University of Miami Football Signees Announced

Feb. 1, 2006

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker announced the Hurricanes’ 2006 signees as 20 student-athletes signed letters of intent to play football for the Hurricanes today.

Traditionally a program that recruits heavily in South Florida while also scanning the nation for top talent, Miami stayed true to that again this year. The Hurricanes signed 12 players from the state of Florida, including seven from South Florida. Miami maintained its status as a national recruiter with a geographically diverse class that includes signees from seven different states and the Bahamas. Two players from California and one player each from Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana signed to play for the Hurricanes football squad.

2006 University of Miami Hurricanes Football Signees

*Enrolled at UM for the spring 2006 semester

Geographic Breakdown
Florida: 12, California: 2, Arkansas: 1, Louisiana: 1, Tennessee: 1, Texas: 1, Virginia: 1, Bahamas: 1.

Position Breakdown
DL – 5, OL – 4, RB – 3, DB – 3, QB – 1, WR – 1, TE – 1, LB – 1, PK – 1.

MATT BOSHER
Placekicker/Punter, 6-0, 170
Jupiter, Fla. / Jupiter HS

One of the top prep placekickers in the country in 2005. As a senior, named first-team All-State. Hit 7 of 10 field goals, with a long of 52 yards. Handled kickoffs, sending 70 percent of them into the endzone his last two seasons. Can also punt, averaging 46.5 yards a punt. Selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl and the Army All-American game. As a junior in 2004, hit on 8 of 10 field goal attempts, with three longer than 40 yards and a long of 47. Earned the Lou Groza Award for Palm Beach County as a junior and senior. Averaged 37.5 yards per punt as a junior and 41.0 as a sophomore. Chose Miami over Florida. Committed to UM more than a year ago. Coached by Charles Persson. Name pronounced: BOSH-er.

Rated the No. 1 placekicker in the country by Scout.com, No. 3 by ESPN and No. 6 by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 1 kicker in the state on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Larry Coker: “Matt is an outstanding kicker who committed a year ago when he was the best kicker in the country and the Lou Groza Award winner. And he certainly solidified that as an All-American in high school.”

GRAIG COOPER
Running Back, 5-11, 189
Memphis, Tenn. / Melrose HS

Mr. Football in Tennessee as a senior. Talented tailback who possesses an excellent combination of athletic ability, speed and change-of-direction skills. Selected first-team All-State as a senior in 2005, when he led his team to the state championship. Rushed for 2,123 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging more than 7.0 yards per carry. Also gained 291 yards on receptions, with two more TDs. As a junior, rushed for 1,981 yards and 19 touchdowns. Returned three punts for touchdowns in 2004 but did not play special teams as a senior. Attended high school in Oklahoma as a freshman and sophomore, starting at cornerback. Compares himself to Reggie Bush. Was called a “human highlight film” by his coach. In high school often lined up as a slot receiver. Comes from the same high school that produced CB Carlos Armour. Chose Miami over Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Mississippi. Coached by Chester Flowers Jr.

Rated the No. 4 overall player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 10 running back by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 28 running back by ESPN. PrepStar All-American.

From Larry Coker: “As Mr. Football, he was the best football player in the state. He’s an elusive runner, a Reggie Bush-type of player with outstanding speed. He’s a gamebreaker.”

DEDRICK EPPS
Tight End, 6-4, 234
Richmond, Va. / Huguenot HS

Big tight end who has speed and can catch passes and block. Can stay on the line and block defensive linemen or split wide and run deep. As a senior in 2005, caught 38 passes for more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Also had four two-point conversions. As a junior in 2004, caught 15 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. On defense as an outside linebacker, made 75 tackles and three interceptions (one of which was returned for a 75-yard touchdown). Regarded by his high school coach as better than David Terrell, a former Michigan All-American and NFL first-round draft choice. Chose Miami over Virginia Tech, Florida and Tennessee. Coached by Richard McFee. First name pronounced: DEED-rick.

