1. Hroniss Grasu - Oregon
2. Chris Jasperse - Marshall
3. Reese Dismukes - Auburn
4. Tanner Fleming - Navy
5. David Andrews - Georgia
6. Dillon Day - Mississippi State
7. Shane McDermott - Miami Florida
Sunday, March 22, 2015
1. Hroniss Grasu - Oregon
Hroniss Grasu - 55 Oregon 6-3 297
2014: Played in 12 games. Earned first-team ALL-PAC-12 honors. Returned to lineup in Rose Bowl after missing 3 games with a knee injury. Started 1st 50 career games. Attended the NFL scouting combine.
2013: The consensus leader of the Ducks’ offensive line extended his string of consecutive opening assignments to all 40 games as a collegian with his 13 2013 starts. The two-time first-team Pac-12 all-conference selection earned first-team All-America acclaim from SI.com and SB Nation. One of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center was a second-time recipient of the program’s Todd Doxey Award, exemplifying the spirituality, dedication and brotherhood associated with being an outstanding teammate exhibited by the school’s former defensive back who drowned prior to the 2008 season. Logged more than 65 snaps on seven occasions, including 83 plays on consecutive weekends vs. Arizona and Oregon State. Anchored an offensive line that led the Pac-12 in rushing for the eighth year in row (273.5 ypg), in addition to ranking second nationally in total offense (565.0 ypg) and fourth in the country in scoring (45.5 ppg). Team also was third in the league in fewest quarterback sacks allowed (1.38 sacks per game). Possesses the traits that allows him to open running lanes at the point of attack as well as the athleticism to make his way downfield for a second and third strike.
2012: The two-year starter and All-America honoree ran his string of consecutive opening assignments to 27 after manning his outpost for all 13 games his sophomore season. Earned first-team Pac-12 all-conference accolades for offensive unit that ranked third in the country in rushing (315.23 avg.) and second in scoring (49.54 avg.) enroute to a Fiesta Bowl triumph over Kansas State. Threw the key block from about the 12-yard line to spring De’Anthony Thomas on his 23-yard touchdown catch to give Oregon a 15-0 opening-quarter advantage in the Fiesta Bowl. Awarded Ducks’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman honor (Moshofsky Trophy) following the year for a program that has paced the conference in rushing each of the past seven seasons. Was the focus of the front line that included a 2013 first-round NFL Draft choice and paved the way for an offense that elipsed 400 yards on the ground on four occasions. Has been the center for the only two teams in school history that accumulated more than 4,000 rushing yards each of the last two years and shared the nation’s lead in rushing touchdowns (48) in 2012. Named to the Watch List for Rimington Trophy (nation’s most outstanding center).
2011: All-Freshman second team according to Phil Steele. 14-game starter at center. Eclipsed 80 plays on five occasions, including a season-high 91 snaps in win over Oregon State. Part of an offensive unit that ranked third in the nation in scoring, fifth in rushing and sixth in total offense. Finished top three among offensive linemen in vertical leap (second, 27”), power clean (second, 319 pounds), squat (tied for second, 485 pounds), 10-yard electronic (second, 1.89 seconds), 20-yard electronic (t-first, 3.09 seconds), shuttle run (t-first, 4.41 seconds) and “L” Run (first, 7.73 seconds) during winter conditioning.
2010: Redshirt Season.
High School: Attended Crespi High School in California. A starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, was chosen first-team all-state as a sophomore. Named first-team all-area on offense by the Los Angeles Daily News in 2010. 2008 All-Serra League selection. As a senior in 2009-10, plowed the road as an offensive lineman for a team that racked up 1,958 rushing yards and 2,436 passing yards, and had 37 tackles and four sacks while playing defense. As a junior in 2008-09, had 27 tackles on defense and blocked for a team that rushed for 1,606 yards and passed for 1,738 more, scoring 27 total offensive touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2007-08, had 33 tackles and tied for a team-high with five sacks while blocking for 1,000-yard rusher and a team that rolled up 2,388 rushing yards and 2,167 passing yards. Given a three-star rating by Scout.com and selected as the No. 9 center in the country. Three-star recruit and No. 100 defensive end prospect in the country according to ESPN.com.
Personal: Parents: Steve and Mariana Grasu. Family: One brother. High School (Coach): Crespi (Jeremiah Ross), 2010. Major: General Social Science.
2014: Played in 12 games. Earned first-team ALL-PAC-12 honors. Returned to lineup in Rose Bowl after missing 3 games with a knee injury. Started 1st 50 career games. Attended the NFL scouting combine.
2013: The consensus leader of the Ducks’ offensive line extended his string of consecutive opening assignments to all 40 games as a collegian with his 13 2013 starts. The two-time first-team Pac-12 all-conference selection earned first-team All-America acclaim from SI.com and SB Nation. One of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center was a second-time recipient of the program’s Todd Doxey Award, exemplifying the spirituality, dedication and brotherhood associated with being an outstanding teammate exhibited by the school’s former defensive back who drowned prior to the 2008 season. Logged more than 65 snaps on seven occasions, including 83 plays on consecutive weekends vs. Arizona and Oregon State. Anchored an offensive line that led the Pac-12 in rushing for the eighth year in row (273.5 ypg), in addition to ranking second nationally in total offense (565.0 ypg) and fourth in the country in scoring (45.5 ppg). Team also was third in the league in fewest quarterback sacks allowed (1.38 sacks per game). Possesses the traits that allows him to open running lanes at the point of attack as well as the athleticism to make his way downfield for a second and third strike.
2012: The two-year starter and All-America honoree ran his string of consecutive opening assignments to 27 after manning his outpost for all 13 games his sophomore season. Earned first-team Pac-12 all-conference accolades for offensive unit that ranked third in the country in rushing (315.23 avg.) and second in scoring (49.54 avg.) enroute to a Fiesta Bowl triumph over Kansas State. Threw the key block from about the 12-yard line to spring De’Anthony Thomas on his 23-yard touchdown catch to give Oregon a 15-0 opening-quarter advantage in the Fiesta Bowl. Awarded Ducks’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman honor (Moshofsky Trophy) following the year for a program that has paced the conference in rushing each of the past seven seasons. Was the focus of the front line that included a 2013 first-round NFL Draft choice and paved the way for an offense that elipsed 400 yards on the ground on four occasions. Has been the center for the only two teams in school history that accumulated more than 4,000 rushing yards each of the last two years and shared the nation’s lead in rushing touchdowns (48) in 2012. Named to the Watch List for Rimington Trophy (nation’s most outstanding center).
2011: All-Freshman second team according to Phil Steele. 14-game starter at center. Eclipsed 80 plays on five occasions, including a season-high 91 snaps in win over Oregon State. Part of an offensive unit that ranked third in the nation in scoring, fifth in rushing and sixth in total offense. Finished top three among offensive linemen in vertical leap (second, 27”), power clean (second, 319 pounds), squat (tied for second, 485 pounds), 10-yard electronic (second, 1.89 seconds), 20-yard electronic (t-first, 3.09 seconds), shuttle run (t-first, 4.41 seconds) and “L” Run (first, 7.73 seconds) during winter conditioning.
2010: Redshirt Season.
High School: Attended Crespi High School in California. A starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, was chosen first-team all-state as a sophomore. Named first-team all-area on offense by the Los Angeles Daily News in 2010. 2008 All-Serra League selection. As a senior in 2009-10, plowed the road as an offensive lineman for a team that racked up 1,958 rushing yards and 2,436 passing yards, and had 37 tackles and four sacks while playing defense. As a junior in 2008-09, had 27 tackles on defense and blocked for a team that rushed for 1,606 yards and passed for 1,738 more, scoring 27 total offensive touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2007-08, had 33 tackles and tied for a team-high with five sacks while blocking for 1,000-yard rusher and a team that rolled up 2,388 rushing yards and 2,167 passing yards. Given a three-star rating by Scout.com and selected as the No. 9 center in the country. Three-star recruit and No. 100 defensive end prospect in the country according to ESPN.com.
Personal: Parents: Steve and Mariana Grasu. Family: One brother. High School (Coach): Crespi (Jeremiah Ross), 2010. Major: General Social Science.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
2. Chris Jasperse - Marshall
Chris Jasperse - 60 Marshall 6-4 289
2014: Played in 13 games. Started 53 straight games. Played in the Senior Bowl. Played in the Medal of Honor Bowl. Named to the 1st team Conference USA All-Conference football team.
2013: Started all 14 games.
2012: Saw action in every game for the Herd, starting the first nine at center and the last three at guard.
2011: Named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Started at center for the Herd in all 13 of its games.
2010: Redshirted.
High School: Attended Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Personal: Hometown is Greensboro, North Carolina.
2014: Played in 13 games. Started 53 straight games. Played in the Senior Bowl. Played in the Medal of Honor Bowl. Named to the 1st team Conference USA All-Conference football team.
2013: Started all 14 games.
2012: Saw action in every game for the Herd, starting the first nine at center and the last three at guard.
2011: Named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Started at center for the Herd in all 13 of its games.
2010: Redshirted.
High School: Attended Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Personal: Hometown is Greensboro, North Carolina.
3. Reese Dismukes - Auburn
Reese Dismukes - 50 Auburn 6-3 295
2014: Played in 13 games. Rimington Trophy winner. Outland Trophy finalist. First team all-SEC (coaches, AP). Consensus first team All-America (CBSSports.com, Walter Camp, Scout, ESPN, FWAA, AP). Rotary Lombardi Award semifinalist. Started all of his 50 career games, most among current SEC linemen. Second most starts in Auburn history. Game captain: Arkansas, San José State, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia, Samford, Alabama, Wisconsin. Senior CLASS Award semifinalist. Preseason first team All-America. Phil Steele, CBSSports.com mid-season All-America. Phil Steele mid-season all-SEC team. Played in Reese’s Senior Bowl. Attended NFL Combine. Represented Auburn at SEC Media Days.
2013: Third-year starter at center. Rimington Trophy finalist. Sporting News third team All-American. First team All-SEC center. 37 career starts. 124 knockdowns and graded more than 90% for season. SEC offensive lineman of the week (Georgia) . preseason second team all-SEC (SEC coaches, SEC media). Phil Steele midseason 3rd team all-SEC. game captain every game. SEC Academic Honor Roll. Ken Rice Award as Auburn's best blocking lineman.
2012: Second-year starting center. 23 career starts. Missed the Clemson game. Returned to starting lineup at Mississippi State. Injury kept him out of Ole Miss game. Rimington Trophy watch list. Preseason all-SEC 2nd team (SEC media, Birmingham News) .
2011: SEC Coaches' All-Freshman Team. CBS Sports Freshman All-American. Started all 13 games at center. First true freshman to start at center for Auburn since Ryan Pugh in 2007. One of two Auburn offensive players to start every game and the only to start all 13 at the same position. Part of an offensive line that paved the way Auburn ground game to finish fourth in SEC in rushing. Also helped lead the way for running back Michael Dyer to rush for the second-highest total in the SEC. Started at center in his first collegiate game against Utah State.
High School: Attended Spanish Fort High School in Alabama. Listed as the nation's top center by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. and the No. 54 player overall on the ESPNU 150. Rated as the No. 1 center in the nation, the No. 1 recruit from Alabama and the No. 53 player overall nationally by 247Sports. Ranked No. 3 nationally among centers and the No. 5 player in the state of Alabama by Scout.com. Named the nation's No. 4 center, the No. 7 player from the state of Alabama and the No. 236 player nationally by Rivals.com. Named a SuperPrep All-American, and the nation's No. 12 offensive lineman and the No. 3 recruit from Alabama by SuperPrep. PrepStar All-American . Played in the 2011 Under Armour All-America game. Parade All-America team. Voted to the Super 12 team and the 2010 5A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Runner-up in Alabama Mr. Football voting. Mobile Press-Register's Class 4A-6A Offensive Player of the Year. Ranked second on the Mobile Press-Register's Elite 18 and No. 28 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120. No. 1 on the Birmingham News' list of the Alabama Super Seniors . Orlando Sentinel's All-Southern Team as a first-team selection from Alabama. Led his team to the Class 5A state title as a senior. As a junior, graded at 92 percent on his blocking with 34 pancake blocks. Became a starter as a sophomore, and did not allow a quarterback sack during his sophomore or junior seasons. Served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons
Personal: Birthday is October 20. Son of Kim and Ed Dismukes. Major: Public Administration.
