1. Blaze Ryder - Navy
2. Matt Hegarty - Oregon
3. Nick Martin - Notre Dame
4. Ben Still - Mississippi
5. Jesse Chapman - Appalachian State
6. Ty Darlington - Oklahoma
7. Mitch Smothers - Arkansas
8. Brynjar Gudmundsson - USF
Sunday, April 24, 2016
1. Blaze Ryder - Navy
Blaze Ryder - 64 Navy 5-11 277
2015: Played in 12 games.
2014: 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. 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. Made appearances in nine games and started the Mids' opener against Ohio State. 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. Keenan Reynolds also ran for three touchdowns to break the Navy record for career touchdowns. Sat out the VMI game with a shoulder 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. Earned the start at center where the offensive line helped the Mids rush for 370 yards.
2013: Made appearances in seven games, including making his first collegiate start at San Jose State. Navy's offense rushed for 432 yards on 62 carries and scored a season-high 58 points in a triple overtime win against the Spartans. The 432 yards are the second most by the Mids on the ground this season. It also marked the fourth consecutive game in which the Mids have topped the 300-yard mark, the longest stretch since 2007. It paved the way for Keenan Reynolds to rush for an NCAA record seven touchdowns (most for a QB) and throw for another, which set a Navy record for most touchdowns responsible for. Played a good portion of the second half of the South Alabama game after Tanner Fleming was knocked out with a concussion. 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 also rushed for 351 yards, marking the first time since 2010 that it has topped the 300-yard rushing mark in three straight games (331 vs. Notre Dame, 383 vs. Hawai'i). The 42-point output against the Jaguars marked the fifth time this season Navy has scored 40-plus points. Made his collegiate debut in the Mids' home opener against Delaware. Also saw action against Western Kentucky, Duke and South Alabama.
2012: Did not see any varsity action.
High School: A 2011 graduate of Kamehameha High School in Hawaii, Ryder attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2011-12 academic year. A three-year football letterwinner who received All-State (Hawai'i) honors as a junior and senior. Also received All-ILH honors in 2009 and `10. Led Kamehameha to the state title in 2009. High school classmate of fellow Navy football senior Kikau Pescaia.
Personal: Brother, Wave, graduated in 2014 and was a three-year letterwinner on the football team at safety. Son of Michael and Wendy Ryder. Majoring in general science.
2015: Played in 12 games.
2014: 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. 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. Made appearances in nine games and started the Mids' opener against Ohio State. 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. Keenan Reynolds also ran for three touchdowns to break the Navy record for career touchdowns. Sat out the VMI game with a shoulder 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. Earned the start at center where the offensive line helped the Mids rush for 370 yards.
2013: Made appearances in seven games, including making his first collegiate start at San Jose State. Navy's offense rushed for 432 yards on 62 carries and scored a season-high 58 points in a triple overtime win against the Spartans. The 432 yards are the second most by the Mids on the ground this season. It also marked the fourth consecutive game in which the Mids have topped the 300-yard mark, the longest stretch since 2007. It paved the way for Keenan Reynolds to rush for an NCAA record seven touchdowns (most for a QB) and throw for another, which set a Navy record for most touchdowns responsible for. Played a good portion of the second half of the South Alabama game after Tanner Fleming was knocked out with a concussion. 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 also rushed for 351 yards, marking the first time since 2010 that it has topped the 300-yard rushing mark in three straight games (331 vs. Notre Dame, 383 vs. Hawai'i). The 42-point output against the Jaguars marked the fifth time this season Navy has scored 40-plus points. Made his collegiate debut in the Mids' home opener against Delaware. Also saw action against Western Kentucky, Duke and South Alabama.
2012: Did not see any varsity action.
High School: A 2011 graduate of Kamehameha High School in Hawaii, Ryder attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2011-12 academic year. A three-year football letterwinner who received All-State (Hawai'i) honors as a junior and senior. Also received All-ILH honors in 2009 and `10. Led Kamehameha to the state title in 2009. High school classmate of fellow Navy football senior Kikau Pescaia.