Rated the No. 12 tight end by Rivals.com, Scout.com and Collegefootballnews.com. Ranked the No. 12 player in the state of Virginia by the Richmond Times. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 12 tight end.

From Mario Cristobal: “He’s an explosive, athletic athlete with body control and excellent ball skills. He plays the tight end position with a defensive mentality. He’s a very aggressive football player. He’s a dynamic tight end who can really make an impact this year.”

JOEL FIGUEROA
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 310
North Miami, Fla. / North Miami HS

A diamond-in-the-rough according to his high school coach. Two-year starter who played left tackle in high school and graded out at 90 percent as a senior. Also played part-time on defense. Athletic lineman with strength who needs work on his techniques. Had raw ability but has all the tools to be a fine collegiate lineman. Played in the Dade-Broward All-Star game. Chose Miami over Rutgers, Marshall and South Florida. Coached by Leonard Graham.

From Larry Coker: “He was a late discovery for us. Andreu Swasey discovered him at the Dade-Broward All-Star game and was impressed with the way he practiced and played. He’ll be a solid player for us. He can play guard or tackle, but he’ll probably be a tackle. He has outstanding size and long arms. He has tremendous upside. He plays hard, he’s a tough kid, he finishes. He wants to be a good football player.”

JASON FOX
Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 265
Crowley, Texas / North Crowley HS

Athletic high school tight end who is projected to play offensive tackle in college. Often compared to Eric Winston, a Texas tight end who moved to tackle at Miami. Played offensive line and defensive end as a senior in 2005. As a junior in 2004, played tight end, catching seven passes for 95 yards. Has natural instincts, good feet and is a quick learner. Chose Miami over Texas A&M, Arizona and Oklahoma State. Coached by Mike Papas.

Rated at the No. 16 offensive tackle by Rivals.com and No. 24 by Scout.com. As a tight end, ranked No. 15 by PrepStar, No. 13 by Collegefootballnews.com and No. 22 by ESPN. Ranked the No. 13 player on the Dallas Morning News Area Top 100 list.

From Larry Coker: “He’s an outstanding prospect. He has been characterized much like Eric Winston was when he came out. He’s a tight end who knows he’s going to move to tackle when he gets to college. He knows that’s his position. He was one of the top players in the state of Texas. He starts for a basketball team that has lost only one game in four years at home. He is a great athlete.”

ORLANDO FRANKLIN
Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 290
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS

Dominating presence who has great natural athletic ability. Has speed to go with long arms and quick feet. Did not allow any sacks as a senior in 2005, his only season at Atlantic HS. Is also a very good run blocker. Moved to Florida as a junior from Canada, and is originally from Jamaica. Chose Miami over Florida and Florida State. Coached by Chris Bean.

Rated the No. 23 offensive tackle by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 2 offensive tackle on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Larry Coker: “We’re trying to get bigger, more physical players, and Orlando is a big offensive lineman who has tremendous upside. He is physical and a very good athlete who plays basketball, too.”

Richard Gordon
Athlete, 6-4, 260
Miami, Florida / Norland HS / Milford (N.Y.) Academy

Spent the 2005 season at Milford Prep, where his school went 9-2 playing against college junior varsity squads. Enrolled at UM in January. At Milford, showed his versatility by returning kickoffs for touchdowns of 89 and 99 yards. One of the more physically impressive athletes in the country. Can play both defensive end and tight end. Has size, speed and athleticism. As a senior in 2004, played in just five games because of a high blood pressure problem. On defense, made 35 tackles, one fumble recovery and one sack, and played receiver on offense, scoring two touchdowns. After the season, was selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl. As a junior, played mostly tight end. Also competed in basketball and track (4×100 relay). Can run the 40 in 4.6. Chose Miami over Florida, Florida State and South Florida. Coached by Nigel Dunn.

2006: Ranked the No. 6 prep school recruit by Rivals.com. 2005: Rated the No. 20 overall prospect in Florida regardless of position by Rivals.com, and the No. 15 defensive end by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald, the No. 56 overall prospect by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 16 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune, and the No. 4 defensive end prospect in the South by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

From Larry Coker: “Richard is an extremely versatile athlete who has played almost every position on the field.”

