CAREER: Extremely talented lineman who started at left tackle in 2006 and has been moved to right tackle this season…Nation’s most highly sought-after offensive line recruit in 2005 has all the tools to be one of the top tackles in college football…Has started seven of 17 games played over two seasons…In 2006, started seven of nine games played despite suffering two different injuries…Gained valuable experience as a true freshman in 2005, playing in eight games…Big, strong player who has great athleticism and an impressive physique…Excellent pass protector has great footwork and a physical streak…Technically sound lineman who shows remarkable quickness, balance and flexibility…Has exceptional leadership skills and is equally adept at run blocking and pass protecting…Sports administration major.
2006 (SOPHOMORE): Had an injury-marred sophomore season in which he was sidelined by two separate injuries (ankle and knee)…Played in nine games, starting seven times at left tackle…Graded out at 83 percent for the season, allowing only two sacks…Made his first collegiate start at left tackle in the season opener vs. Florida State. Suffered a foot injury but did not leave the game…Did not play the next two games vs. FAMU and Louisville…Returned to the lineup vs. Houston and saw some reserve action…Started and played most of the North Carolina game…Played all but the final series of the FIU game, then played the entire game against Duke and Georgia Tech…Suffered a hyper extended left knee in the second quarter at Georgia Tech and left the game…Did not play at Maryland and Virginia, returning to action and seeing limited playing time against Boston College…Started the MPC Computers Bowl vs. Nevada and played the entire game.
2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in eight games as a true freshman…Backed up Eric Winston at left tackle, and often played alongside Winston and Rashad Butler, with three tackles on the same side of an overbalanced line…Also played on the placekicking units late in the season to gain more playing time…Did not play in the season’s first four games, then saw playing time in the Duke game at left tackle after Winston left the game…Entered the next week’s Temple game in the second quarter and played the rest of the way in a 34-3 rout…Against North Carolina, saw action as the third tackle in an overbalanced line throughout the game and played the final series…Played as the third tackle in an overbalanced offensive line at Virginia Tech…Played much of the second half of the Wake Forest game after Winston left the game. Also played as a third tackle in a tackle overset throughout the game. Made two pancake blocks…Against Georgia Tech and Virginia, played in the overbalanced line and took over a role on the placekicking units…In the Peach Bowl vs. Louisiana State, played on the placekicking unit and at left tackle for the final series of the game.
HIGH SCHOOL: Scholar athlete who was UM’s most coveted offensive lineman recruit since Vernon Carey (Dolphins No. 1 draft choice in 2004)…After his senior season, was chosen to play in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl…Averaged five pancakes per game as a senior (55 total)…Selected as a Parade All-American…Member of USA Today All-USA High School team…Rated the No. 2 tackle in the nation by Rivals.com (No. 9 overall prospect)…Ranked the No. 3 offensive lineman and No. 13 overall player by Scout.com…The No. 9 prospect in the country by the Miami Herald, the No. 34 prospect by Tom Lemming Prep Football Report, and a member of the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team…Chose Miami over Oklahoma…Coached by Joel North.
2005 totals: 8 games, 0 starts
2006 totals: 9 games, 7 starts
Career totals: 17 games, 7 starts
