STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST
A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

Height: 6'3"                              
Weight: 300
College: Missouri
Conference: Big 12
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
High School: Palo Duro

Combine Results:
40 Yard Dash : 4.97 seconds
Bench Press : 34.0 reps
Vertical Jump : 33.0 inches
Broad Jump : 108.0 inches
3 Cone Drill : 7.5 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle : 4.55 seconds  

 The Steelers snag the energetic Hood at the bottom of the first round to upgrade their depth along the line. Though many pegged Hood as a "one-gap" interior tackle, his combination of strength and movement fit in nicely as a 3-4 defensive end. With the luxury of learning behind a veteran crew, Hood should develop into a starter in a year or two.

 Positives: More than the sum of his parts. ... Legitimate NFL size. ... Plays with a passionate, physical style. ... Locates the ball quickly and pursues well down the line. ... Flashes initial burst off the snap and the lateral quickness to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. ... Recognizes the trap block and can burst through the hole to make the play behind the line of scrimmage. ... Physical at the point. ... Seems to enjoy the hand-to-hand combat in the trenches and doesn't back down from contact. ... Active hands and can disengage from blocks due to his hand play. ... Durable performer. ... Showed great toughness in 2006, missing only three games after breaking his foot and having a screw inserted, before returning to play the final seven games at less than 100 percent.

Negatives: Lacks the elite explosiveness or strength usually associated with highly rated defensive tackles. ... Only moderate initial quickness. ... Flashes the lateral quickness to elude and collapse the pocket, but is too inconsistent in that area. ... Often plays too high and loses leverage, negating his own strength and size. ... Missed three full games and parts of others in 2006 with a broken foot suffered midway through the season.

Compares To: JASON FERGUSON, Miami -- Like Ferguson, Hood plays well when lined up over the center's head. He needs to learn how to keep his pads down, as he has this nasty habit of popping up at the snap, leaving his chest exposed for the physical block. He has good lateral agility and uses his hand jolt effectively to push the blocker back, redirect and shoot the gaps. When he moves down the line, he is quick to pick up schemes and plays with urgency to prevent the ball carrier from turning the corner. He will often face multiple blockers and would be more effective shedding them, if he can improve his pad level.

Injury Report

2006: Suffered a right foot fracture vs. New Mexico (9/16), undergoing surgery two days later to have a screw inserted and was forced to sit out the Ohio University (9/23), Colorado (9/30) and Texas Tech (10/07) games.

The secondary was the obvious weak link of the Tigers' defense the past two years, but with Hood in the trenches Missouri more than held its own up front. That unit allowed only 124.86 yards per game rushing in 2008, ranking second in the Big 12 Conference and 12th in the nation in tackles for loss, registering an average of 7.43 stops behind the line of scrimmage per game.

Called by head coach Gary Pinkel, "the most tenacious player on the team," Hood lived up to that reputation. Despite constantly battling double-team coverage, he collected 10 sacks, 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 16 quarterback pressures the last two seasons as the team's starting weak-side defensive tackle.

Hood was a highly-regarded athlete who excelled on defense and also played tight end for Palo Duro High School. He ranked as the No. 35 weak-side defensive end in the nation, according Rivals.com, and was named District 3-4A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, when he registered 93 tackles and 13 sacks.

That season, Hood also scored three defensive touchdowns and recovered three fumbles. He earned All-District honors each of his last two years. He registered 76 tackles as a junior, including five sacks and also returned an interception for a touchdown. In addition to football, he threw the shot and discus for his school's track team.

Hood chose to attend Missouri in 2005, turning down scholarship offers from Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Texas Christian, Texas-El Paso and Baylor, among others. The coaches were originally going to redshirt him, but in August camp Hood earned a spot with the second unit at weak-side defensive tackle, going on to play in 12 games. He was in on 23 tackles (13 solos), 1.5 sacks and 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The sophomore seized a starting opportunity in 2006. In the third game vs. New Mexico he suffered a foot fracture that required surgery to insert a screw. The staff projected that he would be forced to miss the rest of the season, but each week Hood predicted he would be back the following game. He returned after just three games and played through the pain the remainder of the season. Hood went out and delivered 36 tackles (24 solos) that included four sacks, four pressures and two forced fumbles while playing weak-side tackle and nose guard. That was just the start of great things to come.

