Photos By J. Alan Paul Photography
Nick DeLuca and Nate Tanguay are returning from injury to join forces with All-American safety Tre Dempsey for one goal—returning to Frisco. But first, they need to take care of business in the regular season. The Bison will look to the defense, Code Green, to lead the way.
Key Figure: 10
Dempsey has 10 career interceptions, making him the active leader on the Bison football team.
The Rise
The impact of Tre Dempsey on the Bison defense finally struck a chord nationally last season when the junior was recognized for his six-interception season by being named a first team All-American. But the Lakeland, Florida, native didn’t consider the season a success. It’s national championship or bust for the safety entering his third year as a starter and second as captain.
On Saturdays, Dempsey’s acrobatic ballplaying skills and tenacity against the run has garnered respect among his peers. Off the field, his heart and desire for perfection have made him the perfect senior leader for an experienced Bison defense in 2017.
Dempsey on where this Bison defense stands among past NDSU defenses
“I hate doing that, man. I’ll put it like this: I think we got potential to be the greatest defense in the nation. But against other Bison defenses, there’s been so many ‘GOATs’ (Greatest of All-Time) here, and I respect them so much that I can’t say nothing.”
Dempsey on approaching his final year at NDSU
“I worked hard in the weight room and got stronger. I feel faster, too. … I didn’t really take a vacation from football. Some people say get away from it for a week or two. I kept watching football and never took it off.”
Dempsey on NFL scouts watching him
“I feel like if we accomplish all our goals on this team, then I can accomplish my goals that my previous teammates that are in the NFL accomplished. It’s in the back of everyone’s head that wants to go to the League.”
Dempsey on if last season was successful after going 12-2
“It wasn’t successful to me. I want to be a national champion. That’s my first time losing. It may sound selfish or unrealistic to fans or to whoever else, but I want to be a national champion every year.”