2014: Played in 13 games. Rimington Trophy winner. Outland Trophy finalist. First team all-SEC (coaches, AP). Consensus first team All-America (CBSSports.com, Walter Camp, Scout, ESPN, FWAA, AP). Rotary Lombardi Award semifinalist. Started all of his 50 career games, most among current SEC linemen. Second most starts in Auburn history. Game captain: Arkansas, San José State, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia, Samford, Alabama, Wisconsin. Senior CLASS Award semifinalist. Preseason first team All-America. Phil Steele, CBSSports.com mid-season All-America. Phil Steele mid-season all-SEC team. Played in Reese’s Senior Bowl. Attended NFL Combine. Represented Auburn at SEC Media Days.
2013: Third-year starter at center. Rimington Trophy finalist. Sporting News third team All-American. First team All-SEC center. 37 career starts. 124 knockdowns and graded more than 90% for season. SEC offensive lineman of the week (Georgia) . preseason second team all-SEC (SEC coaches, SEC media). Phil Steele midseason 3rd team all-SEC. game captain every game. SEC Academic Honor Roll. Ken Rice Award as Auburn's best blocking lineman.
2012: Second-year starting center. 23 career starts. Missed the Clemson game. Returned to starting lineup at Mississippi State. Injury kept him out of Ole Miss game. Rimington Trophy watch list. Preseason all-SEC 2nd team (SEC media, Birmingham News) .
2011: SEC Coaches' All-Freshman Team. CBS Sports Freshman All-American. Started all 13 games at center. First true freshman to start at center for Auburn since Ryan Pugh in 2007. One of two Auburn offensive players to start every game and the only to start all 13 at the same position. Part of an offensive line that paved the way Auburn ground game to finish fourth in SEC in rushing. Also helped lead the way for running back Michael Dyer to rush for the second-highest total in the SEC. Started at center in his first collegiate game against Utah State.
High School: Attended Spanish Fort High School in Alabama. Listed as the nation's top center by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. and the No. 54 player overall on the ESPNU 150. Rated as the No. 1 center in the nation, the No. 1 recruit from Alabama and the No. 53 player overall nationally by 247Sports. Ranked No. 3 nationally among centers and the No. 5 player in the state of Alabama by Scout.com. Named the nation's No. 4 center, the No. 7 player from the state of Alabama and the No. 236 player nationally by Rivals.com. Named a SuperPrep All-American, and the nation's No. 12 offensive lineman and the No. 3 recruit from Alabama by SuperPrep. PrepStar All-American . Played in the 2011 Under Armour All-America game. Parade All-America team. Voted to the Super 12 team and the 2010 5A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Runner-up in Alabama Mr. Football voting. Mobile Press-Register's Class 4A-6A Offensive Player of the Year. Ranked second on the Mobile Press-Register's Elite 18 and No. 28 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120. No. 1 on the Birmingham News' list of the Alabama Super Seniors . Orlando Sentinel's All-Southern Team as a first-team selection from Alabama. Led his team to the Class 5A state title as a senior. As a junior, graded at 92 percent on his blocking with 34 pancake blocks. Became a starter as a sophomore, and did not allow a quarterback sack during his sophomore or junior seasons. Served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons
Personal: Birthday is October 20. Son of Kim and Ed Dismukes. Major: Public Administration.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
4. Tanner Fleming - Navy
Tanner Fleming - 75 Navy 6-3 267
2014: Played in 12 games. Started 34 games over his career at center, including 11 this season. Part of an offensive unit that ended the year ranked No. 1 nationally in fewest penalties per game (2.54), fewest penalty yards per game (24.77), No. 2 in rushing offense (338.1), No. 2 in passing yards per completion (17.06), No. 6 in fewest passes intercepted (5), No. 11 in third down conversion (.481), No. 29 in sacks allowed (1.62), No. 33 in tackles for loss allowed (5.00),
No. 34 in fourth down conversion (.583) and No. 36 in red zone offense (.873). The line was
instrumental in paving the way for the Mids to rush for over 300 yards in 15 of their last 19
games which included a school-record nine in a row (Notre Dame 2013 - Texas State 2014). Meanwhile it allowed for quarterback Keenan Reynolds to become the NCAA record holder
for most rushing TDs by a QB over a career and tied for fourth among all positions with 64. The line allowed the Mids to rush for 388 yards at South Alabama, its fifth consecutive game
with over 300 yards rushing, and six rushing touchdowns. Among those six were three by
QB Keenan Reynolds who broke the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns (61) and
also broke the record for most three-touchdown performances (12). The line helped pave the
way for Reynolds to score six rushing touchdowns against Georgia Southern, breaking the
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium record set in 2009 by Ricky Dobbs (5). The six rushing
TDs are tied as the second most in program history. Reynolds also ran for a career-best
277 yards which is the fourth-best single-game rushing mark in Navy history and the most by
a Navy quarterback in program history. The 39 points by Navy against Notre Dame were the
most points scored in a regulation game against the Irish and the second most all-time. The
Mids’ 454 yards of total offense (336 rush, 118 pass) are the most by Navy in the series since
1972 (459 yds). The 336 yards rushing by Navy were the most yards on the ground allowed
by Notre Dame this season, as were the 60 rushing plays. The offensive line allowed the
Mids to rush for 423 yards against San Jose State, Navy’s third 400-yard rushing game of the
season and the 27th-best rushing performance in program history. Reynolds also ran for
three touchdowns to break the Navy record for career touchdowns. Sat out the VMI game
with an injury. Left the Air Force game in the first half with an ankle injury. Navy topped
the 400-yard rushing mark for the second time with 412 yards against Western Kentucky and
featured two 100-yard rushers (Reynolds 121, Noah Copeland 104) for the first time since the
2013 season opener against Indiana. Helped pave the way for Navy to amass 517 yards of
total offense (487 rush, 30 pass) at Temple. The 487 yards rushing marked the best ground
gain by the Mids since they rushed for 512 yards against East Carolina in 2012 and it’s the
11th-best rushing game in program history.
2013: A starter in each of the 12 games in which he saw action. Member of Navy's offensive unit that finished the year ranked No. 1 nationally in turnovers lost (10), No. No. 2 in rushing offense (325.4), No. 3 in tackles for loss allowed (3.62), No. 6 in passing yards per completion (15.09), No. 6 in third down conversion (51.1) and 11th in fourth down conversions (67.9). Navy rushed for 366 yards on 67 attempts against Middle Tennessee in the Bell Helicopter Armed Force Bowl, marking the sixth straight game the Mids topped the 300-yard rushing milestone. It's the first time Navy has accomplished the feat since 2007. Helped pave the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to score touchdown runs of 47 (2:38, 2Qtr), 11 (6:22, 4Qtr) and 1 yards (0:46, 4Qtr) against Army and in doing so set the NCAA record for single-season rushing TDs by a quarterback. Additionally, Reynolds broke the school record for single-season points thanks to his 20-point effort against the Black Knights which included being on the receiving end of a two-point conversaion. The previous record of 174 points was set in 1917 by Bill Ingram. Navy's 34 points are the most it has scored against Army since defeating the Black Knights 34-0 in 2008. The 343 yards rushing by the Mids are the most in an Army-Navy game since 2008 (368). Missed the San Jose State game after a concussion knocked him out of the South Alabama contest. Part of an offense that eclipsed the 500-yard total offense mark for the third time this season when the Mids posted 519 yards in their win over South Alabama to become bowl eligible. Navy's offense opened the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to rush for a career-high 226 yards on 28 carries against Hawai'i, becoming only the seventh quarterback in school history to rush for 200 yards. It's the third most by a Navy QB in program history. Part of an offensive unit that posted 28 first downs against Notre Dame which are the most by the Mids in series history. The offense also gained 331 yards on the ground which were the most against Notre Dame since the 2010 contest (367). Part of a Navy offense that set a school record for number of offensive plays with 106 against Toledo (was 105 vs. Air Force in 2011) and rush attempts with 93 (was 80 vs. Rice in 2009 and air force in 2011). With 35 first downs against the Rockets, the Mids were just one first down shy of tying the school record. The Mids also rushed for 419 yards, their second-largest ground gain of the year and the 514 yards of total offense marked the third time this season Navy has eclipsed the 500-yard mark. Part of an offensive unit that scored 21 consecutive points to lead the Mids to their most lop-sided victory over Air Force since 1978 (37-8). The Mids had 515 yards (444R, 71P) in its season-opening win over Indiana and 589 yards (352R, 237P) in its win over Delaware. It's the first time Navy has put together back-to-back 500-plus yards on total offense since 2007 (Ball State 540, Duke 540). The 589 yards of total offense against Indiana are the most by the Mids since Nov. 6, 2010, when they produced 596 yards (521R, 75P) in a 76-35 win over East Carolina. Navy's 237 yards passing are the most since throwing for 248 yards against Stanford on Sept. 10, 2005. Helped pave the way for Keenan Reynolds and Darius Staten to become just the 43rd tandem in school history to reach 100 yards each, while coming up just short of what would have been a first in program history as Geoffrey Whiteside finished with 97 yards against Indiana. Allowed Reynolds to post his third-career 100-yard rushing effort, as well as his third-career three-rushing touchdown day.
2012: Appeared in all 13 games, starting 11. Made starts in the final 10 games of the season. Part of an offensive line that led Navy to a No. 6 national ranking in rushing offense, averaging 278.46 yards per game. Helped pave the way for Navy to put up 487 yards of total offense, 328 on the ground and 159 through the air against Troy. Helped pave the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to put up career-high marks in rushing (159) and passing (147) and become the first Navy player to reach 300-plus yards of total offense (306) since Ricky Dobbs charted 318 yards against Arkansas state on No. 20, 2010. A member of the Mids' high-powered offense that scored 56 points at East Carolina, marking their first 50-point game since putting up 76 against the Pirates in 2010. Navy also rushed for 512 yards, the ninth most in program history and the most since running up 521 yards on the ground against East Carolina in 2010. Member of the offensive line that allowed freshman QB Keenan Reynolds to become the first Navy player to throw three touchdown passes in a game (at Central Michigan) since Chris McCoy threw three against Colgate on Nov. 15, 1997. Returned to the starting lineup against San Jose State and made the start at Air Force. Member of Navy's offensive line that paved the way for the Mids to rush for a season-high 403 yards against VMI and rack up better than 500 yards of total offense. Did not make the start against VMI, however, he came into the game in relief of starter Thomas Stone to help stage the Mids' offensive explosion. Earned his first career start at center in Navy's loss at Penn State. Made his collegiate debut in the Mids' opener against Notre Dame.
2011: Did not see any varsity action.
High School: A 2010 graduate of Deltona High School in Florida, Fleming attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2010-11 academic year. A four-sport athlete, he earned letters in track & field (4), football (3), wrestling (2) and weight lifting (1), Named the 2010 Volusia County Athlete of the Year by two newspapers. Named a finalist for the 2010 Central Florida Athlete of the Year. A three-time all-county performer in football who earned All-Central Florida and Third-Team All-State (Fla.) honors his senior year. Served as team captain of the football team his senior season. Member of the district-winning track & field team his senior year. Garnered all-area recognition as a thrower on the track & field team his senior year. The weight lifting team won the district and region titles his senior year, as well. Named an all-area and All-Central Florida selection as a weight lifter his senior season. Served as a youth football and basketball coach.
Personal: Son of Thomas and Amie Fleming. Majoring in general science.
