHRISKLIEMAN

Defensive Coordinator/ Defensive Backs

(UNI, 1990)

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ASSISTANT COACHES

Tim Polasek begins his seventh season with North Dakota State University. Polasek is the fullback/tight ends coach and special teams coordinator for the Bison.

Polasek, who was promoted from graduate assistant to running backs coach in March 2007, worked with developing All-American and all-Missouri Valley Football Conference running backs Tyler Roehl, Pat Paschall and D.J. McNorton. Paschall led NCAA Division I FCS in rushing in 2009. The Bison have had a 1,000-yard rusher the past nine seasons. NDSU had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in the same season for the first time in school history in 2011. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7, 2012, with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State.

The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 led-ger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. Polasek was an assistant coach at Wisconsin-Stevens Point for three seasons before coming to North Dakota State. He coached the defensive backs (2005), wide receivers/tight ends (2003-04) and quarterbacks (spring 2003). Polasek coordinated special teams in 2004-05 and the passing game in 2003-04. He played collegiate football at Concordia University in Wisconsin, where he is the school’s all-time leading passer. He set single-game, single-season and career records in TD passes, passing yards, comple-tions and completion percentage. Polasek was the 2000 Badger-Illini Conference Player of the Year. He was a two-time first team all-confer-ence selection in 2000-01 and second team in 1999. Polasek graduated from Concordia in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He earned his master’s degree from Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2005.

TIMPOLASEK

Fullbacks/Tight Ends/Special Teams

(Concordia, Wis., 2002)

Scott Fuchs begins his fourth season as North Dakota State’s offensive line coach after coming back to his alma mater in January 2009. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7, 2012, with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record in-cluding a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. Overall, Fuchs has been a part of seven conference championship coaching staffs. Fuchs has coached 27 all-con-ference performers and seven

All-Americans during his coaching career including AFCA All-American offensive tackle Paul Cornick in 2011. He’s helped to keep a streak intact, NDSU has had a running back rush for 1,000 yards nine straight seasons. In 2011, the Bison had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in the same season for the first time in school history. A former All-American offensive guard for the Bison, Fuchs was the offensive line coach at Southern Illinois University during the 2008 sea-son. The Salukis reached the 2008 NCAA Division I FCS playoffs and tied for the conference title. His extensive coaching resume also includes one season at Grand Valley State (2007), four years at Nebraska-Omaha (2003-06), three seasons at Minnesota-Crookston (2000-03), one year at Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1999) and two years at Valley City State (1997-98). Fuchs started his coaching career as a graduate assistant working with the tight ends at North Dakota State from 1994-97. He was an offensive line coach at all stops except defensive line at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Fuchs has also worked with special teams, strength and condi-tioning, and camps. A native of Minot, N.D., Fuchs earned his bachelor of science degree from North Dakota State in physical education and social science educa-tion in 1995 and his master of education degree with a specialization in physical education and athletic administration in 1997. A member of the 1990 NCAA Division II national championship team, Fuchs earned 1993 Kodak/AFCA first team All-America honors and was a two-time All-North Central Conference selection. He was a part of three NCC championship teams (1991-92-93). Scott and his wife, Emily, have three boys, Hank, Jack and Gus.

SCOTTFUCHS

Offensive Line(North Dakota State, 1995)

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ASSISTANT COACHES

Kenni Burns begins his third season as wide receivers coach and first as recruiting coordinator at North Dakota State University. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Champi-onship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7, 2012, with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. The Bison offense featured a 1,000-yard receiver, Warren Holloway, for the third time in school history, and the wide receivers were a key part in blocking for a pair of 1,000-yard running backs -- a first in the program’s storied history.

Burns spent the previous two seasons as the tight ends coach at Southern Illinois. SIU went 15-1 in MVFC play during his tenure, won a pair of conference championships and made two NCAA Division I FCS playoff appearances.

A major portion of the Saluki offense evolved around the tight ends, and Burns helped to develop a two-time all-conference selection at that position. In 2009 the Sa-lukis ranked 5th in the nation by averaging 221.1 yards on the ground.

A native of Springfield, Ill., Burns also played a major role in SIU’s recruiting efforts. Prior to going to Southern Illinois, he was the running backs coach at NCAA Division II Millersville (Pa.) University in 2007.

Burns played running back for four years at Indiana

University (2003-06), where he lettered three times for the Hooisers. In 2004, Burns received the IU Iron Man award that is given to the player with the most snaps taken during the spring.

While attending Indiana, Burns was a member of the Indiana Student Government as the Athletic Project manager, which was the bridge between the student government and the athletic department. He helped create more student seating at football and basketball games, and helped reduce ticket prices for students.

Before arriving at Indiana, Burns attended Sacred Heart Griffin (Ill.) High School. He was a three-time all-state player and was the first ever sophomore to receive all-state honors. He also received several All-American honors his senior year. He graduated in December 2006 from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in general studies.

