The other brother
Bison senior defensive end has breakout year
For the last three seasons, Brian Dahl has watched a whole lot of football.
After watching from the sidelines for the past three seasons, senior defensive lineman Dahl is now playing a large role on the Bison defense.
His brother, Craig Dahl, has played at safety since he was a freshman.
Last season, Brian didn’t record a single tackle for a Bison defensive line that was loaded with talent. In fact, in three seasons, he only totaled one tackle.
Hard work in the offseason has translated into success.
Currently, Brian is leading the Great West Football Conference in sacks per game and tackles for a loss.
The numbers he is putting up this year more and more resemble his high school statistics than what he did his first three seasons at NDSU.
As a senior at Mankato East High School, Brian recorded 11 sacks and set the school record for career sacks.
After coming to NDSU, he played on the scout team and eventually special teams before starting this season.
“ Sitting was kind of tough but I really haven’t been one of those guys that likes all the press,” Dahl said. “As long as our team is doing well, I’m doing well.”
The attitude of putting the team first is an attribute that Dahl exemplifies.
The only statistic that seems to matter to him is one team statistic, rushing defense.
“ I don’t really keep track of personal stats too much but one defensive statistic I really like is our average yards per game rushing allowed,” Brian said. “That’s been a real highlight that we haven’t allowed very many yards.”
And that certainly is a number to brag about.
This season the Bison have only allowed an average of 29 yards per game, which ranks first among Division I-AA teams.
Like any talented athlete, Brian certainly had plenty of people to thank for helping him get to where he is today.
One of the players he credits most with helping his motivation is former Bison nose guard Adam Palczewski.
And while motivation is extremely helpful, the physical skills have to be there as well, and Dahl has certainly gotten more physical in the last year, putting on 15 pounds from last year’s playing weight.
“ I’ve gained about 55 pounds since I graduated high school,” Dahl said.
Brother Craig has also noticed some changes in Brian, not only in the way he has played but also behind the scenes.
“ He’s definitely mentoring some of the younger guys,” Craig said. “He came in here and worked his way from the bottom of the depth chart to the top. He kind of gives some hope and encouragement to the younger guys.”
That type of work ethic is one of the reasons that there are two Dahls stealing headlines this year.