HAVRE - Brian Strobel seems to have found the perfect fit with the Carroll College football team, even if the Saints coaches are unsure where to put him.

The sophomore transfer from Central Washington University has found a niche as the utility man in the Saints' defense, playing linebacker on one down, then safety on another.

In Saturday's 32-0 blowout over MSU-Northern, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder used both positions to make some impressive stops on defense, including two red-zone interceptions and a half-sack.

"He's one of those guys that's an unsung hero," said Saints' head coach Mike Van Diest. "He's not a starter in some places and in other defenses he is a starter.

"We can move him around a lot, and that's the best thing about him. He plays well; he's smart; he's just a good football player."

Strobel used his speed and intelligence at the safety position to get two picks off Lights senior quarterback Jeff Van Nest as Northern was driving for the end zone.

Van Nest connected on a 38-yard pass to running back Ty Cochrel to put the Lights within striking distance midway through the third quarter. After a scramble for first down, Van Nest handed off twice before having to jump on a bad snap. On fourth and long, the quarterback's desperation heave fell just short of a receiver and into the hands of Strobel, who carried it to the Saints' 35-yard line.

Carroll would get a good drive on the following possession, though freshman D.J. Smetana's field goal attempt went wide.

Late in the fourth quarter, joining a crew of mostly backups, Strobel and defensive tackle Spencer Savage ganged up for a sack on Van Nest, who was forced once again to toss up the ball on the next play. As before, it fell into the hands of Strobel.

In the end, the Saint finished with a team-high four tackles, one-half for a loss. More importantly, he continued to prove that he belongs as a starter on the field, wherever it might be.

Jeff Windmueller: 447-4065 or jeff.windmueller@helenair.com