KENNIBURNS

Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers

(Indiana, 2006)

AJ Cooper begins his seventh season with the North Dakota State University coaching staff, his fourth as defensive ends coach. He has worked with the offensive line and tight ends as a student as-sistant and graduate assistant with the program. Cooper, who also is the pro-gram’s camp and clinic director, was part of a NDSU staff that boasted the nation’s top scoring defense (12.73 ppg) and ranked 8th in turnover margin (+1.20 avg/g), 16th in pass efficiency defense (110.53 rating), 17th in rushing defense (118.73 avg/g), 19th in sacks (2.67 avg/g) and 20th in total defense (315.93 avg/g). The Bison defense allowed only 27 points in four FCS playoff games. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Champi-onship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7, 2012, with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. A 2006 graduate of NDSU, Cooper earned honorable mention Foot-ball Gazette Division I-AA All-America honors at tight end for the Bison in 2005. He caught 24 passes for 473 yards (19.7 ypr) and four touch-downs as a senior. Cooper, who earned first team all-Great West Football Conference all-Northwest Region honors, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers in 2006 and received an extended look at training camp. A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Cooper transferred to North Dakota State from Glendale Community College. He caught 44 passes for 578 yards and eight TDs to lead all JUCO tight ends in each category. AJ was married in August 2010 to former NDSU women’s basketball player Amanda Girodat.

AJCOOPERDefensive Ends


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ASSISTANT COACHES

Nick Goeser begins his third season as the defensive tackles coach at North Dakota State. NDSU led the nation in scoring defense (12.73 ppg) and ranked 8th in turnover margin (+1.20 avg/g), 16th in pass efficiency defense (110.53 rating), 17th in rushing defense (118.73 avg/g) and 20th in total defense (315.93 avg/g). The Bison defense allowed only 27 points in four FCS playoff games. North Dakota State won the program’s first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championship on Jan. 7 with a 17-6 win over Sam Houston State. The Bison completed the season with a 14-1 record including a 7-1 ledger in winning the Missouri Valley Football Conference title. Goeser came to Fargo from the successful University of Minne-sota-Duluth program, where he was the defensive line and outside linebackers coach. UMD went 15-0 and won the 2008 NCAA Division II national championship. The Bulldogs were 11-2 in 2009 and advanced to the quarterfinals. In the final NCAA statistics, the UMD defense finished 2nd in scoring defense (12.5 ppg), 4th in rushing defense (69.1 ypg) and 5th in total defense (251.0 ypg). Prior to heading to Duluth, Goeser served as an assistant coach in charge of the defensive ends at Augustana College (Ill.) in 2005 and 2006. The Vikings won two College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championships and made one NCAA Division III playoff appear-ance. In 2003 and 2004, Goeser was a member of the Marietta College (Ohio) football staff as a defensive line coach. He helped rebuild a Pioneer team which had gone 2-8 in his debut season to a 6-4 club the following fall. A native of Scandinavia, Wis., Goeser played his college ball at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he was a four-year starting defensive lineman and a 2002 all-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honoree. He played an integral part in helping the Blugolds post back-to-back 8-2 seasons during his final two years in Eau Claire and claiming the 2001 WIAC title. He captained the team as a senior. A three-sport standout (football, basketball, and baseball) at Iola-Scandinavia High School, Goeser received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2003 and his master’s degree in education from Marietta College two years later. Nick and his wife, Vicki, reside in Fargo.

NICKGOESER

Defensive Tackles(UW-Eau Claire, 2003)

Steve Stanard was named linebackers coach at North Da-kota State in March 2012.

Stanard brings 22 years of defensive experience to the Bison program, including 18 years as a defensive coordinator at Tulane, Colorado State, New Mexico State, South Dakota and Nebraska Wesleyan. He has been a part of nine bowl games as a player or coach.

Stanard was the defensive coordinator at Tulane University the past three seasons. The Green Wave’s defensive unit led Conference USA in pass defense two years in a row. In 2010, Tulane forced 23 turnovers, an increase of 13 from 2009, and he coached seven all-conference players including a pair earning all-freshman team honors.

Stanard spent the 2008 campaign on the coaching staff at Ohio University. He served as the defensive line coach and was responsible for the PAT and field goal block unit. During his lone season with the Bobcats, Stanard helped mentor defensive tackle Jameson Hartke, who was named second-team All-Mid American Conference, Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District.

Prior to Ohio, Stanard spent five seasons as the defensive coordina-tor/linebackers coach for Colorado State University, where he helped the Rams to two bowl appearances.

In 2006, CSU finished among the MWC’s top four schools in scoring defense, pass defense, pass defense efficiency, sacks, opponent first downs and opponent third down conversions. The Rams led the confer-ence in pass defense in 2004 and 2005.

From 1997-2002, Stanard coached at New Mexico State University for six seasons, serving as defensive ends/outside linebackers coach the first three years and defensive coordinator the latter three. While at NMSU, Stanard had the pleasure of coaching linebackers Dwayne Taylor and Jimmy Cottrell. Taylor earned all-conference honors three times and went on to play in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes. Cottrell set a WAC record in 2005 with 179 tackles on his way to earning honorable mention All-America honors from SI.com and became the first Aggie to lead his team in tack-les all four seasons.

Stanard began his career in 1988 as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, alongside Coach Tom Osborne and became a graduate assistant a year later. During his time with the Huskers, Stanard was also a part of seven bowl bids as either a student-athlete or coach. From there, he coached at Nebraska Wesleyan University for five years, where he served as the school’s defensive co-ordinator, head coach and an assistant athletic director over the course of his tenure.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nebraska in 1989 and received his Master’s degree in 1995.

Steve and his wife Jennifer have two children.

STEVESTANARD

Linebackers(Nebraska, 1989)

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Jim Kramer is in his ninth season as the director of athletic performance at NDSU.