Personal: Brother, Wave, graduated in 2014 and was a three-year letterwinner on the football team at safety. Son of Michael and Wendy Ryder. Majoring in general science.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
2. Matt Hegarty - Oregon
Matt Hegarty - 72 Oregon 6-4 295
2015: —The senior transfer broke into the starting lineup at center in Oregon's Sept. 5 season opener and never looked back, providing the experience and maturity that was instrumental in the success of a new quarterback. Not only did the honorable mention all-conference standout start all 13 games, he seldom left the field with the game on the line before being forced to the sidelines in the Alamo Bowl vs. TCU. Proved to be a mainstay for a offense that ranked fifth in the country in rushing (279.9 avg.), scoring (43.0), and total offense (538.2). After the season, he was presented with the Len Casanova Award - given to the Ducks’ first-year player who best exemplifies the athletic ideals and inspiration of the University’s former head coach and athletics director, as well as the Pancake Club Award for knocking down the most opposing defenders
2014: Played at Notre Dame. Opened the final 11 games in 2014, including the 31-28 win over LSU in the Music City Bowl. Demonstrated his versatility by playing at both center and right guard, snapping the football in his last 10 starts
2013: Played at Notre Dame. Saw action in 12 games. Made first career start at Stanford (Nov. 30) as the Irish center in place of an injured Nick Martin. Started at center in the 29-16 victory over Rutgers in the 2013 New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 28). Saw action in every game except for Navy (Nov. 2). Part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed, No team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) in '13 in area of great improvement for the Fighting Irish. In 2012, Notre Dame allowed more than twice as many sacks (18) on 41 fewer passing attempts (388). Helped the Irish run the ball for a season-high 235 yards while not allowing a sack on 28 passing attempts in the victory over BYU (Nov. 23). Michigan State entered the game against Notre Dame (Sept. 21) ranked 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks - averaging 3.0 per game, but the Irish did not allow a single sack in 34 pass attempts against the Spartans. Notre Dame struggled to run the ball against Purdue (Sept. 14), but the Irish were successful on their final drive to run out the clock (ran for 42 yards on final drive; just 49 prior to the drive). Notre Dame ran the final 7:22 off the game clock and the Irish converted four third-down plays on the final drive. Arizona State and Stanford both rank tied for seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks per game (3.08) yet the duo managed a combined one sack against the Irish.
2012: Saw action in the first nine games, predominantly on the Irish special teams. Played behind veteran center Braxston Cave after moving positions in 2012 spring drills.
2011: Did not see game action during the season.
High School: Ranked 43rd nationally on Sporting News Top 100 list for 2010. Rated 36th on ESPNU Top 150 list and 40th in Rivals.com national prospect rankings. Top-rated player out of New Mexico and sixth-best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game in Austin, Texas. RivalsHigh.com second-team All-American. Finalist for Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year Award at U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Named first-team all-state as a junior and senior in 2009 and 2010. Sports Illustrated High School Player of the Week for Dec. 18, 2010. Helped Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., to 13-1 record and New Mexico state runner-up finish in 2010. Totaled 81 pancake blocks while not giving up a sack in senior season. Also played on defensive line where he made 11 tackles and half a sack. Helped Aztec rushing attack tally 2,340 yards and 36 TDs in 2010. Member of offense that generated 4,176 passing yards and 48 TDs overall in 2010. Helped pave way for 242 yards rushing and 521 yards passing in 35-28 win over Durango (Colo.) in 2010 Helped opened holes for Aztec running backs for 280 yards and three TDs vs. Kirtland in 2010. Played for coach Brad Hirsch at Aztec High School.
Personal: Son of Bryan and Stacy Hegarty. Enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting.