2014: Played in 12 games. Started 34 games over his career at center, including 11 this season. Part of an offensive unit that ended the year ranked No. 1 nationally in fewest penalties per game (2.54), fewest penalty yards per game (24.77), No. 2 in rushing offense (338.1), No. 2 in passing yards per completion (17.06), No. 6 in fewest passes intercepted (5), No. 11 in third down conversion (.481), No. 29 in sacks allowed (1.62), No. 33 in tackles for loss allowed (5.00),
No. 34 in fourth down conversion (.583) and No. 36 in red zone offense (.873). The line was
instrumental in paving the way for the Mids to rush for over 300 yards in 15 of their last 19
games which included a school-record nine in a row (Notre Dame 2013 - Texas State 2014). Meanwhile it allowed for quarterback Keenan Reynolds to become the NCAA record holder
for most rushing TDs by a QB over a career and tied for fourth among all positions with 64. The line allowed the Mids to rush for 388 yards at South Alabama, its fifth consecutive game
with over 300 yards rushing, and six rushing touchdowns. Among those six were three by
QB Keenan Reynolds who broke the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns (61) and
also broke the record for most three-touchdown performances (12). The line helped pave the
way for Reynolds to score six rushing touchdowns against Georgia Southern, breaking the
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium record set in 2009 by Ricky Dobbs (5). The six rushing
TDs are tied as the second most in program history. Reynolds also ran for a career-best
277 yards which is the fourth-best single-game rushing mark in Navy history and the most by
a Navy quarterback in program history. The 39 points by Navy against Notre Dame were the
most points scored in a regulation game against the Irish and the second most all-time. The
Mids’ 454 yards of total offense (336 rush, 118 pass) are the most by Navy in the series since
1972 (459 yds). The 336 yards rushing by Navy were the most yards on the ground allowed
by Notre Dame this season, as were the 60 rushing plays. The offensive line allowed the
Mids to rush for 423 yards against San Jose State, Navy’s third 400-yard rushing game of the
season and the 27th-best rushing performance in program history. Reynolds also ran for
three touchdowns to break the Navy record for career touchdowns. Sat out the VMI game
with an injury. Left the Air Force game in the first half with an ankle injury. Navy topped
the 400-yard rushing mark for the second time with 412 yards against Western Kentucky and
featured two 100-yard rushers (Reynolds 121, Noah Copeland 104) for the first time since the
2013 season opener against Indiana. Helped pave the way for Navy to amass 517 yards of
total offense (487 rush, 30 pass) at Temple. The 487 yards rushing marked the best ground
gain by the Mids since they rushed for 512 yards against East Carolina in 2012 and it’s the
11th-best rushing game in program history.
2013: A starter in each of the 12 games in which he saw action. Member of Navy's offensive unit that finished the year ranked No. 1 nationally in turnovers lost (10), No. No. 2 in rushing offense (325.4), No. 3 in tackles for loss allowed (3.62), No. 6 in passing yards per completion (15.09), No. 6 in third down conversion (51.1) and 11th in fourth down conversions (67.9). Navy rushed for 366 yards on 67 attempts against Middle Tennessee in the Bell Helicopter Armed Force Bowl, marking the sixth straight game the Mids topped the 300-yard rushing milestone. It's the first time Navy has accomplished the feat since 2007. Helped pave the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to score touchdown runs of 47 (2:38, 2Qtr), 11 (6:22, 4Qtr) and 1 yards (0:46, 4Qtr) against Army and in doing so set the NCAA record for single-season rushing TDs by a quarterback. Additionally, Reynolds broke the school record for single-season points thanks to his 20-point effort against the Black Knights which included being on the receiving end of a two-point conversaion. The previous record of 174 points was set in 1917 by Bill Ingram. Navy's 34 points are the most it has scored against Army since defeating the Black Knights 34-0 in 2008. The 343 yards rushing by the Mids are the most in an Army-Navy game since 2008 (368). Missed the San Jose State game after a concussion knocked him out of the South Alabama contest. Part of an offense that eclipsed the 500-yard total offense mark for the third time this season when the Mids posted 519 yards in their win over South Alabama to become bowl eligible. Navy's offense opened the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to rush for a career-high 226 yards on 28 carries against Hawai'i, becoming only the seventh quarterback in school history to rush for 200 yards. It's the third most by a Navy QB in program history. Part of an offensive unit that posted 28 first downs against Notre Dame which are the most by the Mids in series history. The offense also gained 331 yards on the ground which were the most against Notre Dame since the 2010 contest (367). Part of a Navy offense that set a school record for number of offensive plays with 106 against Toledo (was 105 vs. Air Force in 2011) and rush attempts with 93 (was 80 vs. Rice in 2009 and air force in 2011). With 35 first downs against the Rockets, the Mids were just one first down shy of tying the school record. The Mids also rushed for 419 yards, their second-largest ground gain of the year and the 514 yards of total offense marked the third time this season Navy has eclipsed the 500-yard mark. Part of an offensive unit that scored 21 consecutive points to lead the Mids to their most lop-sided victory over Air Force since 1978 (37-8). The Mids had 515 yards (444R, 71P) in its season-opening win over Indiana and 589 yards (352R, 237P) in its win over Delaware. It's the first time Navy has put together back-to-back 500-plus yards on total offense since 2007 (Ball State 540, Duke 540). The 589 yards of total offense against Indiana are the most by the Mids since Nov. 6, 2010, when they produced 596 yards (521R, 75P) in a 76-35 win over East Carolina. Navy's 237 yards passing are the most since throwing for 248 yards against Stanford on Sept. 10, 2005. Helped pave the way for Keenan Reynolds and Darius Staten to become just the 43rd tandem in school history to reach 100 yards each, while coming up just short of what would have been a first in program history as Geoffrey Whiteside finished with 97 yards against Indiana. Allowed Reynolds to post his third-career 100-yard rushing effort, as well as his third-career three-rushing touchdown day.
2012: Appeared in all 13 games, starting 11. Made starts in the final 10 games of the season. Part of an offensive line that led Navy to a No. 6 national ranking in rushing offense, averaging 278.46 yards per game. Helped pave the way for Navy to put up 487 yards of total offense, 328 on the ground and 159 through the air against Troy. Helped pave the way for QB Keenan Reynolds to put up career-high marks in rushing (159) and passing (147) and become the first Navy player to reach 300-plus yards of total offense (306) since Ricky Dobbs charted 318 yards against Arkansas state on No. 20, 2010. A member of the Mids' high-powered offense that scored 56 points at East Carolina, marking their first 50-point game since putting up 76 against the Pirates in 2010. Navy also rushed for 512 yards, the ninth most in program history and the most since running up 521 yards on the ground against East Carolina in 2010. Member of the offensive line that allowed freshman QB Keenan Reynolds to become the first Navy player to throw three touchdown passes in a game (at Central Michigan) since Chris McCoy threw three against Colgate on Nov. 15, 1997. Returned to the starting lineup against San Jose State and made the start at Air Force. Member of Navy's offensive line that paved the way for the Mids to rush for a season-high 403 yards against VMI and rack up better than 500 yards of total offense. Did not make the start against VMI, however, he came into the game in relief of starter Thomas Stone to help stage the Mids' offensive explosion. Earned his first career start at center in Navy's loss at Penn State. Made his collegiate debut in the Mids' opener against Notre Dame.
2011: Did not see any varsity action.
High School: A 2010 graduate of Deltona High School in Florida, Fleming attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2010-11 academic year. A four-sport athlete, he earned letters in track & field (4), football (3), wrestling (2) and weight lifting (1), Named the 2010 Volusia County Athlete of the Year by two newspapers. Named a finalist for the 2010 Central Florida Athlete of the Year. A three-time all-county performer in football who earned All-Central Florida and Third-Team All-State (Fla.) honors his senior year. Served as team captain of the football team his senior season. Member of the district-winning track & field team his senior year. Garnered all-area recognition as a thrower on the track & field team his senior year. The weight lifting team won the district and region titles his senior year, as well. Named an all-area and All-Central Florida selection as a weight lifter his senior season. Served as a youth football and basketball coach.
Personal: Son of Thomas and Amie Fleming. Majoring in general science.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
5. David Andrews - Georgia
David Andrews - 61 Georgia 6-2 295
2014: AP Second Team All-SEC. Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player Award. Voted the team’s overall permanent captain. Frank Sinkwich Toughest Player Award. UGA Coaches’ Leadership Award. Phil Steele’s Second Team All-SEC. Played in 13 games making 13 starts. Captain in 10 games. Played in 50 games in his UGA career. Helped Georgia rush for 257.8 yards per game, which ranked first in the SEC. Phil Steele’s Preseason Third Team All-SEC. Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Second Team. Named Offensive MVP at the conclusion of spring practice. Named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding center in college football. Recipient of the Wallace Butts Football Scholarship and the Wayne McDuffie Football Scholarship. UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll.
2013: Started all 13 games at center. Recipient of Coaches' Leadership Award. Named one of the captains for the Vanderbilt, Florida, Appalachian State and Georgia Tech games. Part of an offense that ranked No. 2 in passing in the SEC and generated at least 23 points in 12 games and 400 yards in 12 games. Named to preseason watch list for the Remington Trophy. Recipient of the Wallace Butts Football Scholarship. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffie Football Scholarship.
2012: Appeared in 14 games making 14 starts - all at center. Named one of the captains for the games against Auburn and Ole Miss. Recipient of the Leon Farmer Award for dedication to the strength and conditioning program and the Coaches' Leadership Award. Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week following the Auburn game; he graded out at 88 percent and had six "dominator" blocks and three knockdowns. Earned first career start vs. Buffalo. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffe Football Scholarship and the Larry Munson Football Scholarship. Earned Athletic Director's Honor Roll distinction for fall semester.
2011: Appeared in 10 games. Earned Athletic Director's Honor Roll distinction for fall semester. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffe Football Scholarship.
High School: Attended Wesleyan High School in Georgia, coached by Franklin Pridgen. SuperPrep All-Dixie team. PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Rivals.com three-star prospect, #9 center nationally, #37 overall prospect in Georgia. Scout.com three-star prospect, #6 center nationally. ESPN.com three-star prospect, #6 center nationally. 24/7sports.com three-star prospect. 2010 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class A All-State First Team and # 41 on Georgia Top 50. 2010 Georgia Sportswriters Association Class A All-State First Team. 2010 U.S. Army National All-Combine Team Honorable Mention. Played in 2010 NUC All-World Gridiron Classic. 2010 Gwinnett County Offensive Lineman of the Year. Gwinnett Daily Post All-County First Team Offense. as a senior, recorded a 92 percent blocking grade average, 58 knockdowns and did not allow a sack. Also recorded 41 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss. As a junior, recorded an 88% blocking grade average with 48 knockdowns and did not allow a sack. Also added 41 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss on defense. 2009 Gwinnett County All-County Second Team. Helped lead Wesleyan to a Class A state championship as a sophomore in 2008.
Personal: Born July 10, 1992. Major: Agribusiness.
2014: AP Second Team All-SEC. Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player Award. Voted the team’s overall permanent captain. Frank Sinkwich Toughest Player Award. UGA Coaches’ Leadership Award. Phil Steele’s Second Team All-SEC. Played in 13 games making 13 starts. Captain in 10 games. Played in 50 games in his UGA career. Helped Georgia rush for 257.8 yards per game, which ranked first in the SEC. Phil Steele’s Preseason Third Team All-SEC. Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Second Team. Named Offensive MVP at the conclusion of spring practice. Named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding center in college football. Recipient of the Wallace Butts Football Scholarship and the Wayne McDuffie Football Scholarship. UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll.
2013: Started all 13 games at center. Recipient of Coaches' Leadership Award. Named one of the captains for the Vanderbilt, Florida, Appalachian State and Georgia Tech games. Part of an offense that ranked No. 2 in passing in the SEC and generated at least 23 points in 12 games and 400 yards in 12 games. Named to preseason watch list for the Remington Trophy. Recipient of the Wallace Butts Football Scholarship. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffie Football Scholarship.
