TOWSON, Md. - When any team makes the kind of improvement that the Tigers did last year, there are a number of heroes and even more "unsung heroes."

Last season, linebacker Alexander DiSanzo was of those unsung heroes.

A transfer from Boston College, he joined the Tigers in the pre-season and became one of the team's top defensive performers. A starter in 11 games at outside linebacker, he tied for fourth on the team with 68 tackles. He made four tackles for lost yardage and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. He also had one fumble recovery.

In his debut against Morgan State in the season opener, he made seven tackles. A few weeks later, he had seven tackles and intercepted a pass in the Tigers' Homecoming win over Colgate.

He helped the Tigers to a win at Old Dominion with seven tackles.

He had his biggest game of the season at William & Mary in the Tigers' 38-27 victory. The Tigers' leader with 10 tackles, he sealed the victory with an interception in the final minute of the game to stop the Tribe deep in Towson territory.

In the Tigers' win at Maine, he had four tackles and intercepted another pass.

When the Tigers concluded the regular season with a Rhode Island, DiSanzo came up with another big performance as he made seven tackles, including three for lost yardage, in a 28-17 victory that clinched the CAA championship.

With a year of experience on the Tiger defense, the hard-hitting DiSanzo is likely to play an even larger role this season.