CHAVEZ GRANT
Defensive Back, 5-11, 170
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS

Cover cornerback who has a nose for the ball. Made six interceptions as a senior in 2005, three as a junior and four as a sophomore in 2003. Also intercepted a pass in the CaliFlorida Bowl. Helped his school to three consecutive state semifinal appearances. Climbed the recruiting charts throughout his senior season. Helped lead his school to its third consecutive state semifinal appearance. Solid student with a 3.6 GPA. Received the Academic Award at the Dade-Broward All-Star game. Chose Miami over Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Auburn. Coached by Tim Harris. First name pronounced: CHEV-ez.

Rated the No. 32 cornerback in the country and the No. 75 overall player in the state of Florida by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 27 cornerback in the nation by Scout.com. Selected All-Dade County by the Miami Herald and ranked the No. 15 player on Herald’s list of state’s top 25 players. Ranked No. 23 on the Orlando Sentinel’s Florida Top 100.

From Tim Walton: “He’s a very smart player with good feet and good quickness. He reminds me of Kelly Jennings in that he’s very knowledgeable. He can make a great contribution as a nickel or dime situation.”

RYAN HILL
Defensive Back, 5-11, 186
Tallahassee, Fla. / Rickards HS

Tallahassee product who is one of the nation’s top cornerback prospects. Versatile athlete who also plays baseball. Has excellent speed and is very competitive. As a senior in 2005, made three interceptions, 54 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and six passes broken up. As a receiver on offense, caught 26 passes for 488 yards and six touchdowns. Also punted, averaging 43.2 yards per kick and was named first-team All-State. Also named to the All-Big Bend team. As a junior in 2004, intercepted four passes, made 53 tackles and defended 18 passes. Cousin of former FSU stars Corey Fuller and Sam McGrew. Played in the CaliFlorida Bowl. Chose Miami over Ohio State, Alabama and Florida State. Coached by Maurice Belser.

Rated the No. 5 cornerback in the nation, seventh overall player in the state and the No. 59 overall player in the country by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 4 cornerback and the No. 71 player in the country by Scout.com. Rated the No. 8 defensive back by PrepStar. Ranked the No. 8 player on the Miami Herald’s list of state’s top 25 players. Rated the No. 9 player in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 8 defensive back. Ranked the No. 4 cornerback on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Tim Walton: “He’s a good-sized kid who is tough, physical and loves to compete. He has good cover skills. He’s a pure corner who has played that position all through high school. He’s probably the best pure corner of all the prospects. He’s a game player – he loves to play the game.”

JOSH HOLMES
Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 270
San Diego, Calif. / Point Loma HS

Quick and athletic interior lineman has been compared to a young Warren Sapp. Explosive off the ball. Had eight sacks as a senior in 2005. Also played tight end on offense, scoring four touchdowns. Added two touchdowns on defense (44-yard fumble return and a blocked punt recovery). As a junior in 2004, earned league Defensive Player of the Year honors with 13 sacks, 62 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 14 hurries and four pass deflections. Also caught 17 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2003, made 56 tackles, 17 for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Began his freshman year on the JV team but moved up to the varsity by the end of the year. Chose Miami over Southern Cal and Florida State. Coached by Mike Hastings.

Rated the No. 15 defensive tackle by Rivals.com, No. 24 by ESPN and No. 21 by Collegefootballnews.com. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 25 defensive lineman.

From Larry Coker: “He was one of the top players in southern California. He is an outstanding defensive tackle who also played tight end on offense on a great football program in San Diego. He’s a very good all-around athlete.”