2012: Appeared in 14 games making 14 starts - all at center. Named one of the captains for the games against Auburn and Ole Miss. Recipient of the Leon Farmer Award for dedication to the strength and conditioning program and the Coaches' Leadership Award. Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week following the Auburn game; he graded out at 88 percent and had six "dominator" blocks and three knockdowns. Earned first career start vs. Buffalo. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffe Football Scholarship and the Larry Munson Football Scholarship. Earned Athletic Director's Honor Roll distinction for fall semester.
2011: Appeared in 10 games. Earned Athletic Director's Honor Roll distinction for fall semester. Recipient of the Wayne McDuffe Football Scholarship.
High School: Attended Wesleyan High School in Georgia, coached by Franklin Pridgen. SuperPrep All-Dixie team. PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Rivals.com three-star prospect, #9 center nationally, #37 overall prospect in Georgia. Scout.com three-star prospect, #6 center nationally. ESPN.com three-star prospect, #6 center nationally. 24/7sports.com three-star prospect. 2010 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class A All-State First Team and # 41 on Georgia Top 50. 2010 Georgia Sportswriters Association Class A All-State First Team. 2010 U.S. Army National All-Combine Team Honorable Mention. Played in 2010 NUC All-World Gridiron Classic. 2010 Gwinnett County Offensive Lineman of the Year. Gwinnett Daily Post All-County First Team Offense. as a senior, recorded a 92 percent blocking grade average, 58 knockdowns and did not allow a sack. Also recorded 41 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss. As a junior, recorded an 88% blocking grade average with 48 knockdowns and did not allow a sack. Also added 41 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss on defense. 2009 Gwinnett County All-County Second Team. Helped lead Wesleyan to a Class A state championship as a sophomore in 2008.
Personal: Born July 10, 1992. Major: Agribusiness.
6. Dillon Day - Mississippi State
Dillon Day - 63 Mississippi State 6-4 300
2014: : Started 12 games at center and missed the Texas A&M contest due to SEC suspension. Part of an MSU offense that broke 15 school records and won 10 games for the first time since 1999. Played in the Senior Bowl.
2013: Started 12 games and played in all 13 contests at center. Did not start against Troy. Helped MSU to one of its best offensive seasons in program history, averaging 434.4 yards per game, which shattered the single-season record of 422.0 yards in 1982. Opened lanes for 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which ranked second in school history and two shy of the school record. Gave pocket protection for the Bulldogs to average a school record 244.5 passing yards per game. Provided time and space for 23 MSU total touchdowns during SEC games, the second most under a Dan Mullen-coached squad. Capped the year with a dominant performance against Rice in the Liberty Bowl (12/31) as the squad racked up an MSU bowl record 533 yards of total offense. At Arkansas (11/23), provided time for the quarterbacks to throw for 174 yards in the opening half, tied for the second most in a game on the year. Opened holes for 556 yards of total offense at Texas A&M (11/9), the most ever during an SEC contest under Mullen. Created space for MSU to gain 447 yards of total offense against Kentucky (10/24). Helped the Bulldogs convert 10 third-down attempts versus UK, their most since 10 at UK in 2012. Against LSU (10/5), opened holes for five rushes of 20 or more yards during the game’s 36 carries. Helped MSU to 45 points in the first half against Troy (9/21), the most in a half in the modern era (since 1950), and the second-most ever.
2012: One of just eight sophomores that were named to the 2012 Rimington Trophy Watch List, given to the nation’s best center. Started all 13 games at center, grading out a champion in 10 of the 13 games. Part of an offensive line that gave up the second-fewest sacks in the SEC (29th nationally). Graded out at a career-high 97 percent in the SEC-opening win against Auburn, while also recording six pancake blocks. Registered a career-high 12 pancake blocks and recorded an 81 percent grade in the road opener at Troy. Graded out at 83 percent with five pancake blocks in the win vs. South Alabama. Tallied six pancake blocks and an 85 percent grade in the road win at Kentucky. Graded out at 85 percent with four pancake blocks in the nationally-televised home win over Tennessee Recorded a grade of 84 percent with six pancake blocks in the homecoming win vs. MTSU. Graded out at 81 percent with five pancake blocks at Alabama. Registered a grade of 92 percent with eight pancake blocks in the home triumph vs. Arkansas . Graded out at 80 percent in the regular-season finale at Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. Graded out a champion in the Bulldogs’ finale vs. Northwestern in the Gator Bowl, helping State to 186 yards on the ground.
2011: Started nine games at center and appeared in all 13 games. Started at center the last eight games of the season. Graded out a champion four times (Kentucky, UT Martin, No. 3 Alabama, Wake Forest). Recorded 31 takedowns on the season, including a season-high six vs. Louisiana Tech. Blocked for a running back who finished fourth in the SEC in rushing, while giving up the fifth-fewest sacks in the league. Aided an offensive line that helped the 2011 squad reach the top 10 in school history for single-season marks in passing touchdowns, passing completions, total yards and first downs. Helped an offensive line that tallied multiple rushing touchdowns in games against Memphis, Auburn, Kentucky, UT Martin, Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Blocked for an offense that scored 50-plus points twice in the same season for the first time since 1914 (four), and only the third time in school history (1907, twice). Part of an offensive line that paved the way for running back Vick Ballard to rush for a career-high 180 yards against Wake Forest in the Music City Bowl. Saw playing time in the season-opening win at Memphis, where he helped Ballard run for 166 yards and three scores, a performance that earned Ballard SEC Player of the Week. The game also saw the offense set the school record for total offense in a game (645 yards).
High School: Played offensive tackle for the late head coach Don Shows at Louisiana powerhouse West Monroe, helping lead the Rebels to a state championship appearance his junior year and the 5A state title his senior campaign. West Monroe finished the 2009 season 15-0 and ranked No. 9 nationally, defeating Archbishop Rummel 30-0 in the title game in the Louisiana Superdome. Rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Personal: Born Dillon Anthony Day on Oct. 17, 1991. Son of Marc and Diane Day. Earned his bachelor’s degree in clinical exercise physiology in the summer 2014.
2014: : Started 12 games at center and missed the Texas A&M contest due to SEC suspension. Part of an MSU offense that broke 15 school records and won 10 games for the first time since 1999. Played in the Senior Bowl.
2013: Started 12 games and played in all 13 contests at center. Did not start against Troy. Helped MSU to one of its best offensive seasons in program history, averaging 434.4 yards per game, which shattered the single-season record of 422.0 yards in 1982. Opened lanes for 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which ranked second in school history and two shy of the school record. Gave pocket protection for the Bulldogs to average a school record 244.5 passing yards per game. Provided time and space for 23 MSU total touchdowns during SEC games, the second most under a Dan Mullen-coached squad. Capped the year with a dominant performance against Rice in the Liberty Bowl (12/31) as the squad racked up an MSU bowl record 533 yards of total offense. At Arkansas (11/23), provided time for the quarterbacks to throw for 174 yards in the opening half, tied for the second most in a game on the year. Opened holes for 556 yards of total offense at Texas A&M (11/9), the most ever during an SEC contest under Mullen. Created space for MSU to gain 447 yards of total offense against Kentucky (10/24). Helped the Bulldogs convert 10 third-down attempts versus UK, their most since 10 at UK in 2012. Against LSU (10/5), opened holes for five rushes of 20 or more yards during the game’s 36 carries. Helped MSU to 45 points in the first half against Troy (9/21), the most in a half in the modern era (since 1950), and the second-most ever.
2012: One of just eight sophomores that were named to the 2012 Rimington Trophy Watch List, given to the nation’s best center. Started all 13 games at center, grading out a champion in 10 of the 13 games. Part of an offensive line that gave up the second-fewest sacks in the SEC (29th nationally). Graded out at a career-high 97 percent in the SEC-opening win against Auburn, while also recording six pancake blocks. Registered a career-high 12 pancake blocks and recorded an 81 percent grade in the road opener at Troy. Graded out at 83 percent with five pancake blocks in the win vs. South Alabama. Tallied six pancake blocks and an 85 percent grade in the road win at Kentucky. Graded out at 85 percent with four pancake blocks in the nationally-televised home win over Tennessee Recorded a grade of 84 percent with six pancake blocks in the homecoming win vs. MTSU. Graded out at 81 percent with five pancake blocks at Alabama. Registered a grade of 92 percent with eight pancake blocks in the home triumph vs. Arkansas . Graded out at 80 percent in the regular-season finale at Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. Graded out a champion in the Bulldogs’ finale vs. Northwestern in the Gator Bowl, helping State to 186 yards on the ground.
2011: Started nine games at center and appeared in all 13 games. Started at center the last eight games of the season. Graded out a champion four times (Kentucky, UT Martin, No. 3 Alabama, Wake Forest). Recorded 31 takedowns on the season, including a season-high six vs. Louisiana Tech. Blocked for a running back who finished fourth in the SEC in rushing, while giving up the fifth-fewest sacks in the league. Aided an offensive line that helped the 2011 squad reach the top 10 in school history for single-season marks in passing touchdowns, passing completions, total yards and first downs. Helped an offensive line that tallied multiple rushing touchdowns in games against Memphis, Auburn, Kentucky, UT Martin, Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Blocked for an offense that scored 50-plus points twice in the same season for the first time since 1914 (four), and only the third time in school history (1907, twice). Part of an offensive line that paved the way for running back Vick Ballard to rush for a career-high 180 yards against Wake Forest in the Music City Bowl. Saw playing time in the season-opening win at Memphis, where he helped Ballard run for 166 yards and three scores, a performance that earned Ballard SEC Player of the Week. The game also saw the offense set the school record for total offense in a game (645 yards).
High School: Played offensive tackle for the late head coach Don Shows at Louisiana powerhouse West Monroe, helping lead the Rebels to a state championship appearance his junior year and the 5A state title his senior campaign. West Monroe finished the 2009 season 15-0 and ranked No. 9 nationally, defeating Archbishop Rummel 30-0 in the title game in the Louisiana Superdome. Rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Personal: Born Dillon Anthony Day on Oct. 17, 1991. Son of Marc and Diane Day. Earned his bachelor’s degree in clinical exercise physiology in the summer 2014.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
7. Shane McDermott - Miami Florida
Shane McDermott - 62 Miami Florida 6-4 296
2014: Played in 13 games. Named to the first team All ACC Conference team. Started season opener at Louisville at center. Made second consecutive start against FAMU, paving way for 198 rushing yards. Started against Arkansas State, helping lead offense to 488-yard performance. Started against Nebraska and helped offense generate 435 yards. Helped lead Miami to 426 yards of total offense against Duke as starter on offensive line. Made sixth straight start this season at center against Georgia Tech. Started at center against Cincinnati, helping offense finish with 621 total yards. Helped guide offense to 456-yard performance in road win over Virginia Tech. Started at center against North Carolina, paving way for 494 total yards and 295 rushing yards. Helped lead offense to 492-yard performance against Florida State. Made 11th start of season on offensive line against Virginia. Started season finale on offensive line, leading team offense to 421 total yards. Made final start of career in Duck Commander Independence Bowl against South Carolina, leading offense to 422 total yards. Earned letter. Played in the East-West Shrine Game.2013: Started 11 games at center. Missed two games (Savannah State, USF) due to injury. Third-team All-ACC selection by league's head coaches. Helped anchor offensive line that paved way for Hurricanes offense that averaged 425.8 yards of total offense and 33.8 points per game. Earned letter.
2012: Started all 12 games at center. One of six Hurricanes to earn All-ACC honorable mention from league coaches. Anchored O-line that paved way for third-best passing offense (295.4) and fifth-best total offense (440.2) in ACC. Earned letter. Awarded Walter Kichefski Endowed Football Scholarship. Graduated in summer 2013 with bachelor's degree.
2011: Saw action in 10 games. Allowed no sacks and registered zero penalties against for season. Earned letter.
2010: Sat out first season at Miami and participated on practice squad, redshirted to retain eligibility.
