Sept. 1, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

JOE SUNNEN, THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Making the move to the dark side was an easy choice for Western Washington University senior Geoff Hise. Switching to the defensive side of the ball was something the former offensive lineman did gladly.

"You have no rules pretty much," Hise said. "You don't really have a specific assignment, you have your gap, but you can just run to the ball. It's more physical and that's the kind of player I am."

Hise first pulled on the dark blue jersey the Vikings' defense wears at practice during spring training camp in April. He's been the starting defensive end ever since.

"Geoff sees himself as a defensive player. I think he always has," coach Rob Smith said. "When we approached him about making the move he was more than happy to do it."

It didn't take long for the change to pay dividends for the Vikings. Hise recorded four tackles in WWU's season-opening win at Mesa State College and also blocked a field goal attempt that the Vikings returned 76 yards for a touchdown.

"I put both of my arms up and looked over at our bench and started hooting and hollering after I blocked it," Hise said. "Then I realized we had the ball and were headed for the end zone."

Another solo tackle by Hise with Mesa facing a third-and-2 situation late in the first quarter stalled the Mavericks' drive and forced them to punt. WWU took the ball and scored on the ensuing possession.

"The whole first half was pretty much just a rush for me," Hise said. "I hadn't played defense since high school in a game situation. After that first half I got the jitters out."

Hise, from Snoqualmie, originally signed with Boise State University out of Mount Si High School, but transferred to Western without practicing with the Broncos.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound lineman started four games last season for the Vikings on the offensive line and played in eight.

"I was just kind of frustrated playing offense at the end of the last fall," Hise said. "I came here as a defensive lineman, but I figured if I wanted to play more my best chance was on offense. When the chance to move back came up, I took it."

Hise approached the coaching staff about making the move after several defensive linemen quit the team before the start of spring practice.

"I'm loving playing for the dark side," said Hise, tugging at his practice jersey. "It's been a good move."

The Vikings travel to Topeka, Kan., to face Washburn at 11 a.m. (PDT) on Saturday.