the steady, tackling-first linebacker who set the tone for UND
In Dylan Bakker’s 2016 season, he emerged as a high-volume inside linebacker for North Dakota, pacing the defense with 85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four pass breakups in 11 starts. His calling card was consistency, instincts and run-stopping reliability rather than splashy one-play stuff, which is exactly why coaches trust him in the middle. He was also recognized as a Second Team Big Sky defensive selection, signaling that his value showed up in both production and respect from the league.