2015: —The senior transfer broke into the starting lineup at center in Oregon's Sept. 5 season opener and never looked back, providing the experience and maturity that was instrumental in the success of a new quarterback. Not only did the honorable mention all-conference standout start all 13 games, he seldom left the field with the game on the line before being forced to the sidelines in the Alamo Bowl vs. TCU. Proved to be a mainstay for a offense that ranked fifth in the country in rushing (279.9 avg.), scoring (43.0), and total offense (538.2). After the season, he was presented with the Len Casanova Award - given to the Ducks’ first-year player who best exemplifies the athletic ideals and inspiration of the University’s former head coach and athletics director, as well as the Pancake Club Award for knocking down the most opposing defenders
2014: Played at Notre Dame. Opened the final 11 games in 2014, including the 31-28 win over LSU in the Music City Bowl. Demonstrated his versatility by playing at both center and right guard, snapping the football in his last 10 starts
2013: Played at Notre Dame. Saw action in 12 games. Made first career start at Stanford (Nov. 30) as the Irish center in place of an injured Nick Martin. Started at center in the 29-16 victory over Rutgers in the 2013 New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 28). Saw action in every game except for Navy (Nov. 2). Part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed, No team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) in '13 in area of great improvement for the Fighting Irish. In 2012, Notre Dame allowed more than twice as many sacks (18) on 41 fewer passing attempts (388). Helped the Irish run the ball for a season-high 235 yards while not allowing a sack on 28 passing attempts in the victory over BYU (Nov. 23). Michigan State entered the game against Notre Dame (Sept. 21) ranked 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks - averaging 3.0 per game, but the Irish did not allow a single sack in 34 pass attempts against the Spartans. Notre Dame struggled to run the ball against Purdue (Sept. 14), but the Irish were successful on their final drive to run out the clock (ran for 42 yards on final drive; just 49 prior to the drive). Notre Dame ran the final 7:22 off the game clock and the Irish converted four third-down plays on the final drive. Arizona State and Stanford both rank tied for seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks per game (3.08) yet the duo managed a combined one sack against the Irish.
2012: Saw action in the first nine games, predominantly on the Irish special teams. Played behind veteran center Braxston Cave after moving positions in 2012 spring drills.
2011: Did not see game action during the season.
High School: Ranked 43rd nationally on Sporting News Top 100 list for 2010. Rated 36th on ESPNU Top 150 list and 40th in Rivals.com national prospect rankings. Top-rated player out of New Mexico and sixth-best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game in Austin, Texas. RivalsHigh.com second-team All-American. Finalist for Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year Award at U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Named first-team all-state as a junior and senior in 2009 and 2010. Sports Illustrated High School Player of the Week for Dec. 18, 2010. Helped Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., to 13-1 record and New Mexico state runner-up finish in 2010. Totaled 81 pancake blocks while not giving up a sack in senior season. Also played on defensive line where he made 11 tackles and half a sack. Helped Aztec rushing attack tally 2,340 yards and 36 TDs in 2010. Member of offense that generated 4,176 passing yards and 48 TDs overall in 2010. Helped pave way for 242 yards rushing and 521 yards passing in 35-28 win over Durango (Colo.) in 2010 Helped opened holes for Aztec running backs for 280 yards and three TDs vs. Kirtland in 2010. Played for coach Brad Hirsch at Aztec High School.
Personal: Son of Bryan and Stacy Hegarty. Enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting.
3. Nick Martin - Notre Dame
Nick Martin - 72 Notre Dame 6-4 301
2015: Played in and started all 13 games. Named a season-long captain at the end of fall camp. Started at center in each of the first three games of the season (Rice, Michigan and Purdue), but moved to left guard before the 31-15 victory over Syracuse (Sept. 27). That marked first career start at any other position than center. Remained the starting left guard over the last 10 games of the year.
2014: Played in and started all 13 games. Named a season-long captain at the end of fall camp. Started at center in each of the first three games of the season (Rice, Michigan and Purdue), but moved to left guard before the 31-15 victory over Syracuse (Sept. 27). That marked first career start at any other position than center. Remained the starting left guard over the last 10 games of the year.
2013: Started each of the first 11 games at center. Was lost for the season against BYU (Nov. 23) due to a knee injury. Played on same Irish offensive line with older brother, senior offensive tackle and captain Zack Martin. Part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed. No team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) in '13 in area of great improvement for the Fighting Irish. In 2012, Notre Dame allowed more than twice as many sacks (18) on 41 fewer passing attempts (388). Helped the Irish run the ball for a season-high 235 yards while not allowing a sack on 28 passing attempts in the victory over BYU (Nov. 23). Michigan State entered the game against Notre Dame (Sept. 21) ranked 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks – averaging 3.0 per game, but the Irish did not allow a single sack in 34 pass attempts against the Spartans. Notre Dame struggled to run the ball against Purdue (Sept. 14), but the Irish were successful on its final drive to run out the clock (ran for 42 yards on final drive; just 49 prior to the drive). Notre Dame ran the final 7:22 off the game clock and the Irish converted four third-down plays on the final drive.
