Moser: "As Tough As They Come"

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson. Picture courtesy of Fargo Forum photographer Dave Samson.


MOORHEAD — Concordia Cobbers head coach Terry Horan paused during one of his interview answers to ask senior linebacker Ty Moser his current weight.

The 6-foot-3 Moser responded, "let's say 215."

"And you can run like him, my goodness," Horan said. "That's great to have."

Moser is one of the prominent returning players on the Concordia defense, playing an inside linebacker spot, which is integral part of the team's 3-4 scheme. The Cobbers had their annual football media day Tuesday at Jake Christiansen Stadium.

"Our inside linebackers are kind of the glue," Horan said.

From Perham, Minn., Moser is entering his third season with the Cobbers after transferring from North Dakota State, where he wrestled. He joined the Concordia program prior to the 2020 season, which was canceled due to COVID-19. The Cobbers are slated to start the regular season at 1 p.m. Sept. 2 at Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

"Fall camp is always a fun time because you have one focus and that is football, it's your teammates," Moser said.

Senior linebacker PJ Parmelee is slated to start next to Moser at the other inside linebacker spot. Parmelee said Moser seems to be one step ahead of everyone else with his ability to read and react, along with his toughness.

"Grit," Parmelee said of Moser. "He's kind of one of those bad dudes on our team. He's always there, he's always ready."

The Cobbers posted a 5-5 overall record last fall, including a 3-5 mark in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Concordia returns six starters on defense and five on offense. The Cobbers allowed 20.3 points per game last season.

"We're returning a lot of experience within the front seven," Moser said. "We've got guys who are passionate about this team, about where we're going."

Moser played alongside Noah Jenson at middle linebacker last fall, which was Jenson's final season in the program. Jenson led the Cobbers in tackles a season ago and Moser said Jenson — from Broomfield, Colo. — had a positive impact on his career with Concordia.

"I was always able to look at him if I needed a little guidance," Moser said.

Moser was a multiple-sport athlete for Perham High School prior to his college career. Horan said Moser's wrestling background shows on the gridiron.

"A football-wrestling combo guy is a great combo guy for a football player," Horan said. "To me, there's not too many tougher sports than wrestling. ... He brings that extra toughness."

Moser is set to start his third season as a starter for the Cobbers. He earned honorable mention All-MIAC honors last season, tying for the team lead in sacks with four.

A team captain, Moser said he can tell the importance of leadership has increased during his time in the program.

"Slowly as I've gotten older, I realize that more and more eyes are set on you as you work your way through the program," Moser said.

Horan added: He looks the part. He plays the part. He's a cerebral football player. He's as tough as they come."