Prior to joining the Bison during the 2003-04 season, Kramer was the strength and conditioning coordinator at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

He also served as the head strength and conditioning coach at Northern Iowa, was an assistant director of player de-velopment at Georgia Tech, and was a strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Appala-chian State.

A native of Plattesville, Wis., Kramer graduated from Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He has two children.

Brian Gordon enters his eighth season at NDSU and his second as director of football operations and equipment services. Prior to head-ing to Fargo, Gordon served as an assistant equipment manager at the University of South Florida in Tampa for two years. Gordon holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminology from the University of South Florida. He is currently pur-suing a master’s degree in public administration. He has interned with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington and is a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Managers As-sociation. Brian and his wife Marie have a son, Eli.

ASSISTANT COACHES

GORDIEHAUG

Offensive Assistant(Bemidji State, 2011)

JIMKRAMER

Director ofAthletic Performance

(UW-LaCrosse, 1989)

BRIAN GORDONDirector of Football

Operations & Equip. Services(University of South Florida, 2002)

PRESTONEVANS

Defensive Assistant(North Dakota State, 2012)

JOHNRICHARDSON

Assistant Coach,Defense


John Richardson begins his fourth season with the NDSU football program and his first as assistant coach, defense, and aca-demic liaison. He was a defensive assistant in 2011, and student assistant in 2009-2010.

Richardson was a two-year starter at cornerback for the Bison in 2007 and 2008 after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College. In 22 games for NDSU, he was cred-ited with 85 tackles including 57 solos, 19 passes defended, a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

A native of Compton, Calif., Richardson graduated in December 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation leadership. He was named to the 2008 Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll. John and his wife, Sahfiya, reside in Fargo.

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BISON ROSTER

UPDATED: May 25, 2012 / 09:43 amALPHABETICAL LISTING

88 Luke Albers TE92 Chuks Amaechi DE89 Justin Arp TE31 Tom Barneson K52 Travis Beck LB68 Ty Beckius OG26 Joey Blackmore DB46 Andrew Bonnet FB13 Aireal Boyd CB27 Myles Brooks K33 Marcus Brantley S47 Garrett Bruhn TE32 Jordan Champion CB64 Josh Colville OL7 Zach Colvin DB23 John Crockett RB30 Jedre Cyr FB42 Jacob Davis LB51 DeShawn Dinwiddie LB25 Deveon Dinwiddie RB37 Lynk Downing K60 Ryan Drevlow NG35 Christian Dudzik FS15 Dylan Dunn WR53 Kyle Emanuel DE64 Alex Enyi DL98 Austin Farnlof DT3 Trevor Gebhart WR54 Tyler Gefroh LB71 Tyler Gimmestad OG95 Jeremy Gordon DE81 Demitrius Gray WR40 Andrew Grothmann FB59 Joe Haeg OT57 Sam Hahn OL96 Ricky Hagen DE38 Francisco Hardacker RB91 Mike Hardie DE20 Colten Heagle SS76 Jesse Hinz C48 Logan Hushka LB16 Brock Jensen QB72 Jeff Jerve OL93 Cole Jirik DE66 Zack Johnson OL21 Matt Jones RB97 Justin Juckem NG99 Jacob Kassulker DE17 Adam Keller K30 Sam Koenig K5 Derrick Lang RB43 Alex LaVoy LB63 Anthony LaVoy OL45 Brandon Lawniczak LB78 Landon Lechler OL19 Ben LeCompte P45 Codee Lee LB49 Derek Lee TE62 Jacob Lesar OG14 Bo Liekhus FS38 Carlton Littlejohn LB94 Danny Luecke DT73 Joe Lund C31 Grant Maris S8 Andre’ Martin, Jr. CB18 Derek McGinnis QB80 Nate Moody WR50 Michael Murphy LS74 Andrew Nack OL86 Taylor Nelson TE