2012: Saw action in all 13 games. Majority of action came on multiple Irish special teams units. By end of the season was primary backup at both tackle positions but also had versatility to play guard. Joined brother Zack as one of four brothers on the Irish roster.
2011: Did not see any action during the season.
High School: First-team Indiana all-state pick on Associated Press Class 3A team as offensive lineman. Also named to Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 all-state team as one of 10 offensive linemen. Named to 2010 Super Team by Indianapolis Star. Second-team offensive lineman on U.S. Air Force Medium Schools Prep All-America squad. Helped fourth-ranked Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, to 2010 Indiana Class 3A state title with 28-14 win over South Bend St. Joseph’s in state title contest that marked Chatard’s record 10th state title. Chatard ended season with 11-4 record and 10 straight wins after early three-game losing streak. Helped team to number-three state ranking in IFCA final regular-season poll for 2010. Starter on both offensive and defensive lines. Rated second-best Class 3A defensive player in Indianapolis area in preseason listings by Indianapolis Star. Helped Chatard to 12-2 mark as a junior in 2009 before losing to Evansville Memorial in Indiana state playoff semi state round. Father, Keith, played football at Kentucky and was 1982 Academic All-Southeastern Conference pick as team’s top defensive tackle while also earning NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship in 1983. Played for coach Vincent Lorenzano at Bishop Chatard High School.
Personal: Son of Pam and Keith Martin. Brother Zack having a solid rookie season as the starting right guard for the Dallas Cowboys after being a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management consulting.
2015: Played in and started all 13 games. Named a season-long captain at the end of fall camp. Started at center in each of the first three games of the season (Rice, Michigan and Purdue), but moved to left guard before the 31-15 victory over Syracuse (Sept. 27). That marked first career start at any other position than center. Remained the starting left guard over the last 10 games of the year.
2014: Played in and started all 13 games. Named a season-long captain at the end of fall camp. Started at center in each of the first three games of the season (Rice, Michigan and Purdue), but moved to left guard before the 31-15 victory over Syracuse (Sept. 27). That marked first career start at any other position than center. Remained the starting left guard over the last 10 games of the year.
2013: Started each of the first 11 games at center. Was lost for the season against BYU (Nov. 23) due to a knee injury. Played on same Irish offensive line with older brother, senior offensive tackle and captain Zack Martin. Part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed. No team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) in '13 in area of great improvement for the Fighting Irish. In 2012, Notre Dame allowed more than twice as many sacks (18) on 41 fewer passing attempts (388). Helped the Irish run the ball for a season-high 235 yards while not allowing a sack on 28 passing attempts in the victory over BYU (Nov. 23). Michigan State entered the game against Notre Dame (Sept. 21) ranked 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks – averaging 3.0 per game, but the Irish did not allow a single sack in 34 pass attempts against the Spartans. Notre Dame struggled to run the ball against Purdue (Sept. 14), but the Irish were successful on its final drive to run out the clock (ran for 42 yards on final drive; just 49 prior to the drive). Notre Dame ran the final 7:22 off the game clock and the Irish converted four third-down plays on the final drive.
2012: Saw action in all 13 games. Majority of action came on multiple Irish special teams units. By end of the season was primary backup at both tackle positions but also had versatility to play guard. Joined brother Zack as one of four brothers on the Irish roster.
2011: Did not see any action during the season.
High School: First-team Indiana all-state pick on Associated Press Class 3A team as offensive lineman. Also named to Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 all-state team as one of 10 offensive linemen. Named to 2010 Super Team by Indianapolis Star. Second-team offensive lineman on U.S. Air Force Medium Schools Prep All-America squad. Helped fourth-ranked Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, to 2010 Indiana Class 3A state title with 28-14 win over South Bend St. Joseph’s in state title contest that marked Chatard’s record 10th state title. Chatard ended season with 11-4 record and 10 straight wins after early three-game losing streak. Helped team to number-three state ranking in IFCA final regular-season poll for 2010. Starter on both offensive and defensive lines. Rated second-best Class 3A defensive player in Indianapolis area in preseason listings by Indianapolis Star. Helped Chatard to 12-2 mark as a junior in 2009 before losing to Evansville Memorial in Indiana state playoff semi state round. Father, Keith, played football at Kentucky and was 1982 Academic All-Southeastern Conference pick as team’s top defensive tackle while also earning NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship in 1983. Played for coach Vincent Lorenzano at Bishop Chatard High School.