In 2007, Hood was named All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention. The weak-side tackle started all 14 games, coming up with 49 tackles (30 solos). Despite constant double coverage, he finished third on the squad with five sacks and had a career-high eight stops for losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and broke up five passes. After producing six tackles and 1.5 sacks vs. Arkansas in the Cotton bowl, Pinkel called that Hood's best game in a Tigers uniform.

Hood continued to be relentless in his pursuit of quarterbacks in 2008, as five of his 12 pressures caused interceptions. The team captain and All-Big 12 first-team choice was in on 62 tackles (31 solos) that included seven stops behind the line of scrimmage and five sacks. He also recovered two fumbles and blocked one kick.

High School

Attended Palo Duro (Amarillo, Texas) High School, playing football for head coach Steve Parr...Also played tight end...Ranked as the 35th-best weak-side defensive end in the nation, according to Rivals.com, and was named District 3-4A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, when he registered 93 tackles and 13 sacks...That season, Hood also scored three defensive touchdowns and recovered three fumbles...Earned All-District honors each of his last two years...Registered 76 tackles as a junior, including five sacks and also returned an interception for a touchdown...In addition to football, he threw the shot and discus for his school's track team...Member of the National Honor Society.

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 328
College: Wisconsin
Conference: Big 10
Hometown: Hudson, WI
High School: Hudson HS

Combine Results:
40 Yard Dash : 5.3 seconds
Bench Press : 29.0 reps
Vertical Jump : 24.0 inches
Broad Jump : 94.0 inches
3 Cone Drill : 7.87 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle : 4.89 seconds

The former Badger is a tough, blue-collar player with the ability to create a push along the line. Though he has limited athleticism, he gives the team a quality young player with the potential to develop into a versatile starter.

Positives: Versatile player who could handle strong-side guard or tackle duties. Tall and strong with a solid punch. Very difficult to bull rush, as he uses his hands and anchors very well. Moves feet fairly well in pass protection, walling off tackles to create holes inside and getting to linebackers at the second level. Traps and pulls inside, usually finding a target to negate. Combos well, pushing with one arm on the tackle and reaching the linebacker. Willing to head downfield on pass plays to get to safeties and corners. Comes out of his stance with power and gets his hands up on his man's jersey quickly. Picks up twists and blitzes well.

Negatives: Plays a bit tall at times, and can get off balance. Loses the leverage battle at times as his pads aren't low enough in short-yardage situations. Best at trapping or pulling just outside the right tackle. Doesn't dominate smaller players in space as much as you'd think at his size. Tends to lean into his man a bit too much at the line, getting off balance and only adequately recovering.

When Urbik's streak of 45 consecutive starts came to an end when he injured his knee vs. Penn State in 2008, the Badgers' midseason struggles began. Without their offensive leader, Wisconsin lost five of six contests before a fully recovered Urbik, the right offensive guard, guided the team to a 3-1 record to close out the season.

Wisconsin has been known for developing quite a bit of offensive line talent for the NFL ever since former head coach Barry Alvarez arrived on campus. A member of that renowned coach's best recruiting class, Urbik was the first Badger freshman to start at offensive tackle since All-American Chris McIntosh did in 1996. Urbik would go on to start 16 games at right tackle and 34 at right guard during his career -- and that versatility has made him one of the most coveted linemen in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Coach Alvarez hit the "mother lode" when he went recruiting at Hudson High School, as he not only secured the services of Urbik, but those of his prep teammate, Eric Vanden Heuvel, who went on to start on the right side of the Badger's front wall for the last three seasons.

At Hudson High School, Urbik was named to Prep Star's All-American team and was rated one of the top 55 players in the Midwest, according to Super Prep, as a senior. He was rated the third-best player in Wisconsin by Rivals.com, earning first-team All-State honors from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The team captain and MVP was also a first-team All-Conference selection while starting every game as a junior and senior. Urbik lettered in basketball and track, in addition to playing football. As a senior, he placed fifth in shot put at the Division I state meet.