JAVARRIS JAMES
Running Back, 6-0, 201
Immokalee, Fla. / Immokalee HS

The cousin of former UM star Edgerrin James. Fine inside-the-tackles runner with good feet and great cutting ability. As a senior in 2005, missed five games because of a knee injury but returned to the lineup and still finished with more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. After he recovered, rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries in one game, and 300 yards and three more TDs in another playoff game. As a junior in 2004, rushed 225 times for 1,658 yards and 28 touchdowns and led his team to the state title. As a sophomore, he had 165 carries for 1,145 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a freshman, rushed for more than 800 yards with 16 touchdowns. Chose Miami over Southern Cal, Florida, South Florida, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Coached by John Weber. First name pronounced: ja-VARR-is.

Rated the No. 13 running back in the nation and the 21st overall player in Florida by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 35 running back in the country by Scout.com. Rated the No. 21 running back and the No. 144 overall player in the country by ESPN. Rated the No. 18 running back and the No. 135 overall player in the country by Collegefootballnews.com. Rated the No. 4 player on the Miami Herald’s list of the state’s top 25 players. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 18 running back. Rated the No. 2 running back on the Florida Times-Union Super 75. Ranked the No. 11 player in the state by the Orlando Sentinel.

From Larry Coker: “He’s the cousin of Edgerrin James, and Edgerrin says Javarris is better than he was at this stage. That’s a pretty good compliment. Javarris was a great high school player who really will set himself apart at the University of Miami.”

TERVARIS JOHNSON
Defensive Back, 6-2, 211
Miami, Fla. / Monsignor Pace HS

Three-year starter who played safety, receiver and tight end. A raw talent with great physical ability. Can play either cornerback or safety. Named the Defensive MVP of the UM 2005 summer camp. As a senior in 2005, made two interceptions. As a junior, played tight end and wide receiver on offense, as well as linebacker, cornerback and safety on defense. Made 78 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions, returning one pick for a touchdown. As a receiver, caught 50 passes and scored five touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2003, played tight end and receiver, making his mark in the state championship game with two catches for 95 yards. Played for Carol City HS as a freshman before transferring. Selected to play in the Dade-Broward All-Star game. Chose Miami over Louisville, Auburn, Mississippi and North Carolina State. Coached by Joe Zaccheo. First name pronounced: ter-VAR-is.

Rated the No. 4 safety in the country, the No. 6 overall player in Florida, and the No. 56 player in the country by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 37 cornerback by Scout.com. Rated the No. 10 defensive back in the U.S. by PrepStar. Ranked the No. 20 player on the Miami Herald’s list of state’s top 25 players. Ranked the No. 18 player on the Orlando Sentinel’s Florida Top 100. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 10 defensive back. Ranked the No. 1 strong safety on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Tim Walton: “He’s a combination player, since he can play both cornerback and safety. He’s a big player who can run. He gives us a lot of flexibility. He’s a bigger kid than Brandon Meriweather, but like Brandon he can play multiple positions. Tervaris can play several positions for us. He’ll probably start out at cornerback, and we can use his speed and size to help on the mismatches out there. “

CHRIS LEWIS
Defensive Lineman, 6-3, 245
Fresno, Calif. / Clovis West HS

Imposing athlete who has speed and athleticism and is only going to get better. Physical player who was the nation’s No. 2-ranked heavyweight wrestler in high school. Has outstanding leverage and hand skills. Had nine sacks as both a junior and senior. Played defensive line, linebacker and tailback. His father played middle linebacker at Fresno State. Chose Miami over Oregon, Arizona State, Arizona, California and Fresno State. Coached by Jim Hartigan.

Rated the No. 9 defensive end in the country by Rivals.com.

From Larry Coker: “Chris was the No. 2 heavyweight wrestler in the country, which means he has great leverage. He was a heavily recruited player as a defensive lineman in the state of California. He is an outstanding prospect. His mother was a track star at Southern Cal and his dad played at Fresno State, so he’s going to be a terrific player.”

