RAPID CITY - Mike Hartley's numbers aren't overly impressive, and he doesn't boast about his individual accomplishments. However, there is no doubt that this former St. Thomas More standout is making a huge impact for the best defense in NAIA football.

Hartley a defensive tackle for the University of Sioux Falls, the No. 2-ranked team in NAIA football. His team play combined with his relentless pressure on the quarterback are a couple of reasons Hartley was selected to the Great Plains Athletic Conference's all-conference team in his first year starting for the Cougars. Hartley has 17 tackles this season, 7.5 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.

"It's an honor, and I was surprised," said Hartley, "I knew I was working hard. I moved into the defensive tackle spot, so I chose to be in a no-glory position. I knew I was going to do the work, and hopefully my team would benefit from it. I don't care if anyone sees me or knows who I am. I'm happy to be a shadow doing work."

Hartley's team has benefited from his unselfish play. His play on the defensive line has allowed his linebackers better looks at running backs coming out of the backfield and opened holes where they can penetrate the offensive line with the blitz.

"I'm explosive off the ball, but I'm also a team guy," said Hartley. "I'd rather move three people so that one of my teammates can get in there and make a tackle rather than sacrifice my job for individual stuff."

The numbers the Cougar defense has put up are simply astounding. They are giving up only five points per game, they allow only 11 yards rushing per game and have shut out opponents in seven of their 11 games.

"We expect for 11 guys to fly to the ball and three-and-out every series," said Hartley. "That is the least that we expect. We've had shutouts and all that, but we also make big plays. We're out there to work. Whether we bring four guys or seven we're going after the quarterback."

Hartley says his family and faith are his biggest influences both on and off the football field, and he says that is a major reason he chose to go to the University of Sioux Falls.

"I have strong relationship with God. Everyday I pray to come out with that fire in my heart," said Hartley. "Along with that is a multitude of things. I have an amazing team and my family is a huge encouragement. They've come to every game for as far back as I can remember."

Not surprisingly, Hartley has high expectations for the Cougars in the postseason. Sioux Falls is currently 11-0 on the season, and entering the second round of the playoffs after beating Saint Ambrose University in the first round, 28-0.

"We expect to win the whole thing, anything else would be a disappointment," said Hartley. "It was a tough defeat last year, and we're looking to come back this season. Our expectations are always to win. That is what we do here."