High School: Attended Palm Beach Central High School in Florida. Palm Beach County first-team all-conference as center. First-team all-area by Palm Beach Post. First-Team All-Broward by Sun-Sentinel. Three-star athlete was 20th-rated center by Rivals.com. Under Armour All-American Game. No. 44-ranked player in Sun-Sentinel’s Florida Top 100. Recorded 50 pancake blocks and earned 93 percent grade as senior. No. 44 prospect on Bill Buchalter’s Florida Top 100 state list.
Personal: Hometown: Lake Worth Florida. Brother KC McDermott also plays for the Miami Hurricanes.
2014: Played in 13 games. Named to the first team All ACC Conference team. Started season opener at Louisville at center. Made second consecutive start against FAMU, paving way for 198 rushing yards. Started against Arkansas State, helping lead offense to 488-yard performance. Started against Nebraska and helped offense generate 435 yards. Helped lead Miami to 426 yards of total offense against Duke as starter on offensive line. Made sixth straight start this season at center against Georgia Tech. Started at center against Cincinnati, helping offense finish with 621 total yards. Helped guide offense to 456-yard performance in road win over Virginia Tech. Started at center against North Carolina, paving way for 494 total yards and 295 rushing yards. Helped lead offense to 492-yard performance against Florida State. Made 11th start of season on offensive line against Virginia. Started season finale on offensive line, leading team offense to 421 total yards. Made final start of career in Duck Commander Independence Bowl against South Carolina, leading offense to 422 total yards. Earned letter. Played in the East-West Shrine Game.2013: Started 11 games at center. Missed two games (Savannah State, USF) due to injury. Third-team All-ACC selection by league's head coaches. Helped anchor offensive line that paved way for Hurricanes offense that averaged 425.8 yards of total offense and 33.8 points per game. Earned letter.
2012: Started all 12 games at center. One of six Hurricanes to earn All-ACC honorable mention from league coaches. Anchored O-line that paved way for third-best passing offense (295.4) and fifth-best total offense (440.2) in ACC. Earned letter. Awarded Walter Kichefski Endowed Football Scholarship. Graduated in summer 2013 with bachelor's degree.
2011: Saw action in 10 games. Allowed no sacks and registered zero penalties against for season. Earned letter.
2010: Sat out first season at Miami and participated on practice squad, redshirted to retain eligibility.
High School: Attended Palm Beach Central High School in Florida. Palm Beach County first-team all-conference as center. First-team all-area by Palm Beach Post. First-Team All-Broward by Sun-Sentinel. Three-star athlete was 20th-rated center by Rivals.com. Under Armour All-American Game. No. 44-ranked player in Sun-Sentinel’s Florida Top 100. Recorded 50 pancake blocks and earned 93 percent grade as senior. No. 44 prospect on Bill Buchalter’s Florida Top 100 state list.
Personal: Hometown: Lake Worth Florida. Brother KC McDermott also plays for the Miami Hurricanes.
8. Derrick Stark - Western Kentucky
Derrick Stark - 67 Western Kentucky 6-2 295
2014: Played in 13 games. Started every game on the line this season, primarily at center. Began season as starting right guard before shifting to center due to injuries. Made first-career start at center against Navy and aided WKU offense to 551 yards of offense in the win. Protected quarterback Brandon Doughty as he engineered the best offense in WKU history – an offense that set 25 team records in the regular season.
2013: Stark saw action in both the Georgia State and Texas State games this season as an offensive lineman.
2012: Attended Tiffin University.
2011: During the 2011 season, Stark played in 10 games for Tiffin University on the offensive and defensive lines, aiding the offense to over 275 yards per game and recording one tackle on the defensive side.
High School: Stark prepped at Trotwood-Madison in Dayton, Ohio. Stark was named First-Team All-State during his senior season at Trotwood-Madison.
Personal: Hometown: Dayton Ohio.
2014: Played in 13 games. Started every game on the line this season, primarily at center. Began season as starting right guard before shifting to center due to injuries. Made first-career start at center against Navy and aided WKU offense to 551 yards of offense in the win. Protected quarterback Brandon Doughty as he engineered the best offense in WKU history – an offense that set 25 team records in the regular season.
2013: Stark saw action in both the Georgia State and Texas State games this season as an offensive lineman.
2012: Attended Tiffin University.
2011: During the 2011 season, Stark played in 10 games for Tiffin University on the offensive and defensive lines, aiding the offense to over 275 yards per game and recording one tackle on the defensive side.
High School: Stark prepped at Trotwood-Madison in Dayton, Ohio. Stark was named First-Team All-State during his senior season at Trotwood-Madison.
Personal: Hometown: Dayton Ohio.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
9. Greg Mancz - Toledo
Greg Mancz - 75 Toledo 6-3 300
2014: Played in 11 games. Named second-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). Only player from Mid-American Conference to make the FWAA All-American team. First Rocket toearn All-American honors since Eric Page was named honorable mention by Sports Illustrated in 2011. First UT offensive lineman to make either first- or second-team All-America on one of the five major All-America teams since Dan Bukovich made the Associated Press first-team in 1938. Won the Vern Smith Leadership Award, given annually to the best player in the Mid-American Conference. First offensive lineman to win the award in its 33-year history. Only other Rockets to win the Vern Smith Award were RB Wasean Tait (1995) and QB Bruce Gradkowski (2005/co-winner). First-team All-MAC selection. Leader of offensive line that powers Rocket offense that ranks No. 1 in MAC in total offense (486.3) and in rushing offense (247.3) and tied for No. 3 in sacks allowed (16). String of 47 consecutive starts was snapped when he sat out NIU game on Nov. 11 due to knee injury. Also missed the BGSU game on Nov. 19. Came off the bench and played one series vs. EMU. One of 12 finalists nationally for the Wuerffel Trophy (community service). Also a candidate for the Rimington Trophy (center), Rotary Lombardo Award (lineman), Campbell Trophy (academics) and All State Good Works Award (community service). Nominee for Academic All-America. Moved from right guard to center during summer camp. Team captain.
20132013: Named second-team All-MAC. Started first three games at right tackle before moving back to his normal right guard spot. Rocket offensive line allowed six sacks in 12 games, the fewest in the country. UT offense ranked fourth in MAC in total offense (447.3) and second in rushing (240.6). Nominee for Capital One Academic All-America. Nominee for Allstate Good Works Award.
2012: Third-team All-MAC selection. Key part of offense that ranked third in MAC in total offense (445.2) and fifth in scoring offense (31.5). Starter in all 13 games. Academic All-MAC selection with 3.488 GPA in finance.
2011: Named first-team Freshman All-America by Yahoo! Sports. Third-team Freshman All-America by Phil Steele. Started all 13 games at right guard. Key part of offense that ranked eighth in nation and first in MAC in scoring (42.2), and 10th in the nation and first in MAC in total offense (481.3). Toledo’s offensive line also ranked tied for sixth in nation and first in MAC in fewest sacks allowed (10). Honorable mention Academic All-MAC.
2010: Sat out season as a redshirt.
High School: Attended Anderson High school in Ohio. Named first-team all-league, second-team All-Southwest District and honorable mention all-state as a senior. Two-year starter. Team captain as a senior. Helped lead school to a 12-1 record in 2009. Picked to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game and Big 33 Classic. Played in state championship games in 2007 and 2008 with the ‘07 team claiming the state title. High school coach was Jeff Giesting.
Personal: Full name is Gregory Brian Mancz. Birthdate: April 23, 1992. Parents are Mary Beth Fehring and the late Brian Mancz. Finance major.
2014: Played in 11 games. Named second-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). Only player from Mid-American Conference to make the FWAA All-American team. First Rocket toearn All-American honors since Eric Page was named honorable mention by Sports Illustrated in 2011. First UT offensive lineman to make either first- or second-team All-America on one of the five major All-America teams since Dan Bukovich made the Associated Press first-team in 1938. Won the Vern Smith Leadership Award, given annually to the best player in the Mid-American Conference. First offensive lineman to win the award in its 33-year history. Only other Rockets to win the Vern Smith Award were RB Wasean Tait (1995) and QB Bruce Gradkowski (2005/co-winner). First-team All-MAC selection. Leader of offensive line that powers Rocket offense that ranks No. 1 in MAC in total offense (486.3) and in rushing offense (247.3) and tied for No. 3 in sacks allowed (16). String of 47 consecutive starts was snapped when he sat out NIU game on Nov. 11 due to knee injury. Also missed the BGSU game on Nov. 19. Came off the bench and played one series vs. EMU. One of 12 finalists nationally for the Wuerffel Trophy (community service). Also a candidate for the Rimington Trophy (center), Rotary Lombardo Award (lineman), Campbell Trophy (academics) and All State Good Works Award (community service). Nominee for Academic All-America. Moved from right guard to center during summer camp. Team captain.
20132013: Named second-team All-MAC. Started first three games at right tackle before moving back to his normal right guard spot. Rocket offensive line allowed six sacks in 12 games, the fewest in the country. UT offense ranked fourth in MAC in total offense (447.3) and second in rushing (240.6). Nominee for Capital One Academic All-America. Nominee for Allstate Good Works Award.
2012: Third-team All-MAC selection. Key part of offense that ranked third in MAC in total offense (445.2) and fifth in scoring offense (31.5). Starter in all 13 games. Academic All-MAC selection with 3.488 GPA in finance.
2011: Named first-team Freshman All-America by Yahoo! Sports. Third-team Freshman All-America by Phil Steele. Started all 13 games at right guard. Key part of offense that ranked eighth in nation and first in MAC in scoring (42.2), and 10th in the nation and first in MAC in total offense (481.3). Toledo’s offensive line also ranked tied for sixth in nation and first in MAC in fewest sacks allowed (10). Honorable mention Academic All-MAC.
2010: Sat out season as a redshirt.
High School: Attended Anderson High school in Ohio. Named first-team all-league, second-team All-Southwest District and honorable mention all-state as a senior. Two-year starter. Team captain as a senior. Helped lead school to a 12-1 record in 2009. Picked to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game and Big 33 Classic. Played in state championship games in 2007 and 2008 with the ‘07 team claiming the state title. High school coach was Jeff Giesting.
Personal: Full name is Gregory Brian Mancz. Birthdate: April 23, 1992. Parents are Mary Beth Fehring and the late Brian Mancz. Finance major.
10. Mark Pelini - Nebraska
Mark Pelini - 56 Nebraska 6-0 290
2014: Pelini started the first 11 games of the season at center and was a key part of an offensive line that powered several record-setting performances. The Nebraska offense opened the season with a Big Ten modern-era record of 784 yards of total offense, including 498 rushing yards. The line pounded the defenses of both Miami and Illinois as the Huskers rushed for 343 and 458 yards, respectively, and Ameer Abdullah topped 200 yards in both contests. The line paved the way for Abdullah’s fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season against Rutgers.
2013: Pelini played in all 13 games at center, including starts against Michigan State and Penn State. He played behind senior Cole Pensick most of the season, before Pelini’s role increased greatly in the second half of the season with numerous injuries to Husker offensive linemen. His
play helped running back Ameer Abdullah post 1,690 rushing yards, the most by a Husker since 1997. The line also solidified an offense that featured three starting quarterbacks. His play helped running back Ameer Abdullah post 1,690 rushing yards, the most by a Husker since 1997. The line also solidified an offense that featured three starting quarterbacks.
2012: Pelini played in seven games, including three non-league games and the final four contests. He took over in the first quarter at Iowa when Justin Jackson was injured, then split time at center with Pensick in the Big Ten title game and saw action against Georgia in the Capital One Bowl.
2011: Pelini provided depth at center in 2011, but did not see game action.
2010: A walk-on, Pelini redshirted in his first season at Nebraska in 2010.
High School: Pelini was a standout at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio. His play on the offensive line helped Mooney to a perfect 15-0 record and a Divsion III Ohio state title in 2009.