COLIN McCARTHY
Linebacker, 6-3, 222
Clearwater, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic HS

All-State linebacker with fine speed, athleticism, power and skills. Instinctive athlete who has been compared to former UM All-American Dan Morgan, and wants to play in the middle, too. Played in the Cali-Florida Bowl. As a senior in 2005, played linebacker, tight end and wide receiver. Missed three games with a torn labrum in his shoulder, but finished the year with 133 tackles, four sacks, one interception and 25 tackles for loss on defense. On offense, caught 38 passes for 644 yards and seven touchdowns. As a junior, played linebacker and tight end, making a school-record 163 tackles, five sacks and five interceptions. As a sophomore, played both quarterback and linebacker, passing for 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns, and on defense making 50 tackles. Started high school in 2002 as a backup freshman quarterback but asked to play defense so he could see some action, ending the season with more than 100 tackles. Attended the same high school as A.J. Trump. Chose Miami over Ohio State, Nebraska, Florida, Georgia Tech and Indiana. Coached by Mike Jalazo.

Rated the No. 24 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 54 prospect in Florida. Ranked the No. 36 linebacker by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 5 linebacker on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Larry Coker: “He is a great athlete. He was a linebacker, a quarterback, a running back, a return man from the same high school that A.J. Trump came from. He’s a very physical player. He’ll probably be a middle linebacker.”

KYLAN ROBINSON
Running Back, 6-1, 215
Tampa, Fla. / Chamberlain HS

Extremely talented runner played in Anchorage, Alaska until moving to Tampa for his senior season. Reminds some observers of a young Eric Dickerson with his ability and running style. He started his senior season playing wide receiver and defense until he returned a kickoff for a touchdown. After moving to running back for the third game, he led the county with more than 1,600 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on 179 carries. He rushed for 402 yards in one game. In 2005, was named first-team All-State and All-Conference. Team’s Most Valuable Player. Played his junior season in 2004 at Anchorage East HS, which shared one field with 14 other schools. As a basketball player, was named first-team All-State. Chose Miami over Florida, Ohio State and South Carolina. Coached by Brian Turner. First name pronounced: KIE-lin.

Rated the No. 11 running back and the 96th overall prospect by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 15 running back prospect by Scout.com. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 16 running back. The No. 3 running back on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Larry Coker: “He’s a special individual from the standpoint that he played most of his career in Alaska. He played wide receiver up there. He’s a big back who can fly. He has outstanding running skills, but he’s just scratching the surface of how good he’s going to be.”

SAM SHIELDS
Wide Receiver, 6-0, 177
Sarasota, Fla. / Booker HS

Playmaker who is one of the nation’s top wide receiver recruits, and perhaps the best in the state. Outstanding receiver who can run after the catch. Can also return kicks. As a senior in 2005, caught 67 passes for 1,201 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead his school to the Class 3A state championship game. 44 of his 67 receptions were either touchdowns or first downs. Also returned two punts for touchdowns and averaged 44 yards per kickoff return, and had more than 200 yards on fake punts and reverses. As a junior, missed the first five games with a sprained MCL, but finished the season with 42 receptions for more than 800 yards and eight touchdowns. Added two touchdowns on kickoff returns. As a sophomore in 2003, had 24 catches for 850 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hails from the same high school that produced Baraka Atkins and Chris Zellner. Chose Miami over Florida and Louisiana State. Coached by Fred Gilmore.

Rated the No. 17 wide receiver by Rivals.com, the No. 28 wideout by Scout.com, No. 9 by ESPN, No. 17 by PrepStar, and No. 13 by Collegefootballnews.com. Ranked the No. 14 player on Miami Herald’s list of state’s top 25 players. Rated No. 16 on the Orlando Sentinel’s Florida Top 100 list. Member of the PrepStar 200 and ranked the No. 17 wide receiver. Ranked the No. 5 wide receiver on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Curtis Johnson: “He’s a great player, a smooth athlete who runs really, well. What stands out is that he has great hands. He’s a big-time player, a game-breaking type of receiver. He can play this year.”

