Athlete of the Week: Brad Foss
Brian Michaud
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Sports
It's not difficult to notice the offensive line the Bulldog football team has created this season. UMD has scored at least 30 points in every contest they have won this year. Those aren't just good numbers, those are devastating numbers. Leading the way behind this unbelievable surge of points is the dominant Bulldog rushing attack. NFL analysts talk about professional backfields with powerful 1-2 punch runningback combinations, but here at UMD we have an unprecedented 1-1 punch.
When Isaac Odim heads to the sidelines, another Bulldog powerhouse jogs onto the field, and it's like Odim never left. This week's Athlete of the Week is the other head of the two-headed UMD backfield, junior running back Brad Foss.
It may be perceived that he is playing second fiddle to Odim, but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, this team is truly blessed to have both top-tier rushers on their roster. Just ask Foss.
"Making an immediate impact on our team, Odim has made me and many others compete at a higher level of play; watching some of his runs, all you can say is wow. Thus, when I'm in I have to run at that level so the tempo isn't lost," Foss said. "Since he has arrived we have made for a powerful tandem of running backs. We also have a very experienced offensive line, which makes our job so much easier. I believe this has been the success of the Bulldog rushing offense." The regular season might be over, but that doesn't mean the work is. Being able to compete at the national level takes a sacrifice that most people outside of the sport would not understand.
"In preparation of the post-season, we take the playoffs on as a new season. Which it is. Staying healthy is now the main issue, when you get hurt early in the season you hope that you're back at this time because you know if you lose now, you're done. We need everyone. Also, preparation with the use of game film and scouting reports is a higher priority; breaking down our opponent is a bit more time consuming because the unfamiliarity we have with them," Foss said. "Ultimately we all wish to bring home another title. We know what it takes, we just have to get it done."
The Bulldogs take to the national stage again this weekend when they host Nebraska-Kerney in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Gametime is slated for Noon on Saturday at Malosky. It's on.
When Isaac Odim heads to the sidelines, another Bulldog powerhouse jogs onto the field, and it's like Odim never left. This week's Athlete of the Week is the other head of the two-headed UMD backfield, junior running back Brad Foss.
It may be perceived that he is playing second fiddle to Odim, but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, this team is truly blessed to have both top-tier rushers on their roster. Just ask Foss.
"Making an immediate impact on our team, Odim has made me and many others compete at a higher level of play; watching some of his runs, all you can say is wow. Thus, when I'm in I have to run at that level so the tempo isn't lost," Foss said. "Since he has arrived we have made for a powerful tandem of running backs. We also have a very experienced offensive line, which makes our job so much easier. I believe this has been the success of the Bulldog rushing offense." The regular season might be over, but that doesn't mean the work is. Being able to compete at the national level takes a sacrifice that most people outside of the sport would not understand.
"In preparation of the post-season, we take the playoffs on as a new season. Which it is. Staying healthy is now the main issue, when you get hurt early in the season you hope that you're back at this time because you know if you lose now, you're done. We need everyone. Also, preparation with the use of game film and scouting reports is a higher priority; breaking down our opponent is a bit more time consuming because the unfamiliarity we have with them," Foss said. "Ultimately we all wish to bring home another title. We know what it takes, we just have to get it done."
The Bulldogs take to the national stage again this weekend when they host Nebraska-Kerney in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Gametime is slated for Noon on Saturday at Malosky. It's on.
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