Personal: Mark is the son of Vince and Diane Pelini, and he was born on Aug. 27, 1991. Pelini has been named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll each of the past six semesters. Pelini was also named to both the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2014 for his community outreach work. Pelini has volunteered his time with School is Cool Week, Husker Heroes, Husker Hotline, Super Hero Day, NFL Fuel Up to Play 60, and local school and hospital outreach activities.
2014: Pelini started the first 11 games of the season at center and was a key part of an offensive line that powered several record-setting performances. The Nebraska offense opened the season with a Big Ten modern-era record of 784 yards of total offense, including 498 rushing yards. The line pounded the defenses of both Miami and Illinois as the Huskers rushed for 343 and 458 yards, respectively, and Ameer Abdullah topped 200 yards in both contests. The line paved the way for Abdullah’s fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season against Rutgers.
2013: Pelini played in all 13 games at center, including starts against Michigan State and Penn State. He played behind senior Cole Pensick most of the season, before Pelini’s role increased greatly in the second half of the season with numerous injuries to Husker offensive linemen. His
play helped running back Ameer Abdullah post 1,690 rushing yards, the most by a Husker since 1997. The line also solidified an offense that featured three starting quarterbacks. His play helped running back Ameer Abdullah post 1,690 rushing yards, the most by a Husker since 1997. The line also solidified an offense that featured three starting quarterbacks.
2012: Pelini played in seven games, including three non-league games and the final four contests. He took over in the first quarter at Iowa when Justin Jackson was injured, then split time at center with Pensick in the Big Ten title game and saw action against Georgia in the Capital One Bowl.
2011: Pelini provided depth at center in 2011, but did not see game action.
2010: A walk-on, Pelini redshirted in his first season at Nebraska in 2010.
High School: Pelini was a standout at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio. His play on the offensive line helped Mooney to a perfect 15-0 record and a Divsion III Ohio state title in 2009.
Personal: Mark is the son of Vince and Diane Pelini, and he was born on Aug. 27, 1991. Pelini has been named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll each of the past six semesters. Pelini was also named to both the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2014 for his community outreach work. Pelini has volunteered his time with School is Cool Week, Husker Heroes, Husker Hotline, Super Hero Day, NFL Fuel Up to Play 60, and local school and hospital outreach activities.
11. Michael Husar, Jr. - Air Force
Michael Husar, Jr. - 65 Air Force 6-0 270
2014: Played in 13 games. Named to the first team All-Mountain West All-Star Team.
2013: Returned from season-ending knee injury from 2012. Was granted a ninth semester and will graduate in December. Played and started in all 12 games. Led the team in knockdown blocks with 70, the first center in the Calhoun era to do so. Averaged 7.0 knockdowns per game. Worked with four different starting quarterbacks. Helped lead an offensive line that allowed just nine quarterback sacks which ranked second in the conference and seventh nationally. Helped anchor an offensive line that ranked second in the conference and 11th nationally in rushing with a 272.5 per-game average. Helped Air Force lead the conference and rank fifth nationally in red zone offense with scores on 33-of-35 possessions.
2012: Played and started in the season opener. Suffered a knee injury and missed the remainder of the season.
2011: Played in eight games. Helped the Falcons to a 13th straight Mountain West Conference rushing title with a 314.8 per-game rushing average. Team ranked third in the nation in rushing. Offensive line was second in the conference (Boise State) and fifth nationally in quarterback sacks allowed with just 10 all season.
2010: Played in one game, the season opener vs. Northwestern State.
High School: Attended Mt Carmel High School in Indiana. Lettered three years in football and one in track. Named second-team all-conference in football two years. First-team all-conference as a senior. Two-year first-team all-area selection. Named all-state and academic all-state as a senior. Member of the National Honor Society, serving as the club's vice president. Named academic athlete of the year at his school. High school football coach was Frank Lenti.
Personal: Son of Mike, Sr., and Kathryn Husar. One of three children. Father played football at Michigan (1984-89). Major is biology. Member of cadet squadron 4. Worked mission support last summer. Spent part of the summer of 2012 on Operation Air Force at Andrews AFB, Md.. Also worked Basic Cadet Training. Is the group honor representative in his squadron. Member of the dean's and commandant's lists. Favorite movie is Forrest Gump. One word to describe him would be "determined". Favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears. Favorite player is Hall of Famer Walter Payton. Would like to possibly go to medical school after graduation and then be a flight surgeon in the Air Force. Long-term goal is to own his own medical practice.
2014: Played in 13 games. Named to the first team All-Mountain West All-Star Team.
2013: Returned from season-ending knee injury from 2012. Was granted a ninth semester and will graduate in December. Played and started in all 12 games. Led the team in knockdown blocks with 70, the first center in the Calhoun era to do so. Averaged 7.0 knockdowns per game. Worked with four different starting quarterbacks. Helped lead an offensive line that allowed just nine quarterback sacks which ranked second in the conference and seventh nationally. Helped anchor an offensive line that ranked second in the conference and 11th nationally in rushing with a 272.5 per-game average. Helped Air Force lead the conference and rank fifth nationally in red zone offense with scores on 33-of-35 possessions.
2012: Played and started in the season opener. Suffered a knee injury and missed the remainder of the season.
2011: Played in eight games. Helped the Falcons to a 13th straight Mountain West Conference rushing title with a 314.8 per-game rushing average. Team ranked third in the nation in rushing. Offensive line was second in the conference (Boise State) and fifth nationally in quarterback sacks allowed with just 10 all season.
2010: Played in one game, the season opener vs. Northwestern State.
High School: Attended Mt Carmel High School in Indiana. Lettered three years in football and one in track. Named second-team all-conference in football two years. First-team all-conference as a senior. Two-year first-team all-area selection. Named all-state and academic all-state as a senior. Member of the National Honor Society, serving as the club's vice president. Named academic athlete of the year at his school. High school football coach was Frank Lenti.
Personal: Son of Mike, Sr., and Kathryn Husar. One of three children. Father played football at Michigan (1984-89). Major is biology. Member of cadet squadron 4. Worked mission support last summer. Spent part of the summer of 2012 on Operation Air Force at Andrews AFB, Md.. Also worked Basic Cadet Training. Is the group honor representative in his squadron. Member of the dean's and commandant's lists. Favorite movie is Forrest Gump. One word to describe him would be "determined". Favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears. Favorite player is Hall of Famer Walter Payton. Would like to possibly go to medical school after graduation and then be a flight surgeon in the Air Force. Long-term goal is to own his own medical practice.
Friday, March 6, 2015
12. Jon Hoffing - Western Michigan
Jon Hoffing - 71 Western Michigan 6-4 285
2014: Named Academic All-MAC. Started in a career-high 13 games at center. Helped WMU to the MAC's best rushing attack and produce MAC Offensive Player of the Year Jarvion Franklin. Helped protect quarterback Zach Terrell to a career-best season and a 70-percent completion percentage during the regular season.
2013: Most starts and games played in a season in 2013. Career high in plays with 87 vs. Nicholls (9/7).
2012: Made season debut vs. EIU (9/8). Matched career high for games played in a season.
2011: Made collegiate debut at No. 24 Illinois (9/24). First career start at UConn (10/1) appearing in 84 snaps.
2010: Redshirted. Member of the offensive scout team.
High School: Attended Libertyville High School in Illinois. Ranked 74th among offensive guards in the country by Scout.com. Rated 188th offensive guard in the nation by ESPN.com. Earned All-North Suburban Lake (NSL). Earned second team all-area.
Personal: Business major with a 3.31 GPA. Son of Steve and Annette Hoffing. Born Sept. 29, 1991 in Libertyville, Ill..
2014: Named Academic All-MAC. Started in a career-high 13 games at center. Helped WMU to the MAC's best rushing attack and produce MAC Offensive Player of the Year Jarvion Franklin. Helped protect quarterback Zach Terrell to a career-best season and a 70-percent completion percentage during the regular season.
2013: Most starts and games played in a season in 2013. Career high in plays with 87 vs. Nicholls (9/7).
2012: Made season debut vs. EIU (9/8). Matched career high for games played in a season.
2011: Made collegiate debut at No. 24 Illinois (9/24). First career start at UConn (10/1) appearing in 84 snaps.
2010: Redshirted. Member of the offensive scout team.
High School: Attended Libertyville High School in Illinois. Ranked 74th among offensive guards in the country by Scout.com. Rated 188th offensive guard in the nation by ESPN.com. Earned All-North Suburban Lake (NSL). Earned second team all-area.
Personal: Business major with a 3.31 GPA. Son of Steve and Annette Hoffing. Born Sept. 29, 1991 in Libertyville, Ill..
13. LaMar Bratton - New Mexico
LaMar Bratton - 66 New Mexico 6-2 281
2014: Named 1st team All-Mountain West. Played in12 games.
2013: A 2013 All-Mountain West honorable mention. Started all 12 games for the Lobos. 11 games at left guard and one at center. Led the team in knockdown blocks with 148 in 855 snaps. Led the offensive line in overall assignment grades on four different occasions. Twice was credited with a season-high 18 knockdown blocks against San Diego State and New Mexico State. Filled in with a start at center against Pittsburgh and recorded 13 knockdown blocks against the Panthers and Outland Trophy Award winner Aaron Donald. Earned a trio of preseason honors as he was named preseason first team All-Mountain West by Athlon Sports, second team by Phil Steele and third team by College Sports Madness.
2012: An honorable mention All-Mountain West selection as a right guard. Started all 13 games at right guard. Scored a 100 percent grade on assignments nine times during the season. Led the team with 15 knockdown blocks against Nevada on Nov. 17, his second straight week recording double-digit knockdowns. Was second on the team with an overall grade of 89 percent against the Wolf Pack, and led the Lobos with an effort grade of 98 percent. Had an absolutely monster game against Wyoming on Nov. 10, finishing with a whopping 21 knockdown blocks, the second most a Lobo has recorded this season. Finished with a grade of 100 percent on assignments and was third on the team with an overall grade of 77 percent. Recorded six knockdown blocks vs. UNLV on Nov. 3 and was not called for a penalty for the 10th game in a row. Led the team with 12 knockdown blocks at Air Force on Oct. 20. Graded out at 97 percent on assignments and 80 percent overall as UNM rushed for a season-high 409 yards against the Falcons, Also tied for the team lead with 11 knockdown blocks against the Warriors and finished with an overall grade of 79 percent as the Lobos ran for over 300 yards for the fourth straight week. Graded out at 100 percent assignment against Texas State on Oct. 6, the fifth straight week he was perfect in that area. Received an overall grade of 77 percent and tied for the team lead with 10 knockdown blocks against the Bobcats. Graded out at 100 percent assignment against New Mexico State. Led the team with 16 knockdown blocks against the Aggies and finished with an overall grade of 79 percent, Graded out at 100 percent assignment on 41 plays at Texas Tech.Led the Lobos with 100 percent on assignments in 65 plays at the 17th-ranked Texas Longhorns on Sept. 8.
2011:Started all 12 games, 11 at center and one at right guard. His emergence allowed UNM to utilize Farrell at tackle to increase athleticism on the offensive line. Allowed the fewest sacks among all Lobo starting offensive linemen...was the most consistent performer on the offensive line. Made the Academic All-Mountain West team in the fall of 2011.
2010:Redshirted the 2010 season and will compete for a starting spot on the offensive line. Smart player who continues to develop.
High School: Attended John W. North High School in California. Two-time first team all Big 8 honoree who excelled on both sides of the line as a senior, playing both offensive guard and defensive tackle. Also received scholarship offers from Nevada and UNLV...second team all-county pick as well. 60 tackles and 9 sacks on defense in 2009...three-year letterman for head coach Scott Pearne. Second team all-Ivy League selection as a sophomore when North posted a 13-1 record and captured the 2007 CIS Southern Section title. The Huskies were 8-4 in 2008, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Also threw for the North track & field team and played the post for the basketball team. Made the Honor Roll all four years and held a 3.56 GPA. Also a member of the student government.