DANIEL STEGALL
Quarterback, 6-2, 175
Greenwood, Ark. / Greenwood HS

Multi-talented dual-threat quarterback who was the 4A Player of the Year in the state of Arkansas. Has drawn comparisons to former Arkansas QB Matt Jones, now a Jacksonville Jaguar. Tremendous talent who has athleticism and speed. The first Arkansas player to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 2,000 yards in a season, and he did that as both a junior and senior. Led his team to the state championship. As a senior in 2005, led his team to the state title. Rushed for 1,475 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for 2,547 yards and 26 touchdowns, with just nine interceptions. As a junior, was a part-time starter for four games before taking over. Threw for 2,065 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 1,012 yards and 27 TDs. Also punted, averaging 41.0 yards as a junior and 40.0 as a senior. Played quarterback on the freshman team. Team ran a four-wide offense. Chose Miami over Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, Air Force and Navy. Coached by Rick Jones. Name pronounced: STEE-gull.

From Larry Coker: “He was a late find for us, and a very good find. His stats are just staggering. He was the Player of the Year in Arkansas. He’s a lot like Kirby Freeman. Football has gone in the direction of more multiple-threat quarterbacks.”

IAN SYMONETTE
Offensive Lineman, 6-9, 338
Nassau, Bahamas / St. Pius HS (Houston)

Enormous offensive lineman who is projected to play left tackle. Has unlimited potential and incredible athleticism for a player his size. Nicknamed “The Bahamian Giant.” Played just two years of high school football in the U.S. after moving from the Bahamas. As a senior in 2005, graded out more than 90 percent the last half of the season. As a junior, played in just two games because of a broken leg. Played in the Army All-American game. Grew up in the Bahamas and moved to Houston to live with family friend Frank Rutherford, who was the Bahamas’ first Olympic medalist in track and field. Chose Miami over Louisiana State, Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Coached by Robin Kirk. Last name pronounced: SIM-uh-net.

Ranked the 29th best player in the country by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 28 offensive tackle and No. 61 player in Texas by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 15 offensive lineman by Scout.com.

From Larry Coker: “He’s a big, big lineman who has tremendous upside. He has great size, but he’s athletic. He was very good in basketball. I think he’ll be a special player for us.”

CHAZ WASHINGTON
Defensive Lineman, 6-4, 305
Destrehan, La. / Destrehan HS

Big run-plugging defensive tackle who hails from the same high school as former UM All-American Ed Reed. Former basketball player with quick moves. A force in the middle who can be an impact pass rusher. Has good speed and is very athletic. Intimidating player who can move sideline to sideline. As a senior in 2005, made six sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries despite tearing ligaments in his foot early in the season (missed two games). As a junior, made 65 tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Chose Miami over Oklahoma and Nebraska. Coached by Stephen Robicheaux.

Rated the No. 32 defensive tackle by Rivals.com, No. 41 by Scout.com, No. 14 by ESPN, and No. 22 by Collegefootballnews.com.

From Larry Coker: “Chaz is very motivated, energetic, and he wants to be the best. He played very good football at Destrehan High School. He’s an outstanding prospect who was really coveted by some other colleges.”

STEVEN WESLEY
Defensive Lineman, 6-3, 235
Bartow, Fla. / Bartow HS

Quick defensive end who has a non-stop motor. Was a three-year starter in high school, playing both offense and defense. As a senior in 2005, made 70 tackles, seven for losses, six sacks and one interception. Also played tight end and made 10 receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Received rare honor of being selected first-team Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District at both tight end and defensive end. Selected the 3A County Player of the Year and team Most Valuable Player. As a junior in 2004, had 63 tackles, six sacks and one interception on defense, and six catches for 107 yards and a touchdown on offense. Chose Miami over Ohio State, Mississippi and Alabama. Coached by Sean Killets.

Rated the No. 15 defensive end in the country by Rivals.com (and 66th overall player in the state), the No. 30 defensive end by Scout.com, rated No. 38 at his position by ESPN, and No. 34 by Collegefootballnews.com. Ranked the No. 1 defensive end on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

From Larry Coker: “He was the Player of the Year in his area as a tight end and defensive end. He was a play-maker. He’s a very active, powerful defensive end.”