By Jared Harmon

Fri, Nov 21, 2008 (midnight)

Courtesy photo

Kyle Rath chases down a rusher during a recent Northern Arizona football game.

Courtesy photo

Silverado graduate Kyle Rath is now a defensive lineman at Northern Arizona.

A little change can make a big difference.

A star linebacker at Silverado, Kyle Rath has switched positions and is making an impact as a defensive lineman for the Northern Arizona football team.

Lumberjacks defensive line coach Bill Smith said Rath was recruited with the move in mind as the coaching staff believed he had the frame to bulk up and become a formidable lineman. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound sophomore has started all 11 games for the Lumberjacks.

"Kyle has done an outstanding job for us," Smith said. "He's really worked his way up to what we had anticipated and hoped for when we recruited him. He's athletic for his size and has a broader perspective on the game than most linemen because of his time as a linebacker."

Rath has collected 33 tackles, seven sacks and a forced fumble while helping the Lumberjacks to a 6-5 record. The 2006 Silverado graduate saw limited time last year asa red-shirt freshman, and has been a mainstay of the defense this fall.

"This is only my first year as a starter, but things are going pretty well," Rath said. "Making the switch was a little tough because I was so unused to playing with the my hand down. It was a little tough to get the timing and stuff down, but it's coming along."

Former Silverado coach Doug Thornhill knew Rath had the right mindset to be a playmaker at the next level.

"Kyle has a real desire to go play football and that's half the battle," Thornhill said. "He's always had the size and the talent. But I think it's that desire that caught his coaches' eyes. If he continues to stay injury free he's going to be a force to contend with."

Rath said his red-shirt year afforded him the opportunity to learn his new position and familiarize himself with the Lumberjacks defense.

"Kyle has really been effective since we moved him over," Smith said. "If it's been tough on him then he's real good at hiding it. He makes plays and makes things happen."

Rath continues to learn new facets of the position and with each game has enjoyed being able to contribute to a season in which the Lumberjacks narrowly missed a postseason appearance.

"The team has done well this season," Rath said. "I think the offense and defense both had some big games. We made some costly mistakes that hurt us, but we showed we can be tough, too. We have a good team coming back next year and my No. 1 goal is to win the conference before I graduate. I want a ring."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.