Lehigh University junior Matt Laub fought through a shoulder injury early last season that forced him to miss a number of games on the Mountain Hakws' defense.

But after that recovery process, Laub got the opportunity he was waiting for since his freshman season. Laub finished his sophomore season as the Mountain Hawks' starting linebacker/standup defensive end in the final three games.

That exposure gave Laub plenty of experience and confidence going into his third season at Lehigh, one that includes a position switch for the 2012 Parkland High School graduate.

"After my shoulder injury last year, I played a lot switching in with our senior captain Nigel Muhammad," Laub said. "Last year was great for my experience. I was able to shake my freshman jitters off during my freshman year because I got some action.

"I was getting used to the game and the speed of everything in the beginning of my sophomore year. I think by the end of last year, I was able to get a hand on the flow of the game and how everything goes. I was able to play to the best of my ability toward the end of the year."

Laub spent much of his sophomore year playing in a standup defensive end position. This season, he was plugged into the defensive line late in the preseason. He hasn't looked back from that transition.

In fact, just a number of weeks ago Laub still wasn't sure where he'd be lining up in 2014.

"I actually didn't know what position I was going to be playing going into preseason," Laub said. "They told me I was going to be a defensive lineman about a week before camp started. I knew I would be battling for a position once they changed me to defensive line."

Through four games, Laub had eight solo tackles and one tackle for loss.

For Laub, it was a long offseason of recovery, preparation and training all in on.

"Since I was out all spring because of my injury, I had a very long time to get ready," Laub said. "The summer workouts were great for my preparation because I was full-go, and we had a great group of guys up here lifting over the summer.

"I always say that if you're not nervous, there is something wrong with you. It goes away after the first play, but it definitely was nervous before the game. There are expectations for the year, you're thinking about everything, and thinking about making the right plays."

Laub and the Mountain Hawks debuted against James Madison University on September 6. While the defense held JMU to 10 points in the first half, the Spartans' offense racked up 606 total yards in the 31-28 win. The defense also allowed 600-plus yards in each of the next two weeks against No. 7/9 New Hampshire and Yale. Last week, Monmouth racked up 512 total yards in a 28-21 win to send Lehigh to 0-4.

The Mountain Hawks understand those numbers are not a recipe for success going forward.

"We just have to keep getting better," Laub said following the New Hampshire game. "We have to be more physical as a defense, and really work as a whole defense and one team out there."

The Mountain Hawks (0-4) host Bucknell to open their Patriot League schedule on October 11. Game time is 12:30 p.m. at Goodman Stadium.