Bulldogs kickoff first fall practice since 2019

Bulldog football is back. On Monday, for the first time in nearly two years, the University of Minnesota Duluth football team kicked off fall practice at Malosky Stadium.

"There’s just something different about practicing in fall camp when you know you’ve got a season ahead, rather than a lot of unknowns," said UMD’s offensive coordinator Chase Vogler. "We’re excited about it, our guys are excited about it. We have a lot of talent coming back. We have a chance to be really good, but we’ve got to take it one day at a time."

Due to NCAA athletes being granted an additionl year off eligibility due to pandemic pauses, the Bulldogs have a number of 5th year and 6th year players returning.

Now UMD is equipped with an arsenal of offensive weapons that have all seen playing time.

One key man returning is quarterback John Larson. After battling injuries, the sixth year senior used the pause to focus on physical therapy, speed, and health to get ready for action this fall.

"I feel good. I had a year and some change to recover at this point, with just one spring ball in there," Larson said. "I’ve had my fair share of injuries throughout this time, but for once I feel 100 percent."

"He’s got an edge and a fire that I like, and a lot of guys can get behind," said junior tight end Zach Ojile on Larson. "That’s why I like playing with John, or that’s why I look forward playing with John again this year."

UMD is set to kickoff their season on September 2nd visitng Upper Iowa University. Their home opener is scheduled for September 11th against Minnesota State University-Mankato. For their full schedule, click here.