Personal: Son of Pam and Keith Martin. Brother Zack having a solid rookie season as the starting right guard for the Dallas Cowboys after being a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management consulting.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
5. Ben Still - Mississippi
Ben Still - 64 Mississippi 6-3 280
2015: Played in 11 games with eight starts at center. Helped Ole Miss set numerous school records, including points (531), touchdowns (68), total yards (6,731) and passing yards (4,351) in a season. Helped Ole Miss lead the SEC in scoring (40.8 ppg), total offense (517.8 ypg) and passing (334.7 ypg). Vs. UT Martin (9/5/15): Saw action as a backup center and helped Ole Miss to its most points (76) since 1935 and second-most yards (662) ever in a single game. Vs. Fresno State (9/12/15): Helped Ole Miss score 73 points and rack up 607 total yards. At #2 Alabama (9/19/15): Helped Ole Miss score its most points ever in Tuscaloosa (43) and rack up 433 yards against the Tide’s stellar defense. Vs. New Mexico State (10/10/15): Helped Ole Miss gain 665 total yards, second-most in school history, in start. At #22 Memphis (10/17/15): Helped the Rebels set a school record with 440 passing yards in start. Vs. #15 Texas A&M (10/24/15): Paved the way for 230 rushing yards and 471 total yards in start. At Auburn (10/31/15): Helped Ole Miss accumulate 558 total yards and 27 first downs in the SEC road win in start. Vs. Arkansas (11/7/15): Helped the Rebels pile up 52 points, 222 rushing yards and 590 total yards, in start. Vs. #15 LSU (11/21/15): Helped Ole Miss score its fourth-most points ever against LSU (38), in start. At #21 Mississippi State (11/28/15): Helped pave the way for the Rebels’ 479 total yards and 243 rushing yards in start. Vs. #16 Oklahoma State (1/1/16): Helped Ole Miss rack up its most points (48) and yards (554) ever in a bowl game in the Sugar Bowl win over the Cowboys.
2014: Started at center in all 12 games that he played. Missed the LSU game with a sprained MCL in his knee. Earned third letter. vs. Boise State (8/28/14): Made his first career start and helped Ole Miss rack up 35 points and 387 passing yards. At Vanderbilt (9/6/14): Helped Ole Miss pile up 547 total yards and 34 first downs. Vs. UL-Lafayette (9/13/14): Paved the way for 554 total yards and 56 points. Vs. #1 Alabama (10/4/14): Helped Ole Miss score 20 second-half points in a comeback win over the nation’s top-ranked team. At #14 Texas A&M (10/11/14): Helped Ole Miss play a clean game with only two penalties, two sacks allowed and no turnovers. Vs. Tennessee (10/18/14): Paved the way for Ole Miss’ 180 rushing yards and another turnover-free game. Vs. #3 Auburn (11/1/14): Helped Ole Miss rack up 487 total yards. Vs. Presbyterian (11/8/14): Helped generate season-high 640 total yards and 402 rushing yards. Vs. #4 Mississippi State (11/29/14): Helped Ole Miss pile up 532 total yards and as a unit only allowed one sack while protecting a hobbled Bo Wallace (ankle).
2013: Played in five games (SEMO, Texas A&M, Idaho, Troy, Mississippi State) on the offensive line, mostly as a backup center. Earned second letter.
2012: Played in five games. Earned first letter. Vs. Central Arkansas (9/1): Made his college debut as the backup center. Member of the 2012 signing class.
High School: Attended Memphis University School in Tennessee. Tennessee Sports Writer’s Association Division 2-AA All-State selection as a senior. Ranked as the No. 46 OG in the nation by Scout.com. A SuperPrep All-Region selection and rated the No. 15 player in Tennessee. Listed as the No. 95 offensive lineman in the nation by ESPN.com and the No. 30 player in the state. Participated in the Memphis All-Star Classic. Team finished 8-4 his senior year. Coached in high school by Bobby Alston.