NUMERICAL LISTING

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown (High School/College) 1 **Marcus Williams CB 5-11 194 Jr. Minneapolis, Minn. (Hopkins)2 **Brendin Pierre CB 5-8¾ 170 Jr. Miramar, Fla. (Miramar)3 *Trevor Gebhart WR 6-1 193 So. Sioux Falls, S.D. (Washington)4 **Ryan Smith WR 5-7 175 Jr. Wahpeton, N.D. (Wahpeton)5 **Derrick Lang RB 5-11 215 Jr. Wausau, Wis. (West)6 CJ Smith CB 5-11 181 RFr. Savage, Minn. (Burnsville)7 Zach Colvin DB 5-9¾ 166 So. Superior, Wis. (Superior)8 Andre’ Martin, Jr. CB 5-10¼ 191 Sr. St. Louis, Mo. (McCluer/UNI)9 *Esley Thorton LB 6-3 207 So. Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck)10 ***Bobby Ollman SS 5-10¾ 201 Sr. Mequon, Wis. (Homestead)11 Carson Wentz QB 6-4½ 220 RFr. Bismarck, N.D. (Century)12 *Cooper Wahlo, Jr. WR 6-1¾ 196 Jr. Woodbury, Minn. (Woodbury)13 *Aireal Boyd CB 6-1½ 184 Sr. LaPorte, Texas (Laporte/NDSCS)13 Eric Perkins WR 5-7½ 169 Fr. Kewaskum, Wis. (Kewaskum)14 Bo Liekhus FS 6-0 196 Fr. Plattsmouth, Neb. (Bellevue West)15 Dylan Dunn WR 6-2½ 213 RFr. Fargo, N.D. (Shanley)16 **Brock Jensen QB 6-3¼ 224 Jr. Waupaca, Wis. (Waupaca)17 Adam Keller K 6-1 208 So. Lewisberry, Pa. (Red Land)18 Derek McGinnis QB 6-2½ 200 Fr. Crete, Neb. (Crete)19 Ben LeCompte P 5-9¾ 197 RFr. Barrington, Ill. (Barrington)20 **Colten Heagle SS 5-10¾ 196 Jr. Appleton, Wis. (Kimberly)21 Matt Jones RB 5-9¼ 197 RFr. Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon)22 **Sam Ojuri RB 6-0 206 Jr. Barrington, Ill. (Barrington)23 John Crockett RB 5-11½ 202 So. Minneapolis, Minn. (Totino-Grace)24 *Bryan Shepherd DB 5-9¾ 179 Jr. Olathe, Kan. (North/Nebraska-Omaha)25 Deveon Dinwiddie RB 5-8½ 159 Jr. Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson/Hutchinson CC)26 Joey Blackmore DB 6-1¾ 196 Jr. Avon, Minn. (Albany Area Senior)27 Myles Brooks K 6-0 197 So. Bottineau, N.D. (Bottineau)28 Andrew Smith FS 6-0¼ 192 Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D. (Roosevelt)29 **A.J. Van Voorhis SS 5-8½ 184 Jr. Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park)30 Jedre Cyr FB 5-11¾ 230 RFr. Glyndon, Minn. (Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton)31 Tom Barneson K 6-3½ 194 Fr. Eau Claire, Wis. (Memorial)31 Grant Maris DB 6-1¼ 188 Fr. Gainesville, Fla. (St. Francis Catholic)32 Jordan Champion CB 5-9¼ 182 RFr. Avondale, Ariz. (Westview)33 Marcus Brantley DB 5-9 181 Fr. Mesa, Ariz. (Red Mountain)34 **Grant Olson LB 6-0 223 Jr. Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata)35 *Christian Dudzik FS 5-10 180 So. Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic)36 Joey Sonnenfeld LB 6-2¾ 202 RFr. Maple Grove, Minn. (Osseo)37 Lynk Downing K 5-9 160 RFr. Elk River, Minn. (Zimmerman)38 *Carlton Littlejohn LB 6-1 216 So. Minneapolis, Minn. (North Community)38 Francisco Hardacker RB 5-10 180 Fr. Edina, Minn. (Edina)39 Josh Werness RB 5-8 186 Fr. Andover, Minn. (Anoka)40 **Andrew Grothmann FB 6-0½ 234 Jr. Hillsboro, N.D. (Hillsboro)41 MJ Stumpf LB 6-2¼ 185 Fr. Harvey, N.D. (Harvey-Wells County)42 Jacob Davis LB 6-1¼ 225 Fr. Wichita, Kan. (Northwest)43 Alex LaVoy LB 6-0 218 RFr. Naytahwaush, Minn. (Mahnomen)44 Antonio Rodgers LB 5-9¾ 221 Jr. N. Miami Beach, Fla. (N. Miami Beach/West Hills)45 Codee Lee LB 6-1½ 217 RFr. Velva, N.D. (Velva)45 Brandon Lawniczak FB 6-1¼ 222 Fr. Pulaski, Wis. (Pulaski)46 Andrew Bonnet FB 6-2¾ 242 RFr. Council Bluffs, Iowa (Underwood)47 ***Garrett Bruhn TE 6-1 241 Sr. Beatrice, Neb. (Beatrice)48 Logan Hushka LB 5-11½ 214 Jr. Fargo, N.D. (Shanley)49 Derek Lee TE 6-2¾ 238 RFr. Wichita, Kan. (Maize)50 **Michael Murphy LS 6-0¼ 240 Jr. Hollister, Calif. (San Benito)51 *DeShawn Dinwiddie LB 6-2 213 So. Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson)52 *Travis Beck LB 6-0 207 So. Munich, N.D. (Langdon/Munich)53 *Kyle Emanuel DE 6-3 243 So. Schuyler, Neb. (Schuyler Central)54 Tyler Gefroh LB 5-11¾ 218 So. Grand Forks, N.D. (Red River)55 Nick Scoliere LB 6-1¾ 221 RFr. St. Charles, Ill. (Marmion Academy)57 Sam Hahn OL 6-6 278 Fr. DeWitt, Neb.(Tri-County)58 Zach Riopelle LB 6-1¾ 218 Fr. Warren, Minn. (Warren-Alvarado-Oslo)59 Joe Haeg OT 6-5¾ 280 RFr. Lake Shore, Minn. (Brainerd)60 **Ryan Drevlow NG 6-4 281 Jr. Gwinner, N.D. (North Sargent)61 Brian Schaetz DL 6-0½ 281 RFr. Denmark, Wis. (Denmark)62 Jacob Lesar OL 6-5½ 309 RFr. Hermantown, Minn. (Hermantown)

