GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Growing up a native of Grand Forks, senior linebacker Ryan Kasowski is keenly aware of the history and tradition of University of North Dakota football. Watching him during spring practices at Memorial Stadium or talking to him after, it shows.

Kasowksi, a co-captain of the UND football team, gives some advice to a freshman. He absorbs the words from head coach Chris Mussman or outside linebackers coach George Love, translating them to cheers from the defense on the next drill. He is focused on not only improving as an individual, but as a team.

"It's a huge honor to be captain (with) all the other guys before us that have been captains here," Kasowski said. "I'm really looking forward to next year, and teaching the young guys how we do things around here."

Over the next few weeks in spring practice, however, everyone is doing a bit of learning. The Sioux are tweaking their defensive strategy, stripping away a few variations they ran over the past few years, and simplifying to a straight-up 3-4 defense.

"To me, it's more of attacking the offense, whereas, last year we were seeing what they were going to do," Kasowski said, adding, "This first week has been outstanding. We're just getting after the quarterback, blitzing a lot and it's a lot of fun."

With the three defensive lineman and four linebacker setup, it allows Kasowski and the UND linebackers more options.

"It's not only rushing me, but rushing the other inside linebackers or other outside linebackers," Kasowksi said.

As a Sioux fan for his whole life, Kasowski said fans should recognize the style more like what UND did in the 1990s.

"The 3-4 is what we built ourselves on here," Kasowski said. "Back when coach (Mike) Mannausau played and all those guys, that 3-4 was a pretty powerful thing. We're trying to get back to that."

UND's spring season is capped by the Green/White Scrimmage at 1 p.m. on April 24 at the Alerus Center.