Urbik enrolled at Wisconsin in 2004, earning Scout Team Player of the Week honors for his performance on that squad prior to the Michigan State clash. In 2005, he started 13 games at right offensive tackle, delivering 66 knockdowns and nine touchdown-resulting blocks to earn second-team Freshman All-American honors. The team ranked 14th in the nation in scoring (34.31 ppg) and 11th in pass efficiency (149.51 rating) during his first year with the varsity.

In 2006, Urbik shifted to right offensive guard. He tallied 83 knockdowns and eight touchdown-resulting blocks to help the Badgers average 29.23 points and 373.2 yards per game in total offense. Even though the front wall allowed 30 quarterback sacks, only one was charged to its sophomore offensive guard.

As a junior, Urbik received consensus All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors. He started the first 10 games at right guard, closing the season with three more starting assignments at left tackle. He registered a team-high 104 knockdowns and led the Big Ten guards with 15 touchdown-resulting blocks. Behind his stellar performance, the team averaged 408.77 yards per game, finishing second in the league and 21st nationally with a rushing average of 200.77 yards. He also recorded the only tackle of his career, coming vs. Penn State.

Despite suffering a knee injury vs. Penn State that would sideline Urbik for two midseason games, he was named to Phil Steele's All-American first-team and chosen first-team All-Big Ten Conference by several publications. He made 72 knockdowns and 11 touchdown-resulting blocks, paving the way for the conference-leading ground attack that averaged 211.15 yards per game, the 14th-best figure in the nation.

Attended Hudson (Wis.) High School, playing football for head coach Craig Jilek...Was a teammate of current Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle Eric Vanden Heuvel...Named to Prep Star's All-American team and was rated one of the top 55 players in the Midwest, according to Super Prep, as a senior...Rated the third-best player in Wisconsin by Rivals.com, earning first-team All-State honors from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as a senior...The team captain and MVP was also a first-team All-Conference selection while starting every game as a junior and senior...Lettered in basketball and track, in addition to playing football...As a senior, he placed fifth in shot put at the Division I state meet.

2008: Sat out the Iowa (10/18) and Illinois games (10/18) after suffering a left knee medial collateral ligament sprain in the third quarter vs. Penn State (10/11).

The former Rebel is a pure deep threat with outstanding speed and quickness. With Nate Washington leaving via free agency, Wallace has a chance to become an instant contributor as a third or fourth receiver for the Steelers.

Positives: Looks the part. Athletic build with room for additional mass. Rare straight-line speed. Eats up the cushion quickly and can blow by the defender. Smooth acceleration and has a late burst to pull away if being challenged. Can track the ball over his shoulder. Developing into a more reliable route-runner and pass-catcher. Has the foot quickness and balance to be a good route-runner and can sink his hips. Generally uses his hands to make the reception, though he still allows too many into his pads. Has some lateral agility to make defenders miss. Helped himself with a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Negatives: Still a work in progress as a route-runner. Learning to sink his hips and explode out of his cuts, as he has to gather himself too much. Struggles a bit against press coverage. Has to use his hands better to gain a quick release. Lets too many passes into his pads, resulting in some ugly drops. Doesn't consistently show the vision and elusiveness in the open field to truly capitalize on his pure speed. Needs an open lane as a returner to break off a big gain.

Few attributes attract NFL scouts more than pure speed. Wallace certainly has that. Despite starting three years for the Rebels, he didn't establish himself as one capable of taking advantage of his speed until he averaged 18.9 yards on 38 receptions as a junior. A year later, Wallace's speed was even more lethal, as he averaged 20.1 yards per reception and scored a career-high seven touchdowns.

Wallace is still a work in progress as a route-runner, but his ability to stretch defenses deep as an outside receiver and special teams wide on kickoff returns could land him a second-day draft selection from an NFL team looking to catch lightning in a bottle. Had an arm span of 31 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

High School

Rated first-team All-State honors as a wide receiver following senior season at O. Perry Walker High ... Also earned league and district MVP honors as a senior, as well as all-league, All-Metro, All-West Bank and All-West Bank MVP ... Was rated by SuperPrep as the 17th-best prospect in Louisiana and was a member of its 2004 Southwest Team ... After seeing limited playing time as a junior (four receptions while playing mostly on defense), had an outstanding senior season, catching 60 passes for 1,039 yards (17.3 average per catch) and 19 touchdowns ... Also returned four punts and four kickoffs for TDs, giving him 27 for the season and 162 points, and had seven TDs called back ... Set school records for total points and for kicks returned for touchdowns ... Earned two letters in football ... Coached in high school by Terry Wilson ... Also lettered once in track, earning All-State honors in the 100.