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BISON ROSTER

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE46 Andrew Bonnet (bon-IT)47 Garrett Bruhn (brew-in)25 Deveon (dee-vee-on) Dinwid-die35 Christian Dudzik (dud-seck)71 Tyler Gimmestad (gihm-uh-sted)20 Colten Heagle (Hee-gull)93 Cole Jirik (JUR-eck)97 Justin Juckem (JUH-kum)19 Ben LeCompte (laa-compt)63 Jacob Lesar (leh-sarr)

94 Danny Luecke (LEW-key)87 Andrew Okland (oak-land)69 Leevon (lee-VON) Perry75 Jason Pomerenke (Pom-err-ankee)61 Brian Schaetz (shots)55 Nick Scoliere (sko-LAR-ee)36 Joey Sonnenfeld (sohn-en-feld)9 Esley (S-Lee) Thorton 85 Kevin Vaadeland (VAD-land)

SQUAD ANALYSISLettermen Returning .................................42Lettermen Lost ..........................................23Starters Returning .....................................14 Offense ......................................6 Defense .....................................7 Specialty ....................................1Junior College Transfers ..............................5Transfers ...................................................3Two-year Lettermen .................................17Three-year Lettermen .................................5Seniors ...................................................7Juniors .................................................32Sophomores .............................................17Redshirt Freshmen ..................................22Freshmen .................................................25Tallest: Three players at ........................6-6¾Shortest: Ryan Smith ................................5-7Heaviest: Zack Johnson ..........................324Lightest: DeSean Warren .........................154

BY STATEMinnesota ................................ 36North Dakota ........................... 20Wisconsin ................................. 13Nebraska .....................................7Kansas .........................................6Arizona .......................................5Illinois ..........................................4South Dakota ..............................3Florida .........................................3Iowa.............................................2California .....................................1Missouri ......................................1Pennsylvania ...............................1Texas ............................................1

ALPHABETICAL LISTING

82 Zach Vraa (ver-aah)29 A.J. Van Voorhis (vour-ess)12 Cooper Wahlo, Jr. (WALL-low) Coaches & StaffCraig Bohl (bowl)Nick Goeser (Gay-zer)Tim Polasek (paul-ah-seck)Brent Vigen (VEE-gen)

NUMERICAL LISTING

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown (High School/College) 63 *Anthony LaVoy OL 6-4¼ 296 Jr. Mahnomen, Minn. (Mahnomen/Bemidji St)64 Josh Colville OL 6-1¾ 279 RFr. Deephaven, Minn. (Minnetonka)65 *Adam Schueller OL 6-3 291 So. Fergus Falls, Minn. (Fergus Falls)66 Alex Enyi DL 5-11¼ 267 Jr. Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville North)66 Zack Johnson OL 6-4¼ 324 Fr. Apple Valley, Minn. (Eastview)67 Leighton Talmadge DE 6-5¾ 242 RFr. Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck)68 ***Ty Beckius OG 6-3½ 298 Sr. Mahnomen, Minn. (Mahnomen)69 **Leevon Perry DT 6-3½ 276 Jr. Cottage Grove, Minn. (St. Paul Saint Agnes)69 Brock Russell OL 6-1½ 250 RFr. Mandan, N.D. (Mandan/Bemidji St/Bismarck St)70 Jack Plankers OL 6-6¾ 301 Fr. Leonard, N.D. (Kindred)71 **Tyler Gimmestad OG 6-2 298 Jr. Marshall, Minn. (Marshall)72 Jeff Jerve OL 6-4 309 Jr. Montevideo, Minn. (Montevideo)73 ***Joe Lund C 6-2 303 Sr. Bloomington, Minn. (Kennedy)74 Andrew Nack OL 6-3 297 Jr. Osakis, Minn. (Osakis)75 *Jason Pomerenke OT 6-5½ 310 So. Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux Center Comm.)76 **Jesse Hinz OL 6-3½ 291 Jr. Beatrice, Neb. (Beatrice)77 **Billy Turner OT 6-5½ 300 Jr. Shoreview, Minn. (Mounds View)78 Landon Lechler OL 6-6¾ 253 Fr. Beach, N.D. (Beach)80 *Nate Moody WR 6-1¼ 192 So. Dickinson, N.D. (Dickinson)81 Demitrius Gray WR 6-3 179 Fr. Aurora, Ill. (Waubonsie Valley)82 *Zach Vraa WR 6-2 198 So. Inver Grove Hts., Minn. (Rosemount)83 Carey Woods WR 6-0 180 Fr. Bemidji, Minn. (Bemidji)84 DeSean Warren WR 5-9¾ 154 Fr. Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley West)85 *Kevin Vaadeland TE 6-4 238 Jr. Park Rapids, Minn. (Park Rapids Area)86 **Taylor Nelson TE 6-4 250 Jr. Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka)87 Andrew Okland WR 6-3¼ 204 RFr. Fargo, N.D. (South)88 Luke Albers TE 6-4¾ 248 RFr. Amherst Junction, Wis. (Iola-Scandinavia)89 Justin Arp TE 6-4¼ 217 Fr. Cogswell, N.D. (Sargent Central)90 Brett Pierce DT 6-4¼ 260 Fr. Bloomington, Minn.(Academy of Holy Angels)91 *Mike Hardie DE 6-4¾ 248 So. Sioux Falls, S.D. (O’Gorman)92 Chuks Amaechi DE 6-1¾ 203 Fr. Avondale, Ariz. (Westview)93 **Cole Jirik DE 6-4½ 250 Jr. Northfield, Minn. (Northfield)94 *Danny Luecke DT 6-5¼ 280 Jr. Fargo, N.D. (South)95 Jeremy Gordon DE 6-1¼ 233 Jr. Milwaukee, Wis. (Riverside University/NDSC)96 ***Ricky Hagen DE 6-3 242 Sr. Colfax, Wis. (Colfax)97 *Justin Juckem NG 6-4¼ 270 Jr. Chilton, Wis. (Chilton)98 Austin Farnlof DT 6-0¾ 277 Fr. Cave Creek, Ariz. (Boulder Creek)99 Jacob Kassulker DE 6-3¼ 207 Fr. Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd) *Letters Earned