Personal: Son of Eric and Terri Still. Full name is Ben Ericson Still. Born: Nov. 6, 1993. Majoring in insurance and risk management. Made U.M.A.A. Honor Roll for Fall 2012 and Fall 2013.
2015: Played in 11 games with eight starts at center. Helped Ole Miss set numerous school records, including points (531), touchdowns (68), total yards (6,731) and passing yards (4,351) in a season. Helped Ole Miss lead the SEC in scoring (40.8 ppg), total offense (517.8 ypg) and passing (334.7 ypg). Vs. UT Martin (9/5/15): Saw action as a backup center and helped Ole Miss to its most points (76) since 1935 and second-most yards (662) ever in a single game. Vs. Fresno State (9/12/15): Helped Ole Miss score 73 points and rack up 607 total yards. At #2 Alabama (9/19/15): Helped Ole Miss score its most points ever in Tuscaloosa (43) and rack up 433 yards against the Tide’s stellar defense. Vs. New Mexico State (10/10/15): Helped Ole Miss gain 665 total yards, second-most in school history, in start. At #22 Memphis (10/17/15): Helped the Rebels set a school record with 440 passing yards in start. Vs. #15 Texas A&M (10/24/15): Paved the way for 230 rushing yards and 471 total yards in start. At Auburn (10/31/15): Helped Ole Miss accumulate 558 total yards and 27 first downs in the SEC road win in start. Vs. Arkansas (11/7/15): Helped the Rebels pile up 52 points, 222 rushing yards and 590 total yards, in start. Vs. #15 LSU (11/21/15): Helped Ole Miss score its fourth-most points ever against LSU (38), in start. At #21 Mississippi State (11/28/15): Helped pave the way for the Rebels’ 479 total yards and 243 rushing yards in start. Vs. #16 Oklahoma State (1/1/16): Helped Ole Miss rack up its most points (48) and yards (554) ever in a bowl game in the Sugar Bowl win over the Cowboys.
2014: Started at center in all 12 games that he played. Missed the LSU game with a sprained MCL in his knee. Earned third letter. vs. Boise State (8/28/14): Made his first career start and helped Ole Miss rack up 35 points and 387 passing yards. At Vanderbilt (9/6/14): Helped Ole Miss pile up 547 total yards and 34 first downs. Vs. UL-Lafayette (9/13/14): Paved the way for 554 total yards and 56 points. Vs. #1 Alabama (10/4/14): Helped Ole Miss score 20 second-half points in a comeback win over the nation’s top-ranked team. At #14 Texas A&M (10/11/14): Helped Ole Miss play a clean game with only two penalties, two sacks allowed and no turnovers. Vs. Tennessee (10/18/14): Paved the way for Ole Miss’ 180 rushing yards and another turnover-free game. Vs. #3 Auburn (11/1/14): Helped Ole Miss rack up 487 total yards. Vs. Presbyterian (11/8/14): Helped generate season-high 640 total yards and 402 rushing yards. Vs. #4 Mississippi State (11/29/14): Helped Ole Miss pile up 532 total yards and as a unit only allowed one sack while protecting a hobbled Bo Wallace (ankle).
2013: Played in five games (SEMO, Texas A&M, Idaho, Troy, Mississippi State) on the offensive line, mostly as a backup center. Earned second letter.
2012: Played in five games. Earned first letter. Vs. Central Arkansas (9/1): Made his college debut as the backup center. Member of the 2012 signing class.
High School: Attended Memphis University School in Tennessee. Tennessee Sports Writer’s Association Division 2-AA All-State selection as a senior. Ranked as the No. 46 OG in the nation by Scout.com. A SuperPrep All-Region selection and rated the No. 15 player in Tennessee. Listed as the No. 95 offensive lineman in the nation by ESPN.com and the No. 30 player in the state. Participated in the Memphis All-Star Classic. Team finished 8-4 his senior year. Coached in high school by Bobby Alston.
Personal: Son of Eric and Terri Still. Full name is Ben Ericson Still. Born: Nov. 6, 1993. Majoring in insurance and risk management. Made U.M.A.A. Honor Roll for Fall 2012 and Fall 2013.