Positives: Rare height for the position. ... Aggressive at the line of scrimmage. ... At his best in press coverage where he can get his long arms on the receiver and disrupt the timing of the passing game. ... Good foot quickness to turn and run with the receiver. ... Plants, drives and closes quickly. ... Gets his hands on lot of passes. ... Has the experience and intelligence to operate well in zone coverage. ... Enjoyed a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

After two seasons of battling injuries, Lewis had a healthy senior campaign, establishing himself as one of the most physical cornerbacks in the West. His work ethic and team-first attitude saw him perform at a level that has professional scouts feeling that he will quickly emerge as one of the National Football League's elite pass defenders.

"I definitely want to help my mom out," he said. "That would be a dream. But to have an opportunity to play for any team and just make it (in the NFL), that's what I'm trying to accomplish right now."

At O. Perry Walker High School, Lewis was rated as one of the top 100 cornerback prospects in the country by Rivals.com. The first-team All-Metro and All-League choice as a senior, he made 75 tackles with four sacks and seven interceptions. He also returned five punts for 180 yards and five kickoffs for 150 yards in 2003.

His best prep game was against L.B. Landry High, when he produced 12 tackles, intercepted a pass, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble, and returned a punt 55 yards. The three-year starter registered 71 tackles with two interceptions as a junior and posted 54 tackles as a sophomore. He also graduated with academic honors, attaining a 3.27 grade point average.

Lewis decided to bypass numerous scholarship offers to enroll at Oregon State in 2004, stating that he selected the university because, "OSU is strong academically and it will allow me an opportunity to play football in the best conference." He redshirted his first season with the Beavers, but was named Freshman All-American and second-team All-Pac Ten Conference in 2005, starting all 11 games at left cornerback. He added Academic All-Pac 10 honors and posted 45 tackles (25 solos) with two stops for loss and 11 pass deflections.

The Exercise and Sport Science major was again named to the Academic All-Pac 10 squad as a sophomore. He started 13 of 14 games, manning the left cornerback position, as he broke up eight passes. He also collected 22 tackles (17 solos) with one sack and two stops behind the line of scrimmage.

In 2008, he achieved Academic All-Pac 10 status for the fourth time in his career. The team's active leader for starts with 48, he returned to his freshman form, delivering 35 tackles (27 solos) and a stop for a loss. He also batted down nine passes while picking off four others, including one that he returned for a touchdown.

Attended O. Perry Walker (New Orleans, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Terry Wilson...Rated as one of the top 100 cornerback prospects in the country by Rivals.com...First-team All-Metro and All-League choice as a senior...Made 75 tackles with four sacks and seven interceptions, as he also returned five punts for 180 yards and five kickoffs for 150 yards in 2003...His best prep game was against L.B. Landry High, when he produced 12 tackles, intercepted a pass, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble and returned a punt 55 yards...The three-year starter registered 71 tackles with two interceptions as a junior and posted 54 tackles as a sophomore...Graduated with academic honors, attaining a 3.27 grade point average...O. Perry Walker High teammates Burnell Wallace and Dennis Christopher are teammates of his at Oregon State, and Craig Davis and Dominique Cooper were student-athletes at Louisiana State.

Injury Report

2007: Left the season opener vs. Utah (8/30) with leg cramps...Suffered a grade two knee sprain when an opponent's helmet hit his knee in the second quarter vs. Arizona (10/06), missing the next game vs. California (10/13).

Positives: Confident and a leader on the field. ... Stronger than you'd expect for his size. ... Good vertical, able to make a play on jump balls. ... Solid hands for the interception and is elusive enough to make yardage after the catch. ... Good recovery and closing speed -- is never out of a play. ... Nice hand-eye coordination to break up passes. ... Quality kickoff and punt returner because he has solid hands, good vision and patience, hits the open lane hard, makes the first man miss and runs through arm tackles.

