UAlbany football player makes big impact at new position

The UAlbany coaching staff decided to move Mistler from safety to get faster after the defense struggled greatly in a 38-35 overtime loss at Monmouth the week before.

"It certainly wasn't easy learning a whole new position in just a couple of days,'' Mistler said. "All new plays, a new position, new fits and stuff like that. But I'm just hitting the (play) book, studying them. Knowledge is power, so if you're confident, play fast and know your stuff, I just had to study."

Mistler is playing the "buck" linebacker position, really a hybrid of linebacker and safety, entering the Colonial Athletic Association opener against William & Mary at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Casey Stadium.

He's playing much closer to the line of scrimmage than he did at safety. He's sharing the "buck" duties with redshirt freshman Joe Casale of Troy. Which one plays is dictated by what the opposing offense is doing.