6. Jesse Chapman - Appalachian State
Jesse Chapman - 60 Appalachian State 6-1 275
2015: Name the First Team All Sun Belt Conference. Played in 13 games.
2014: Earned role as Appalachian State’s starting center. Made 11 starts, missing only Game 7 at Troy due to an upper-body injury. Recorded 12 knockdowns in 477 snaps. Was charged with surrendering just one sack all season. Was not charged with a “loaf” all season. Earned a job grade or 79 percent of higher in 8-of-11 games. Recorded job grades of 85 percent or better three times — at Georgia Southern (85), at Arkansas State (86) and at UL Lafayette (90). Tallied multiple knockdowns four times — at Southern Miss (3), at A-State (3), at UL Lafayette (2) and vs. Idaho (2). Season-best 90-percent job grade/three knockdown performance at UL Lafayette was particularly impressive due to the presence of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ two all-conference defensive tackles, Christian Ringo and Justin Hamilton. Also graded out in the 80s against Southern Miss (81 technique, 83 job), Liberty (83 technique/job) and Georgia State (84 technique/job). Helped Appalachian State rush for 241.8 yards per game (18th among all NCAA Division I FBS teams), including 291.2 ypg during its six-game winning streak to close the regular season.
2013: Appeared in five games as the primary backup for starting center Graham Fisher. Made first career-start in place of an injured Fisher in the penultimate game of the season, a 33-21 win at No. 24 Wofford. Played well in Fisher’s absence, grading out at 75 percent with three knockdowns. Also had limited snaps in wins over Georgia Southern and Western Carolina as well as after Fisher was injured at Georgia.
2012: Appeared in seven games for the Mountaineers. Was primarily used in protection on the field-goal and PAT units. Earned 86-percent technique and job grades with one knockdown in limited action on the offensive line.
High School: Attended Cookeville High School in Tennessee. Earned all-district honors as a junior and senior. Named Cookeville’s Linemen of the Year as a senior. Coached by Jerry Joslin. Also lettered in lacrosse and wrestling.
Personal: Full name is Jesse Graham Chapman. Born Jan. 9, 1993 (21 years old). Son of Kathie and Stephen Chapman. Middle of three children. Majoring in exercise science/pre-professional. Aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a podiatrist. Was a member of Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.
2015: Name the First Team All Sun Belt Conference. Played in 13 games.
2014: Earned role as Appalachian State’s starting center. Made 11 starts, missing only Game 7 at Troy due to an upper-body injury. Recorded 12 knockdowns in 477 snaps. Was charged with surrendering just one sack all season. Was not charged with a “loaf” all season. Earned a job grade or 79 percent of higher in 8-of-11 games. Recorded job grades of 85 percent or better three times — at Georgia Southern (85), at Arkansas State (86) and at UL Lafayette (90). Tallied multiple knockdowns four times — at Southern Miss (3), at A-State (3), at UL Lafayette (2) and vs. Idaho (2). Season-best 90-percent job grade/three knockdown performance at UL Lafayette was particularly impressive due to the presence of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ two all-conference defensive tackles, Christian Ringo and Justin Hamilton. Also graded out in the 80s against Southern Miss (81 technique, 83 job), Liberty (83 technique/job) and Georgia State (84 technique/job). Helped Appalachian State rush for 241.8 yards per game (18th among all NCAA Division I FBS teams), including 291.2 ypg during its six-game winning streak to close the regular season.
2013: Appeared in five games as the primary backup for starting center Graham Fisher. Made first career-start in place of an injured Fisher in the penultimate game of the season, a 33-21 win at No. 24 Wofford. Played well in Fisher’s absence, grading out at 75 percent with three knockdowns. Also had limited snaps in wins over Georgia Southern and Western Carolina as well as after Fisher was injured at Georgia.
2012: Appeared in seven games for the Mountaineers. Was primarily used in protection on the field-goal and PAT units. Earned 86-percent technique and job grades with one knockdown in limited action on the offensive line.
High School: Attended Cookeville High School in Tennessee. Earned all-district honors as a junior and senior. Named Cookeville’s Linemen of the Year as a senior. Coached by Jerry Joslin. Also lettered in lacrosse and wrestling.
