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CITY   (NewsDakota.com)–As the VCSU Viking football team works through camp, their defense is the rock head coach Dennis McCulloch hopes to build wins on.

The Vikings return several talented defensive players, including a solid secondary that led the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) in pass defense a year ago, surrendering just 145 yards a game.

“I have five seniors back there with a lot of experience, and I feel good about my top eight guys,” says McCulloch.

Those names, like Dustin Renner, Eric Burgad, Ivan Lora, Jermaine Marcellus, and Tyler Kosel, are all familiar to Viking fans.  They have been making plays over the past two seasons while accumulating a lot of game experience.

McCulloch is also quick to point out two leaders on the defensive line in Garrett Jackson and Jordan Maher.  Jackson was a second-team All-DAC performer a yaer ago after making the move from fullback to defensive end.

The defense is not without holes to fill.  Gone from the linebacking corps are Kevin Strang and Coty Beck, both All-DAC selections a year ago that spent their challenging records in the tackle category. 

The Vikings open Thursday, September 1st, at home hosting Morningside, IA.