Recruiting Report: Bryce Paulsen (2019)

He didn't get a ton of time at his primary position last year. That will happen when you are behind one of the best players in the state at the position. Although Marshall's <strong>Bryce Paulsen</strong> had a role on the defensive side of the ball during Marshall's repeat trip back to State, he expects to be the starting quarterback for the Tigers in 2018. From the outside world, the Tigers went into 2017 without high expectations. Those low expectations were not shared by the team. "A lot of people thought we would have down year after graduating a bunch of seniors," Paulsen said, "but we came in hungry to prove those people wrong. We had great leaders that motivated us to put in the time in the summer and have a great season." In 2017 the offense fed off the defense. "It started with our defense," Paulsen said. "That led into big plays for our offense. (Quarterback) Trey Lance and (running back) Jefferson Lee got going; they opened up a lot of opportunities for other people." As a backup quarterback Paulsen didn't see much time on offense, but he played significant roles on special teams and eventually on the defensive side of the ball. "I play on a lot of special teams," Paulsen explained. "I enjoyed that a lot. I accepted my role and went out there and tried to make plays. I got some opportunities on defense too at defensive end." Paulsen started the season playing safety but due to injuries, mid-season he moved to defensive end and saw significant playing time. "It was a fun change. At safety, I was ten to fifteen yards off the ball but at end, you are contacted on every play, and I was more involved in the game." "They liked my speed coming off the edge as a pass rusher," NFN's 95th ranked junior continued. "There were also some injuries going around, so they needed someone at defensive end." With Lance in front of him, Paulsen didn't have many opportunities to show off his quarterbacking skills, but he is confident he will be able to step into the starting role this fall. "I think I am a good leader," the 6'2" 185-pound two-way player said. "I can motivate guys to go out there and give it everything they've got. I feel I am a good running quarterback and can make a lot of plays with my feet. I think I can make people respect me through the air with my deep ball." Paulsen also expects to still be in the mix on defense as well – but at another new position. "I will be at cornerback next year. I think my ability to read plays and bringing a physical aspect to the position while still having the speed and size to match up with receivers are my strengths." He will be in the weight room during the summer so physically Paulsen feels he will be ready for the football season but plans on focusing on the mental side of the game before his senior year. He is currently on the Tigers' basketball team. "I am a rotating starter," the two-guard said. "I bring the team the ability to knock down some outside shots, and I usually guard the other teams' best player." This spring he will be on the track team – running the 110 hurdles, the 300 hurdles and the 4X400. During the summer he will be playing with the Southwest Minnesota Stars AAU basketball team. He also is looking to get involved in at least a few camps for both football and basketball. While right now he prefers basketball over football some recent college interest has made him keep all his options open. "I will see how this upcoming season goes and see if that changes my mindset on things. I have been talking to North Dakota and Winona State for football." Paulsen was invited to and attended UND's junior day and is in the process of setting up a visit to Winona State. Paulsen's limited playing time has not kept college interest away. With a full season under his belt as a senior, his college football options will likely expand – making not only a college decision but also a sports decision – even more interesting.