Negatives: A bit small and light to handle larger NFL receivers, although he has a good lower-body build. ... Lacks elite top-end speed. ... Not particularly strong on the line and struggles to get off blocks. ... Brings pressure as a blitzer but does not finish off the quarterback. ... Usually plays off the receiver in order to get cushion on deep routes. ... More of a cut tackler, does not wrap up often enough. ... Probably best in a zone system with help over the top. ... Is not a typical pro punt returner with great speed and quickness.

Burnett made headlines since starting as a freshman because of his skills as a cornerback (16 career interceptions, 35 pass breakups) and return man (three punt, two kickoff returns for touchdown). The four-year starter was named first-team All-Conference USA at cornerback and kickoff and punt returner as a senior. A bit smaller and slower than most teams would like in a starter, Burnett is a strong, confident Tampa-2 corner in the making.

Second team Class 2A defensive back selection ... Coached by Steve Moser ... Impressive athlete who lettered four years in football and basketball ... Nominated for the McDonald's All-America game in basketball ... Also earned three letters in track and one in baseball ... Second in Florida history with 31 career interceptions ... Three-star recruit according to rivals.com ... Ranked No. 85 prospect in the state of Florida according to the Orlando Sentinel ... First-team all-state selection ... Named regional MVP ... Earned defensive player of the year honors in both football and basketball during standout career ... All-area first-team selection four times ... Tallied five interceptions with 78 solo tackles and 24 assists as a senior ... Also contributed 689 passing and 874 rushing yards offensively ... Productive junior season featured nine interceptions, along with 68 solo tackles and 20 assists ... Rushed for 20 touchdowns and 1,300 yards as a junior ... 528 kickoff return yards and 340 punt return yards during junior season.

Positives: Thickly-built back capable of handling the punishment of the NFL. Good vision. Locates the hole quickly and is surprisingly quick to and through the hole. Can drop his shoulder into the defenders and has good leg drive to push for the tough yards. Rarely used as a receiver at UNLV, but displayed soft, natural hands in workouts. Some potential as a fullback. Helped his cause with a strong week of practice at the Texas vs. Nation game.

A short, stumpy running back who might translate better to fullback if he'd been willing to block, Summers could struggle to find a role in the NFL.

An immediate starter for the Rebels as a junior, Summers started all 12 games, rushing for 928 yards and scoring six touchdowns in earning Mountain West Conference honorable mention accolades. His rushing total dropped to 740 yards in 2009, but he improved upon his scoring (eight touchdowns) and showed enough at the Texas vs. Nation game and in subsequent workouts to earn a late-round look.

LANEY: Attended the junior college in Oakland for the 2005 and '06 seasons and earned All-America honors ... A 2006 preseason second-team All-America choice by JC Gridwire. Set school records for carries in a game (48) and season (254) for the Eagles in 20

A 2003 graduate of Oakland's famed Skyline HS ... Rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a senior in 2002 for coach John Beam ... The state prep power posted an 11-0 record and was ranked in California's Top 10 that season ... Also played linebacker.

Positives: Tall with good build and length inside. ... Fair straight-ahead speed when closing on the ball. ... Stands up his man and falls off to wrap up backs coming through the hole. ... Anchors well to hold up double-team blocks. ... Gets great push to collapse the pocket in passing situations, keeps his arms extended and legs churning. ... Threat to impact passing lanes and block field goals using his push, height and length. ... Big in the weight room.

Harris only produced three tackles in his first two seasons in Eugene, but the light started to come on during his junior season. He then stepped up his game as a first-year starter in 2008, making 47 tackles, nine tackles for loss and sacking the opponents' quarterback three times. His ability to take up blockers made everyone on the line more effective. His potential as a interior presence could get him drafted.

High School (Coach): Pittsburg (Sly Hunter) 2004. ... Rated among the top 50 prep prospects in California by SuperPrep magazine as well as one of the best 11 defensive linemen in the state. ... Two-time all-Bay Valley League defender possessed the proficiency to force opponents to devise game plans around him. ... Two-time all-area honoree (Contra Costa Times) and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 pick led the league in quarterback sacks (five) in addition to forcing one fumble and recovering another. ... Completed his prep career with 15 quarterback sacks.

