Tim Stephenson (left) prepares for the 2009 campaign.

Posted August 27, 2009

UW-Platteville's Tim Stephenson is a returning all-conference defensive end from Lanark, Ill. He talks about the upcoming season with SID Paul Erickson.

How are the Pioneers looking so far?

"I think we're doing pretty well. The defense is learning some new things, and it seems like everyone is coming around, working as a team."

The defense finished strong last year, with the first back-to-back conference shutouts since 1950. How does building off that success help?

"It 's a great confidence builders. Not only does that go for the guys who played alst year but also the guys who are stepping up. They're well aware of what happened and want to build off that, too and make a stand like the defense did last year."

You had a chance to graduate in May, but you chose to come back. Why?

"I just love the game of football. Coaches persuaded me to stay, and if it's best for the team that I came back to play for another year, then I want to help out and get us going towards a winning season."

The Pioneers open at home with Buena Vista Saturday, Sept. 5, and Cory Donscheski, who ran for nearly 1,000 yards. How do you prepare for a guy like him?

"I don't know if you necessarily prepare for someone like him, but prepare as you would any other week of practice. We can't worry about just one man; we have to be worried about their whole team."