SERIOUS BUSINESS: Princeton University football co-captains, senior linebacker Mike Zeuli, left, and senior quarterback Quinn Epperly, strike a serious pose during the program’s recent media day. The Tigers kick off their 2014 campaign at the University of San Diego (1-1) on September 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After playing defensive back in his first two seasons with the Princeton University football team, Mike Zeuli was switched to linebacker last fall.

It didn’t take long for Zeuli to make an impact in his new spot, making 18 tackles in a season-opening loss to Lehigh.

“There was definitely a couple of challenges as far as learning a new spot, being more physical and playing more in the box,” said Zeuli, reflecting on the move. “I feel like I got more comfortable and I really liked it.”

As the fall unfolded, Zeuli made things uncomfortable for Princeton’s foes, recording a team-high 72 tackles and earning second-team All-Ivy League honors.

Shifting Zeuli to linebacker helped shore up a defense that came up big as the Tigers went 8-2 overall and 6-1 Ivy to share the league title with Harvard.

“Once we would see our offense get rolling we would get off the field so we can get them back on the field and they can score some more points,” said the 6’2, 230-pound Zeuli, a native of Marlton, N.J. “It was definitely feeding off of each other.”

For Zeuli, helping the Tigers win the title was a high point, particularly considering that Princeton went 1-9 in his freshman season.

“You come in and it was just one of the toughest years being a freshman, with a lot of work, a lot of everything,” said Zeuli.

“All of a sudden you are losing every game and it was bad but last year was awesome. It made up for it.”

This fall, Zeuli is looking to enjoy an awesome senior campaign, taking a leadership role as team co-captain as the Tigers are primed to win a second straight league title.

“You only have 10 games left and you have to make the best of all of them,” said Zeuli, who is fired up to kick things off in 2014 when Princeton plays at the University of San Diego (1-1) on September 20.

Serving as co-captain along with classmate and star quarterback Quinn Epperly, Zeuli is determined to be the best leader he can be.

“It was just humbling to think that guys on the team look to me as a leader,” said Zeuli, reflecting on being voted captain.

“I hope that I can live up to that and do a good job. I am definitely more lead by example. Guys have problems or questions, they come to me. I am trying to be more vocal as a leader on the defense. I still just have to go out there and do the job and play.”

Assessing how things have gone in the preseason camp, Zeuli believes the Tigers are putting in some good work.

“It has been going well, we are out here working, trying to make plays, trying to get better everyday,” said Zeuli.

While the Princeton team has a bull’s eye on its back as a defending league champion and being picked to finish first this fall by the preseason media poll, Zeuli said the Tigers aren’t feeling pressure to repeat.

“I don’t know if we think about that,” said Zeuli. “You just take every game as it comes and just try to win every game. It’s no different than any other year.”

As Zeuli and his teammates gird for the season, their focus is on seizing the moment.

“You are always trying to fight complacency, whether you are up 20 in a game or coming off an Ivy League championship,” said Zeuli.

“You always still want to play your best. You need to just relax, play, and have fun.”