Personal: Born Aug. 21, 1992, in Riverside, Calif. Full name is LaMar Christopher Dean Bratton. Son of Harry and Tanya Bratton. Dad is the senior pastor at Greater Faith Grace Bible Church/ Has three older siblings: Mark Smith, Stacey, and Sharis...cousin, Enoch Simmons, played baseball at Loyola Marymount and later in the minor leagues with the Oakland A's organization. LaMar is active in his church, serving as the media director and singing in the choir. Would like to major in Computer Science at UNM.
2014: Named 1st team All-Mountain West. Played in12 games.
2013: A 2013 All-Mountain West honorable mention. Started all 12 games for the Lobos. 11 games at left guard and one at center. Led the team in knockdown blocks with 148 in 855 snaps. Led the offensive line in overall assignment grades on four different occasions. Twice was credited with a season-high 18 knockdown blocks against San Diego State and New Mexico State. Filled in with a start at center against Pittsburgh and recorded 13 knockdown blocks against the Panthers and Outland Trophy Award winner Aaron Donald. Earned a trio of preseason honors as he was named preseason first team All-Mountain West by Athlon Sports, second team by Phil Steele and third team by College Sports Madness.
2012: An honorable mention All-Mountain West selection as a right guard. Started all 13 games at right guard. Scored a 100 percent grade on assignments nine times during the season. Led the team with 15 knockdown blocks against Nevada on Nov. 17, his second straight week recording double-digit knockdowns. Was second on the team with an overall grade of 89 percent against the Wolf Pack, and led the Lobos with an effort grade of 98 percent. Had an absolutely monster game against Wyoming on Nov. 10, finishing with a whopping 21 knockdown blocks, the second most a Lobo has recorded this season. Finished with a grade of 100 percent on assignments and was third on the team with an overall grade of 77 percent. Recorded six knockdown blocks vs. UNLV on Nov. 3 and was not called for a penalty for the 10th game in a row. Led the team with 12 knockdown blocks at Air Force on Oct. 20. Graded out at 97 percent on assignments and 80 percent overall as UNM rushed for a season-high 409 yards against the Falcons, Also tied for the team lead with 11 knockdown blocks against the Warriors and finished with an overall grade of 79 percent as the Lobos ran for over 300 yards for the fourth straight week. Graded out at 100 percent assignment against Texas State on Oct. 6, the fifth straight week he was perfect in that area. Received an overall grade of 77 percent and tied for the team lead with 10 knockdown blocks against the Bobcats. Graded out at 100 percent assignment against New Mexico State. Led the team with 16 knockdown blocks against the Aggies and finished with an overall grade of 79 percent, Graded out at 100 percent assignment on 41 plays at Texas Tech.Led the Lobos with 100 percent on assignments in 65 plays at the 17th-ranked Texas Longhorns on Sept. 8.
2011:Started all 12 games, 11 at center and one at right guard. His emergence allowed UNM to utilize Farrell at tackle to increase athleticism on the offensive line. Allowed the fewest sacks among all Lobo starting offensive linemen...was the most consistent performer on the offensive line. Made the Academic All-Mountain West team in the fall of 2011.
2010:Redshirted the 2010 season and will compete for a starting spot on the offensive line. Smart player who continues to develop.
High School: Attended John W. North High School in California. Two-time first team all Big 8 honoree who excelled on both sides of the line as a senior, playing both offensive guard and defensive tackle. Also received scholarship offers from Nevada and UNLV...second team all-county pick as well. 60 tackles and 9 sacks on defense in 2009...three-year letterman for head coach Scott Pearne. Second team all-Ivy League selection as a sophomore when North posted a 13-1 record and captured the 2007 CIS Southern Section title. The Huskies were 8-4 in 2008, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Also threw for the North track & field team and played the post for the basketball team. Made the Honor Roll all four years and held a 3.56 GPA. Also a member of the student government.
Personal: Born Aug. 21, 1992, in Riverside, Calif. Full name is LaMar Christopher Dean Bratton. Son of Harry and Tanya Bratton. Dad is the senior pastor at Greater Faith Grace Bible Church/ Has three older siblings: Mark Smith, Stacey, and Sharis...cousin, Enoch Simmons, played baseball at Loyola Marymount and later in the minor leagues with the Oakland A's organization. LaMar is active in his church, serving as the media director and singing in the choir. Would like to major in Computer Science at UNM.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
14. Collin Fissell - Texas State
Collin Fissell - 50 Texas State 6-2 297
2014: Played in 10 games.
2013: Played in six games with one start versus Wyoming. Recorded a season-best three knockdown blocks at Idaho. Also had a pancake block versus South Alabama and Arkansas State.
2012: Played in 11 games. Started three contests at center. Had a season-best five knockdown blocks against Louisiana Tech. Recorded a block down field. Had a block that led to a touchdown against the Bulldogs. Also had four pancake blocks against New Mexico State and three at UTSA.
2011: Played in six games and made three starts as an offensive tackle. Registered 13 pancake blocks. Graded out 80 or above in all six games in which he played. Best grade of 90 percent came at Texas Tech.
2010: Sat out the season as a redshirt.
High School: Attended Seven Lakes High School in Texas. Two-time All-District 17-5A selection. Was a three-year starting lineman for coach Kevin O’Keefe. Earned All-District Second-Team honors as a center in 2009. Chosen Honorable Mention selection as a junior. Named his team’s offensive Most Valuable Player and served as team captain during his senior campaign. Also a member of the track and field team.
Personal: Born March 11, 1992 in Anchorage, Alaska. Son of Mark and Nanette Fissell of Katy. Father played at USC. Major is exercise and sports science, and pre-med. Came to Texas State after being recruited by Texas A&M-Kingsville. Hobbies include playing sports and video games.
2014: Played in 10 games.
2013: Played in six games with one start versus Wyoming. Recorded a season-best three knockdown blocks at Idaho. Also had a pancake block versus South Alabama and Arkansas State.
2012: Played in 11 games. Started three contests at center. Had a season-best five knockdown blocks against Louisiana Tech. Recorded a block down field. Had a block that led to a touchdown against the Bulldogs. Also had four pancake blocks against New Mexico State and three at UTSA.
2011: Played in six games and made three starts as an offensive tackle. Registered 13 pancake blocks. Graded out 80 or above in all six games in which he played. Best grade of 90 percent came at Texas Tech.
2010: Sat out the season as a redshirt.
High School: Attended Seven Lakes High School in Texas. Two-time All-District 17-5A selection. Was a three-year starting lineman for coach Kevin O’Keefe. Earned All-District Second-Team honors as a center in 2009. Chosen Honorable Mention selection as a junior. Named his team’s offensive Most Valuable Player and served as team captain during his senior campaign. Also a member of the track and field team.
Personal: Born March 11, 1992 in Anchorage, Alaska. Son of Mark and Nanette Fissell of Katy. Father played at USC. Major is exercise and sports science, and pre-med. Came to Texas State after being recruited by Texas A&M-Kingsville. Hobbies include playing sports and video games.
15. Taylor Hudson - East Carolina
Taylor Hudson - 74 East Carolina 6-5 285
2014: First-Team All-American Conference selection by the leagues head coaches. Named one of five game captains four times (SC, SMU, UCONN, CIN). Started all 13 games at center. Member of an offensive line unit that is averaging 532.8 yards of total offense (165.4/ rush, 367.3/pass) on the season, which ranks fifth nationally. Helped ECU’s offense put up a school record 789 yards of total offense (446/pass, 343/rush) against North Carolina. Member of an offensive unit that has surpassed 500 yards of total offense in 7 of 12 games (582/NCCU, 502/VT, 789/UNC, 581/SMU, 580/UCONN, 579/CIN, 510/TLS) - 411-plus in all 12 contests. Helped provide running lanes for four 100-yard rushers (3/Breon Allen, 1/Chris Hairston). Provided pass block protection for all five of Shane Carden’s 400-yard passing games (427/VT, 438/UNC, 410/SMU, 445/UCONN, 425/CIN) - the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth 400-yard contests of his career. Part of an offensive unit that ranks second nationally in passing (367.3 ypg) and 14th in scoring (37.2 ppg).
2013: Played in 10 contests and made a pair of starts (Florida Atlantic and vs. Ohio in the Beef `O' Brady's Bowl) at center. Did not experience action against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Middle Tennessee. A member of an offensive unit that recorded 440 or more yards of total offense in eight of the 10 games played in, with a season-high 625 against UAB. Helped provide running lanes for three of Vintavious Cooper's four 100-yard rushing performances, including a career-best 198 ground yards against Ohio at Tropicana Field. Part of a line that produced a 4,000-passer (4,139/Shane Carden), a 1,000-yard rusher (1,193/Cooper) and a 1,000-yard receiver (1,284/Justin Hardy). Assisted the Pirates to a No. 7 national rank in third down percentage (51.0), a No. 8 standing in scoring offense (40.2 ppg) and a No. 11 clip in passing offense (328.1 ypg).
2012: Started seven of nine games at center after appearing in seven contests as a redshirt freshman on special teams unit a year earlier. Recorded first career start in the season opener vs. Appalachian State. Followed by booking successive starts vs. South Carolina, Southern Miss, North Carolina, UTEP, UCF and Memphis before suffering back injury and surrendering top job to Josh Clark for the remainder of the year. Returned to action after missing three games with the aforementioned injury in a reserve role at Tulane. Credited with helping first-year starter Shane Carden's acclimation during his first five starts at quarterback.
2011: Experienced action on the special teams' blocking units in seven games during initial season on the active roster. Appeared against North Carolina, Houston, Tulane, Southern Miss, UTEP, UCF and Marshall. Part of a group that helped kicker Michael Barbour convert 39-of-40 point after touchdown attempts. Blocked along the line for Barbour's program record-tying 58-yard field goal at Marshall during the season finale.
2010: Redshirted during first campaign with the Pirates and served on the scout team. Officially signed with East Carolina in February.
High School: A three-year starter at offensive tackle at Mauldin High School in South Carolina. Helped the Mavericks and head coach Doug Shaw capture a 32-21 Class AAAA Division I playoff victory over Fort Dorchester. Anchored a line that allowed MHS average 40.8 points per game. Named to the All-Greenville County First Team as a senior and junior. Rated by ESPN.com among the top 60 (55) offensive guards in the country and was labeled a three-star recruit. A High School Playbook All-Area Team selection as a senior. Recipient of the Mauldin team's Maverick Award. Participated in the 2009 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Helped propel Mauldin from a 6-6 record in 2008 to a 10-3 mark in 2009. The Mavericks' 10 wins tied the 1976 school record for most victories in a season. Reportedly timed at 5.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash during prep testing.
Personal: Full name is Taylor William Hudson. Born November 27, 1991 at Greenville, S.C.. Son of William and Lynne Hudson.. Earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice during ECU's Spring Commencement Exercises in May, 2014. Selected to the ECU Honor Roll for classroom work in the spring semesters of 2011, 2013 and 2014. Currently pursuing second undergraduate degree in management. Volunteers for the Mauldin Fire Department in his spare time. Hobbies include fishing, hunting and riding four-wheelers. Says favorite NFL player is Michael Oher of "The Blind Side" fame. Parents have served as most influential figures during career.
2014: First-Team All-American Conference selection by the leagues head coaches. Named one of five game captains four times (SC, SMU, UCONN, CIN). Started all 13 games at center. Member of an offensive line unit that is averaging 532.8 yards of total offense (165.4/ rush, 367.3/pass) on the season, which ranks fifth nationally. Helped ECU’s offense put up a school record 789 yards of total offense (446/pass, 343/rush) against North Carolina. Member of an offensive unit that has surpassed 500 yards of total offense in 7 of 12 games (582/NCCU, 502/VT, 789/UNC, 581/SMU, 580/UCONN, 579/CIN, 510/TLS) - 411-plus in all 12 contests. Helped provide running lanes for four 100-yard rushers (3/Breon Allen, 1/Chris Hairston). Provided pass block protection for all five of Shane Carden’s 400-yard passing games (427/VT, 438/UNC, 410/SMU, 445/UCONN, 425/CIN) - the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth 400-yard contests of his career. Part of an offensive unit that ranks second nationally in passing (367.3 ypg) and 14th in scoring (37.2 ppg).