22 Sam Ojuri RB87 Andrew Okland WR10 Bobby Ollman SS34 Grant Olson LB13 Eric Perkins WR69 Leevon Perry DT90 Brett Pierce DT2 Brendin Pierre CB70 Jack Plankers OL75 Jason Pomerenke OT58 Zach Riopelle LB44 Antonio Rodgers LB69 Brock Russell OL61 Brian Schaetz DL65 Adam Schueller OG55 Nick Scoliere LB24 Bryan Shepherd DB28 Andrew Smith FS6 CJ Smith CB4 Ryan Smith WR36 Joey Sonnenfeld LB41 MJ Stumpf LB67 Leighton Talmadge DE9 Esley Thorton LB77 Billy Turner OT85 Kevin Vaadeland TE29 A.J. Van Voorhis SS82 Zach Vraa WR12 Cooper Wahlo, Jr. WR84 DeSean Warren WR11 Carson Wentz QB39 Josh Werness RB1 Marcus Williams CB83 Carey Woods WR

BISON BIRTHDAYS IN SEASONAugust 5 Tyler Gefroh 6 Carlton Littlejohn 8 Ricky Hagen 10 Jordan Champion 11 Adam Keller 16 Kyle Emanuel 16 Esley Thorton 19 Ryan Smith 21 Joey Blackmore 23 Trevor Gebhart 24 Leevon Perry

September 4 Josh Colville 10 Mike Hardie 19 Brock Jensen 23 Joey Sonnenfeld

October 17 Colten Heagle 17 Billy Turner 19 Christian Dudzik

November 3 Matt Jones 10 Bobby Ollman 24 Joe Lund 25 Cole Jirik

December 18 Adam Schueller 27 Andrew Bonnet 30 Carson Wentz

BOLD--Gameday

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DEFENSE ANALYSIS

STARTERS INFORMATIONRETURNING (13 overall, 7 full-time)DE (1)—**Cole Jirik (8 starts in '11), *Kyle Emanuel

(7 starts in '11)DT (1)—**Leevon Perry (15 starts in '11/29 starts

overall)NG (1)—**Ryan Drevlow (12 starts in '11), *Justin

Juckem (3 starts in '11)DE (0)—WLB (1)—*Travis Beck (9 starts in '11)MLB (1)—**Grant Olson (1 start in '10)SLB (1)—*Carlton Littlejohn (1 start in '11)CB (3)—**Marcus Williams (15 starts in '11/29 over-

all), **Brendin Pierre (3 starts in '10/9 overall), Christian Dudzik (15 starts in '11, moving to safety)

SS (2)—**Colten Heagle (10 starts in '11/17 overall), **Bobby Ollman (4 starts in '11)

FS (0)—LOST (6 overall, 4 full-time)DE (1)—***Coulter Boyer (15 starts in '11/39 overall)DT (0)—NG (0)—DE (1)—****Scott Stoczynski (14 starts in '10/17

overall)WLB (1)—**Chad Willson (15 starts in '11/18 overall)MLB (1)— ****Preston Evans (15 starts in '11/41

overall)

SLB (0)–CB (0)—SS (0)—FS (2)—***Daniel Eaves (9 starts in '11/33 career)**John Pike (7 starts in '11/

LETTERMEN INFORMATIONRETURNING (22)DE (2)—**Cole Jirik, *Kyle EmmanuelDT (3)—**Leevon Perry, *Danny Luecke, *Anthony

LaVoy (moving to offensive line)NG (2)—**Ryan Drevlow, *Justin JuckemDE (2)—***Ricky Hagen, *Mike HardieWLB (1)—*Travis BeckMLB (1)—**Grant OlsonSLB (2)—*Carlton Littlejohn, *DeShawn DinwiddieCB (4)—**Marcus Williams, **Brendin Pierre,

*Christian Dudzik, *Aireal BoydSS (2)—**Colten Heagle, **Bobby OllmanFS (2)—**A.J. Van Voorhis, *Bryan ShepherdSpecialistsLS (1)—*Michael MurphyP (0)—

LOST (11)DE (1)—****Coulter BoyerDT (0)—NG (0)—DE (1)—****Scott StoczynskiWLB (2)—**Chad Willson, *Don CarterMLB (1)—****Preston EvansSLB (2)—***Brandon Jemison, ***Alex YaggieCB (0)—SS (1)—*Brock GionFS (2)—****Daniel Eaves, **John PikeSpecialistsLS (0)—P (1)—****Matt Voigtlander

*Letters Earned

KEY BISON DEFENSIVE RETURNEES

Junior defensive end COLE JIRIK has played in all 29 games in career including eight starts last season. Jirik made 50 tackles including 24 solos. He was second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Jirik was credited with seven QB hurries last season.