Positives: Stout, tough and physical at the point, plays like the former nose guard he is. Strong anchor in pass protection, and does not get bull-rushed as he uses his wide base to maintain leverage. Battles everyone and anyone on the field, playing through the whistle. Good enough feet to combo (in either direction) then get to the linebacker or safety and angle him while engaged. Adept at shotgun. Gets hands up quickly after the snap. Gets off his man to pick up late blitzers using his feet and hands. Only adequate moving laterally on pulls, but is still able to wall off linebackers inside. Team leader. Makes accurate line adjustments.

The first center to serve as team captain since Barry Tielsch in 1996, Shipley had a banner senior campaign for the Nittany Lions. In addition to being named the recipient of the Rimington Trophy, given to college football's best center, he became the 92nd player in school history to be named a first-team All-American.

A respected team leader, Shipley is an intense and physical presence on the line. He is also one of the squad's most engaging personalities and played a jovial Santa Claus at the team's bowl game Christmas party during the 2005 and '06 seasons. An accomplished golfer, he graduated last December with a degree in Labor and Industrial Relations.

Shipley recorded 53 tackles as a senior, including 13 for loss and three sacks, as he also forced two fumbles. He ended his career with 243 tackles, 41 for loss and 13 sacks. He also was a three-year starter in basketball and was a two-year captain of the football and basketball teams.

In 2006, Shipley secured a starting job at center, competing in 897 plays. He tallied 54 knockdowns with seven touchdown resulting blocks and also recorded a solo tackle vs. Northwestern. PSU's offense managed to average 349.92 yards per game, as the offensive line allowed only 23 sacks.

In 2008, Penn State's offense was explosive, thanks to the stellar play of its senior-laden front wall. The Big Ten Conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year recorded 11 touchdown-resulting blocks to go with 78 knockdowns. The team finished as the league leader in pass efficiency (145.35 rating), total offense (448.92 ypg) and points scored (38.92 ppg).

Attended Moon Area (Coraopolis, Pa.) High school, playing football for head coach Mark Capuano...Standout defensive lineman in four seasons with the varsity...Member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25, and the Harrisburg Patriot-News Platinum 33 squads...Played in the 2004 "Big 33" Classic...As a senior, he helped the squad reach the Western Pennsylvania District Class AAA semifinals after winning the Parkway Conference title...Recorded 53 tackles as a senior, including 13 for loss and three sacks, as he also forced two fumbles...Ended his career with 243 tackles, 41 for loss and 13 sacks...Three-year starter in basketball and was a two-year captain of the football and basketball teams.

Positives: Fullback/tight end combination with matching build: well-built lower body with fullback height and long arms usually seen on receivers. Lines up with his hand down and as an H-back. Excellent in-line and open-field blocker. Uses leg strength to get out of his stance quickly and get into his route or block, anchors well and pushes aside defensive ends with 30 to 50-pound weight advantages. Finds targets in space and negates them using his length and strength. Good hands; can snatch balls from the air and adjust to poor throws. Has the speed to get deep down the seam. Used as outside protector on placements.

Negatives: Will be most effective in an H-back or true fullback position because of his lack of height. Inexperienced playing fullback in the I-formation. Generally played against a lower level of competition, although Arkansas State does play stronger non-conference games. Must work on hand technique and get up to speed against stronger, quicker defensive ends and linebackers when blocking.

Johnson's statistics did not put him on any All-American teams, but his 22 receptions in 2008 went for 356 yards (an excellent 16.2-yard average) and five touchdowns and he did make second-team All-Sun Belt. The combination of his blocking and receiving skills is what puts him among this year's best senior H-back prospects. Texas A&M found out his value as a blocker in the Red Wolves' shocking September upset in College Station. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

Caught 20 passes as a senior and two touchdowns for the Zebras ... Primarily used as a blocker, but runs a 4.7-second 40-yard dash ... Two-year letterman ... Helped his team to a 10-3 record ... All-State pick as a senior and two-time all-conference ... Played baseball as well.