2013: Played in 10 contests and made a pair of starts (Florida Atlantic and vs. Ohio in the Beef `O' Brady's Bowl) at center. Did not experience action against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Middle Tennessee. A member of an offensive unit that recorded 440 or more yards of total offense in eight of the 10 games played in, with a season-high 625 against UAB. Helped provide running lanes for three of Vintavious Cooper's four 100-yard rushing performances, including a career-best 198 ground yards against Ohio at Tropicana Field. Part of a line that produced a 4,000-passer (4,139/Shane Carden), a 1,000-yard rusher (1,193/Cooper) and a 1,000-yard receiver (1,284/Justin Hardy). Assisted the Pirates to a No. 7 national rank in third down percentage (51.0), a No. 8 standing in scoring offense (40.2 ppg) and a No. 11 clip in passing offense (328.1 ypg).
2012: Started seven of nine games at center after appearing in seven contests as a redshirt freshman on special teams unit a year earlier. Recorded first career start in the season opener vs. Appalachian State. Followed by booking successive starts vs. South Carolina, Southern Miss, North Carolina, UTEP, UCF and Memphis before suffering back injury and surrendering top job to Josh Clark for the remainder of the year. Returned to action after missing three games with the aforementioned injury in a reserve role at Tulane. Credited with helping first-year starter Shane Carden's acclimation during his first five starts at quarterback.
2011: Experienced action on the special teams' blocking units in seven games during initial season on the active roster. Appeared against North Carolina, Houston, Tulane, Southern Miss, UTEP, UCF and Marshall. Part of a group that helped kicker Michael Barbour convert 39-of-40 point after touchdown attempts. Blocked along the line for Barbour's program record-tying 58-yard field goal at Marshall during the season finale.
2010: Redshirted during first campaign with the Pirates and served on the scout team. Officially signed with East Carolina in February.
High School: A three-year starter at offensive tackle at Mauldin High School in South Carolina. Helped the Mavericks and head coach Doug Shaw capture a 32-21 Class AAAA Division I playoff victory over Fort Dorchester. Anchored a line that allowed MHS average 40.8 points per game. Named to the All-Greenville County First Team as a senior and junior. Rated by ESPN.com among the top 60 (55) offensive guards in the country and was labeled a three-star recruit. A High School Playbook All-Area Team selection as a senior. Recipient of the Mauldin team's Maverick Award. Participated in the 2009 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Helped propel Mauldin from a 6-6 record in 2008 to a 10-3 mark in 2009. The Mavericks' 10 wins tied the 1976 school record for most victories in a season. Reportedly timed at 5.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash during prep testing.
Personal: Full name is Taylor William Hudson. Born November 27, 1991 at Greenville, S.C.. Son of William and Lynne Hudson.. Earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice during ECU's Spring Commencement Exercises in May, 2014. Selected to the ECU Honor Roll for classroom work in the spring semesters of 2011, 2013 and 2014. Currently pursuing second undergraduate degree in management. Volunteers for the Mauldin Fire Department in his spare time. Hobbies include fishing, hunting and riding four-wheelers. Says favorite NFL player is Michael Oher of "The Blind Side" fame. Parents have served as most influential figures during career.
16. Elliott Porter - LSU
Elliott Porter - 55 LSU 6-4 300
2014: Played in 9 games. After missing the first two games of the season, Porter has been LSU’s
starting center during nine of the final 10 games of the season. Left the Arkansas game due to injury and did not play at Texas A&M . Missed the bowl game as well vs. Notre Dame with an ankle injury. Played all 66 snaps and posted four knockdowns versus ULM. Collected seven knockdowns on 45 snaps against New Mexico State. Racked up a season high 10.5 knockdowns over his 70 snaps versus No. 3 Ole Miss. Tallied 34.5 of his 40.5 knockdowns over his last seven outings. Logged action in 31 career games with 22 starts at center to his credit. Started 21 of LSU’s last 25 games since the 2013 season opener versus TCU. Arrested on arrested on a charge of simple assault in January 2015.
2013: Played and started 12 games at center. Missed only the Furman contest. Saw action on 787 offensive snaps, recording 61 knockdowns. Played every snap in eight of LSU’s 13 games. Had season-high eight knockdowns on 74 snaps in 34-10 win over Texas A&M. Played all 77 snaps against Georgia as Tigers rolled up 41 points against the Bulldogs. Opened season with 87 snaps and four knockdowns in win over TCU. Sat out Furman game with a minor injury. Returned the following week and played all 55 snaps against top-ranked Alabama.
2012: Played in 10 games with one start against Idaho. Played a total of 71 snaps with four knockdowns. Saw one offensive snap against Alabama and at Arkansas. Played two offensive snaps against South Carolina and at Texas A&M. Only played one offensive snap at Florida. Did not play against Towson. Came in for P.J. Lonergan on the first drive of the game at Auburn and played eight snaps with one knockdown. Made his first career start at center against Idaho and made two knockdowns in 39 snaps. Saw action at center in 15 plays and recorded one knockdown against Washington. Played his first snaps as a Tiger late in the opener against North Texas.
2011: Transferred to LSU in January 2011 and sat out the season due to transfer rules. Practiced at the center position to build depth for the Tigers.
2010: Redshirted as a true freshman at Kentucky.
High School: Played for Shaw High School in Louisiana. High school defensive tackle who is projected to switch to the offensive line in college. Rated the No. 24 offensive guard prospect in the nation and the No. 14 overall prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com. A SuperPrep All-American and a member of the Times-Picayune Blue-Chip List. Earned an invitation to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. Recorded 65 tackles his senior year after missing five games due to arthroscopic surgery and a hamstring injury. Recorded 85 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss in his junior season along with 11 sacks. Helped his team advance to the state championship game in each of his first three seasons of high school. Coached by Scott Bairnsfather at Shaw HS.
Personal: Full name is Elliott Dwain Porter. Born Dec. 9, 1991. Majoring in sports administration.
2014: Played in 9 games. After missing the first two games of the season, Porter has been LSU’s
starting center during nine of the final 10 games of the season. Left the Arkansas game due to injury and did not play at Texas A&M . Missed the bowl game as well vs. Notre Dame with an ankle injury. Played all 66 snaps and posted four knockdowns versus ULM. Collected seven knockdowns on 45 snaps against New Mexico State. Racked up a season high 10.5 knockdowns over his 70 snaps versus No. 3 Ole Miss. Tallied 34.5 of his 40.5 knockdowns over his last seven outings. Logged action in 31 career games with 22 starts at center to his credit. Started 21 of LSU’s last 25 games since the 2013 season opener versus TCU. Arrested on arrested on a charge of simple assault in January 2015.
2013: Played and started 12 games at center. Missed only the Furman contest. Saw action on 787 offensive snaps, recording 61 knockdowns. Played every snap in eight of LSU’s 13 games. Had season-high eight knockdowns on 74 snaps in 34-10 win over Texas A&M. Played all 77 snaps against Georgia as Tigers rolled up 41 points against the Bulldogs. Opened season with 87 snaps and four knockdowns in win over TCU. Sat out Furman game with a minor injury. Returned the following week and played all 55 snaps against top-ranked Alabama.
2012: Played in 10 games with one start against Idaho. Played a total of 71 snaps with four knockdowns. Saw one offensive snap against Alabama and at Arkansas. Played two offensive snaps against South Carolina and at Texas A&M. Only played one offensive snap at Florida. Did not play against Towson. Came in for P.J. Lonergan on the first drive of the game at Auburn and played eight snaps with one knockdown. Made his first career start at center against Idaho and made two knockdowns in 39 snaps. Saw action at center in 15 plays and recorded one knockdown against Washington. Played his first snaps as a Tiger late in the opener against North Texas.
2011: Transferred to LSU in January 2011 and sat out the season due to transfer rules. Practiced at the center position to build depth for the Tigers.
2010: Redshirted as a true freshman at Kentucky.
High School: Played for Shaw High School in Louisiana. High school defensive tackle who is projected to switch to the offensive line in college. Rated the No. 24 offensive guard prospect in the nation and the No. 14 overall prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com. A SuperPrep All-American and a member of the Times-Picayune Blue-Chip List. Earned an invitation to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. Recorded 65 tackles his senior year after missing five games due to arthroscopic surgery and a hamstring injury. Recorded 85 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss in his junior season along with 11 sacks. Helped his team advance to the state championship game in each of his first three seasons of high school. Coached by Scott Bairnsfather at Shaw HS.
Personal: Full name is Elliott Dwain Porter. Born Dec. 9, 1991. Majoring in sports administration.
17. Tyler Greve - Arkansas State
Tyler Greve - 58 Arkansas State 6-4 301
2014: Played in 13 games.
2013: Played in 12 of 13 games (didn’t play vs. Auburn) on special teams and in a reserve role on the offensive line. Helped lead A-State to a No. 1 ranking in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 24 in the nation in rushing offense with over 200 yards per game. Helped pave the way for five different A-State players rushing for over 100 yards in a game. Part of offensive line that helped lead A-State to 29.2 points per game and 407.8 yards total offense per game, which was the third highest average in Arkansas State history. A-State scored 31 rushing touchdowns that were just two shy of the most in the league. The line helped produce a No. 2 Sun Belt ranking in red zone offense, including 35 touchdowns and only one turnover given up. The Red Wolves’ front five have helped produce over 200 yards rushing in six games and over 400 yards total offense six times as well. Athletics Director’s Honor Roll member with a 4.0 GPA.
2012: Played in five games in a reserve role on the offensive line. Part of o-line that paved the way for a school record in total offense and touchdowns scored. Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member.
2011: Played in two games in a reserve role (Western Kentucky and Virginia Tech). ASU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member.
2010: Redshirted and participated on the scout team. ASU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll member.
High School: Three-year varsity starter. Named first team Class 6A All-State after leading Jonesboro High School in Arkansas to a 9-2 record as a senior. First team all-conference selection. Academic all-conference. Played for Nettleton HS in Jonesboro Arkansas as a sophomore and junior. AHSCA Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Team. Best Under the Sun selection by the Jonesboro Sun. Competed in the Arkansas High School All-Star game.
Personal: Born Nov. 19, 1991. Son of Judy and Mike Grimes. Earned his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in the spring of 2014.
2014: Played in 13 games.
2013: Played in 12 of 13 games (didn’t play vs. Auburn) on special teams and in a reserve role on the offensive line. Helped lead A-State to a No. 1 ranking in the Sun Belt Conference and No. 24 in the nation in rushing offense with over 200 yards per game. Helped pave the way for five different A-State players rushing for over 100 yards in a game. Part of offensive line that helped lead A-State to 29.2 points per game and 407.8 yards total offense per game, which was the third highest average in Arkansas State history. A-State scored 31 rushing touchdowns that were just two shy of the most in the league. The line helped produce a No. 2 Sun Belt ranking in red zone offense, including 35 touchdowns and only one turnover given up. The Red Wolves’ front five have helped produce over 200 yards rushing in six games and over 400 yards total offense six times as well. Athletics Director’s Honor Roll member with a 4.0 GPA.
2012: Played in five games in a reserve role on the offensive line. Part of o-line that paved the way for a school record in total offense and touchdowns scored. Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member.
2011: Played in two games in a reserve role (Western Kentucky and Virginia Tech). ASU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member.
2010: Redshirted and participated on the scout team. ASU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll member.
High School: Three-year varsity starter. Named first team Class 6A All-State after leading Jonesboro High School in Arkansas to a 9-2 record as a senior. First team all-conference selection. Academic all-conference. Played for Nettleton HS in Jonesboro Arkansas as a sophomore and junior. AHSCA Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Team. Best Under the Sun selection by the Jonesboro Sun. Competed in the Arkansas High School All-Star game.
Personal: Born Nov. 19, 1991. Son of Judy and Mike Grimes. Earned his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in the spring of 2014.
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