Safety shines

By BEN JOHNSON

Press Sports Editor

Nick Dobler had always been Kansas to the core.

He grew up in Topeka, Kan., he went to Independence Community College – located in Independence, Kan. – and he was set to join the NCAA Division I ranks by transferring to Kansas State.

However, things didn't pan out in Manhattan, Kan., prompting Dobler to leave the Sunflower State to head south. He landed in Oklahoma at Northeastern State – and it's a move that's worked out for all parties.

“He was a captain and a great player in the Kansas junior college league in Independence,” said NSU coach Kenny Evans. “And after things didn’t work out the way he wanted them to at Kansas State, he transferred in right before the fall in 2009 and was a pleasant surprise.”

Dobler, a 6-foot, 190-pound free safety, is set to exhaust his final season of eligibility when the RiverHawks begin the 2010 campaign on Sept. 2 at Tarleton State.

Last season, Dobler was a key defensive cog for the RiverHawks, ranking fourth on the team in total tackles (74), second in interceptions (three) and third in pass breakups (10).

Perhaps more importantly than the numbers he put up, Dobler was an extension of the coaching staff in defensive huddle.

“He took over and actually became a coach on the field,” said Evans, whose RiverHawks finished 2-9 overall and 2-3 in the Lone Star Conference North in 2009. “He has been a leader this summer because he’s constantly been calling players to come up here and work out or go out to play some 7-on-7.”

Dobler, who also notched two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in 2009, led all NSU defensive backs in tackles, and Evans said he forsees a repeat performance from Dobler in 2010.

“We’re expecting some great things from him this upcoming year,” Evans said.

Going into spring practice, Dobler was listed as the starting free safety on the depth chart. However, Dobler knows he has to keep working to sew up a permanent spot in the starting rotation.

“The coaches said from Day 1 that all spots were open,” said Dobler, whose most notable defensive performance of 2009 was on Nov. 7 against Central Oklahoma when he came up with one interception, nine total tackles and one tackle for loss. “So spring came around, and it brought a lot of competition out. And there are still spots open.”

Dobler mentioned that having those spots open brings out the best in everyone on the football squad.

“I believe competition is the best thing for a team,” said Dobler, who was named to the All-LSC North Defensive team in 2009 . “It makes every player not just go through the motions. It makes even the greatest players step up their game – to practice and get better.”

With his senior season on the horizon, Dobler is hoping the RiverHawks can vastly improve upon their record from last year.

“I want to go out for my last year, have fun and win a lot of games,” said Dobler, who still rocks the mullet – perhaps, the most unique haircut on the team. “As for personal goals, those will just happen from there.”

NSU football Q&A

With Nick Dobler

• Can you reflect on the 2009 season?

Well, last year we didn’t really finish the season the way we wanted to. ...We have a lot of players back because we were real young [last season]. There is excitement that we’re going to do something this year; we’re going to be winning and having a good season.

• Since you sport the mullet, do your teammates give you a hard time about it?

Yes! I started it last spring, and I was doing it for Jared Allen (former defensive end with the Kansas City Chiefs, now with the Minnesota Vikings). And since he cut his off, they’re trying to get me to cut mine off now. But I don’t see it being cut.

• (Having the mullet in honor of Jared Allen) Are you a Chiefs fan?

Yes, I’m a big Kansas City Chiefs fan. I’m from Topeka, Kan., so I lived an hour away from the Chiefs.

––––––––––––––––––––––

Ben Johnson

Press Sports Editor

Text Only