Junior cornerback MARCUS WILLIAMS has started all 29 games played and 24 with at least one pass defended. Williams picked off seven passes including two returned for TDs to lead the Missouri Valley Football Conference and rank 6th in NCAA Division I FCS. An All-MVFC selection, he earned first team All-America honors from the Associated Press and The Sports Network/Fathead.com. Williams earned MVFC Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week honors. The 2011 CollegeFootballPerformance.com Defensive Back of the Year, he has 11 career picks.

Junior defensive tackle LEEVON PERRY has started all 29 games for North Dakota State 14 at nose guard in 2010 and 15 at tackle in 2011. Perry had 38 tackles including 19 solos. He was credited with eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Junior linebacker GRANT OLSON has played 29 games during his career. Olson recorded 44 tackles including 13 solos and two tackles for loss. He had a season-high eight tackles vs. Georgia Southern. Olson had five pass breakups.

Sophomore linebacker TRAVIS BECK was named the NCAA FCS Championship game MVP after recording seven tackles and his first career interception to set up fourth quarter TD vs. Sam Houston State. Beck made 76 tackles including 36 solos and four TFL, and started the final nine games.

Junior strong safety COLTEN HEAGLE has started in 18 of 25 games played in career. Heagle missed three games with an injury, but still finished third on team with 82 tackles including 50 solos and earned first team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. He recorded his first two career interceptions and added a pair of pass breakups. Heagle has five career double-figure tackle games including a career best 15 in the NCAA FCS semifinal win over Geogia Southern. He was a MVFC Defensive Player of the Week.

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OFFENSE ANALYSIS

STARTERS INFORMATIONRETURNING (12 overall, 6 full-time)TE (1)–***Garrett Bruhn (5 starts in '11/8 in career)LT (1)—**Billy Turner (14 starts in '11/26 in career)LG (0)—C (2)—***Joe Lund (15 starts, 12 at C, 2 at LG, 1 at

RG in 11'/27 in career), **Jesse Hinz (1 start in '11/4 in career)

RG (1)—**Tyler Gimmestad (14 starts in '11)RT (0)—WR (4)—**Ryan Smith (12 starts in '11), *Cooper

Wahlo, Jr. (1 start in '11), *Zach Vraa (1 start in '11), *Trevor Gebhart (1 start in '11)

QB (1)—**Brock Jensen (15 starts in '11/22 in career)

FB (1)–**Andrew Grothmann (10 starts in '11/12 in career)

HB (1)–**Sam Ojuri (1 start in '11)

LOST (6 overall, 5 full-time)TE (1)—****Matt Veldman (15 starts in '11, 23 in

career)LT (0)—LG (1)—****Austin Richard (15 starts in '11, 1 LT, 12

LG, 2 at C/43 career); ***Ty Beckius (1 start in ‘11/4 in career)

Specialists LS (1)—*Michael MurphyH (0)—PK (0)—

LOST (13)TE (1)—****Matt VeldmanLT (0)—LG (2)—***Ty Beckius,*Boen AndersenC (0)—RG (1)—****Austin RichardRT (2)—****Paul Cornick, ***Will BrittQB (0)—WR (2)—****Warren Holloway, *Brady HansenFB (2)—*Berkley Grimm, *Amos BuehnerHB (1)—****D.J. McNorton

SpecialistsSnapper (0)—Holder (1)—**John PikePlace Kicker (1)—***Ryan Jastram

*Letters Earned

C (0)–RG (0)—RT (1)—****Paul Cornick (15 starts in '11, 12/30 in

career)WR (1)—****Warren Holloway (15 starts in '11/38

in career)QB (0)—Fullback (0)—Halfback (1)—****D.J.McNorton (14 starts in '11/32

in career)

LETTERMEN INFORMATIONRETURNING (21)TE (3)—***Garrett Bruhn, **Taylor Nelson, *Kevin

VaadelandLT (2)—**Billy Turner, *Jason PomerenkeLG (1)—*Adam SchuellerC (2)—**Joe Lund, *Jesse HinzRG (1)—**Tyler GimmestadRT (1)—*Jason PomerenkeWR (5)—***Ryan Smith, *Cooper Wahlo, Jr., *Nate

Moody, *Zach Vraa, *Trevor GebhartQB (2)—**Brock Jensen, *Esley ThortonFB (1)—**Andrew GrothmannHB (2)—**Derrick Lang, **Sam Ojuri

KEY BISON OFFENSIVE RETURNEES

Junior quarterback BROCK JENSEN completed 219-of-326 passes for a school record 2,524 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions in starting 15 games last season. Honorable mention all-Missouri Valley Football Conference, Jensen completed 67.2 percent of his passes and ranked 23rd in NCAA FCS in passing effiency. He also rushed 73 times for 173 yards nine TDs including a 55-yard scoring run in the NCAA FCS semifinal win over Georgia Southern. Jensen has five career 200-yard passing games and set a school record with 142 pass attempts without an interception. He has started 22 of 24 games in career.

Junior running back SAM OJURI rushed 187 times for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011. He had five 100-yard games and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. In four NCAA playoff games, Ojuri rushed 55 times for 324 yards and three TDs. He gained 136 yards on 17 carries in the 24-0 win over Lehigh in the FCS quarterfinals. Ojuri rushed 12 times for a career-high 165 yards including a 95-yard TD run against Saint Francis, Pa. (9-12-11). Ojuri and D.J. McNorton (1,020) gave NDSU two 1,000-yard RBs in the same season for the first time in school history. The Bison have produced a 1,000-yard rusher nine straight seasons.

