Moorhead, Minn.-- The Cobber defensive secondary returns two veteran players in all-conference free safety Tanner Radermacher and cornerback Eric Svobodny.

Horan's take on the defensive backfield: "One of our most-athletically gifted positions last season and we have the same type of players this year."

Gone from the secondary will be 2004 Gagliardi Trophy finalist Jordan Talge. His ability to shut down the opposing team's top receiver will be sorely missed, as will his big play capabilities. Talge led the MIAC in interceptions last year and finished his career second on the team's all-time interception list. His absence will not be as sorely missed because of returning all-conference performer Tanner Radermacher who, like Talge, has a flair for making the right play in big time situations.

Radermacher was second on the team last season in interceptions with seven. He had two-interception games against St. Thomas and St. John's and was named the MIAC defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Tommies. His 6-2, 210 frame as the team's starting free safety will cause opposing teams receivers and quarterbacks to be aware of where he is on the field at all times.

The other returning starter in the defensive backfield is three-year starter Eric Svobodny. At times overshadowed by Talge and Radermacher, Svobodny is a no-nonsense, meat-and-potatoes cornerback who can be counted on to not make mistakes in crucial situations.

The other two spots will be filled by a pair of seasoned juniors. Chris Klabo will make the switch from safety to cornerback to fill Talge_s absence. Klabo is another incredibly athletically gifted player who reads the game very well and can make big plays. Klabo is used to pressure situations having starred on the Cobber baseball team the past two seasons. He was named to the all-conference honorable mention team in the spring and has competed on back-to-back playoff squads.

The frontrunner at the strong safety spot is Dave Moll. Moll played in nine games last season and helped give quality minutes to the defensive unit when the starting four needed a break.

Others to watch for in the defensive secondary: Adam Bertek, Ben Aakre, Darin Bergeson, Nick Ellenson, Ryan Emter, Mitch Gabrielson, Wes Johnson, Jason Jude, Lee Rahrlien and Orea Wright.