Junior wide receiver/return specialist RYAN SMITH made 44 receptions for 531 yards and one TD. Honorable mention All-MVFC, he averaged 12.1 yards per catch. Smith ranked 13th in NCAA FCS punt returns, averaging 10.48 ypr with one TD. He was a MVFC Special Teams Pllayer of the Week

Junior offensive tackle BILLY TURNER has started in 26 of 28 games played during his career. He became a starter in his third game as a true freshman. Turner helped to pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers last season and provide protection for QB Jensen.

Senior tight end GARRETT BRUHN has been a major contributor and has started eight of 39 games played. A punishing blocker, Bruhn caught 11 passes for 145 yards for an average of 13.2 yards per catch. He has 30 career receptions.

Senior offensive center JOE LUND has started 24 games over the past two seasons -- 19 at C, 4 at LG and 1 at RG. "The Diesel" helped to pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers last season and provide protection for QB Brock Jensen.

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BISON TWO DEEP

Returning STARTER (at least one game) in CAPITALS*—letters earned

X–WIDE RECEIVER82 *ZACH VRAA (6-2, 198, So.)12 *COOPER WAHLO, JR. (6-1¾, 196, Jr.)

Y- TIGHT END47 ***GARRETT BRUHN (6-1, 241, Sr.)85 *Kevin Vaadeland (6-4, 238, Jr.)

Z-WIDE RECEIVER4 **RYAN SMITH (5-7, 175, Jr.)80 *Nate Moody (6-1¼, 192, So.)

LEFT TACKLE77 **BILLY TURNER (6-5½, 300, Jr.)75 *Jason Pomerenke (6-5½, 310, So.)

LEFT GUARD64 Josh Colville (6-1¾, 279, RFr.)66 Zack Johnson (6-4¼, 324, Fr.)

CENTER.73 ***JOE LUND (6-2, 303, Sr.)65 *Adam Schueller (6-3, 291, So.)

RIGHT GUARD71 **TYLER GIMMESTAD (6-2, 298, Jr.)74 Andrew Nack (6-3, 297, Jr.)

RIGHT TACKLE59 Joe Haeg (6-5¾, 280, RFr.)72 Jeff Jerve (6-4, 309, Jr.)

QUARTERBACK16 **BROCK JENSEN (6-3¼, 224, Jr.)11 Carson Wentz (6-4½, 220, RFr.)

FULLBACK40 **ANDREW GROTHMANN (6-0½, 234, Jr.)46 Andrew Bonnet (6-2¾, 242, RFr.)

RUNNING BACK22 **SAM OJURI (6-0, 206, Jr.)23 John Crockett (5-11½, 202, So.)

BISONSPECIALTEAMSKICKER17 Adam Keller (6-1, 208, So.)

HOLDER19 Ben LeCompte (5-9¾, 197, RFr.)

PUNTER19 Ben LeCompte (5-9¾, 197, RFr.)

LONG SNAPPER50 **MICHAEL MURPHY (6-0¼, 240, Jr.)

KICK RETURNS1 **MARCUS WILLIAMS (5-11, 194, Jr.)4 **RYAN SMITH (5-7, 175, Jr.)

PUNT RETURNS4 **RYAN SMITH (5-7, 175, Jr.)1 **MARCUS WILLIAMS (5-11, 194, Jr.)

LEFT END53 *KYLE EMANUEL (6-3, 243, So.)91 *Mike Hardie (6-4¾, 248, So.)

TACKLE69 **LEEVON PERRY (6-3½, 276, Jr.)94 *Danny Luecke (6-5¼, 280, Jr.)

NOSE GUARD60 **RYAN DREVLOW (6-4, 281, Jr.)62 Brian Schaetz (6-0½, 281, RFr.)

RIGHT END93 **COLE JIRIK (6-4½, 250, Jr.)96 ***Ricky Hagen (6-3, 242, Sr.)

WILL LINEBACKER52 *TRAVIS BECK (6-0, 207, So.)51 *DeShawn Dinwiddie (6-2, 213, So.)

MIKE LINEBACKER34 **GRANT OLSON (6-0, 223, Jr.)44 Antonio Rogers (5-9¾, 221, Jr.)

SAM LINEBACKER38 *CARLTON LITTLEJOHN (6-1, 216, So.)9 *Esley Thorton (6-3, 207, So.)

LEFT CORNERBACK2 **BRENDIN PIERRE (5-8¾, 170, Jr.)13 *Aireal Boyd (6-1½, 184, Sr.)

STRONG SAFETY20 **COLTEN HEAGLE (5-10¾, 196, Jr.)10 **Bobby Ollman (5-10¾, 201, Sr.)

FREE SAFETY35 *CHRISTIAN DUDZIK (5-10, 180, So.) OR24 *Bryan Shepherd (5-9¾, 179, Jr.)

RIGHT CORNERBACK1 **MARCUS WILLIAMS (5-11, 194, Jr.)8 André Martin, Jr. (5-10¼, 191, Sr.)

BISON ON OFFENSE

BISON ON DEFENSE

quick facts football staff 2012 north dakota state

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