Personal: Full name is Jesse Graham Chapman. Born Jan. 9, 1993 (21 years old). Son of Kathie and Stephen Chapman. Middle of three children. Majoring in exercise science/pre-professional. Aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a podiatrist. Was a member of Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Friday, April 8, 2016
7. Ty Darlington - Oklahoma
Ty Darlington - 56 Oklahoma 6-3 299
2015: Played in 12 games. Winner of Campbell Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy. Finalist for Senior CLASS Award. Named honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated. Selected to All-Big 12 First Team by league's coaches and Phil Steele. Chosen for All-Big 12 Second Team by AP. CoSIDA Academic All-American. Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Winner of OU's Bob Kalsu Award. Played in and started 12 games at center. Did not play against Tulsa (9/19) due to injury. Named to Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
2014: Named to Capital One Academic All-America First Team and Capital One Academic All-District team. Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree. Started at center in all 13 games
2013: Played in three of 13 games. Saw playing time against Texas Tech (10/26), Notre Dame (9/28) and ULM (8/31)
2012: Played in nine games and made first career start at center for an injured Gabe Ikard vs. Baylor (11/10).
High School: Attended Apoka High School in Florida. Selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247sports.com. No. 2 player in Orlando Sentinel Super 60 for Central Florida. No. 5 player in Orlando Sentinel's Florida Top 100. Two-time first team All-State. Two-time Orlando Sentinel Class 8A All-Central Florida. No. 43 in Super Southeast 120. Class Valedictorian for Apopka HS. Carried a 5.1 weighted GPA at Apopka High School. Scored a 33 on his ACT and recorded a 2060 SAT.
Personal: Son of Rick and Shelly Darlington. Also wrestled in high school. Majoring in arts and sciences planned program. Father is head coach at Apoka HS in Apoka, Fla.. Mother was an OU cheerleader as an undergraduate. Brother, Zack, is a freshman quarterback at Nebraska.
2015: Played in 12 games. Winner of Campbell Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy. Finalist for Senior CLASS Award. Named honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated. Selected to All-Big 12 First Team by league's coaches and Phil Steele. Chosen for All-Big 12 Second Team by AP. CoSIDA Academic All-American. Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Winner of OU's Bob Kalsu Award. Played in and started 12 games at center. Did not play against Tulsa (9/19) due to injury. Named to Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
2014: Named to Capital One Academic All-America First Team and Capital One Academic All-District team. Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree. Started at center in all 13 games
2013: Played in three of 13 games. Saw playing time against Texas Tech (10/26), Notre Dame (9/28) and ULM (8/31)
2012: Played in nine games and made first career start at center for an injured Gabe Ikard vs. Baylor (11/10).
High School: Attended Apoka High School in Florida. Selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Four-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247sports.com. No. 2 player in Orlando Sentinel Super 60 for Central Florida. No. 5 player in Orlando Sentinel's Florida Top 100. Two-time first team All-State. Two-time Orlando Sentinel Class 8A All-Central Florida. No. 43 in Super Southeast 120. Class Valedictorian for Apopka HS. Carried a 5.1 weighted GPA at Apopka High School. Scored a 33 on his ACT and recorded a 2060 SAT.
Personal: Son of Rick and Shelly Darlington. Also wrestled in high school. Majoring in arts and sciences planned program. Father is head coach at Apoka HS in Apoka, Fla.. Mother was an OU cheerleader as an undergraduate. Brother, Zack, is a freshman quarterback at Nebraska.
8. Mitch Smothers - Arkansas
Mitch Smothers - 65 Arkansas 6-3 315
2015: Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Nov.2). Named to the Rimington Award Watch List, given annually to the most outstanding center in college football. Played in 13 games.
2014: Appeared and started in all 13 contests at center. Saw action in more than 600 snaps and finished the season with a 72 percent offensive line grade while only being penalized twice. Blocked for RBs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams, who were the only FBS teammates to each rush for 1,000-plus yards in the 2014 season. Helped protect QB Brandon Allen as the offensive line led the SEC with 14 sacks allowed. At No. 6 Auburn (Aug. 30): Opened the season with five knockdowns and didn’t allow a sack. At Texas Tech (Sept. 16): Tallied a season-high six knockdown blocks, paving the way for Arkansas to post over 400 rushing yards in the road win. Vs. No. 20 LSU (Nov. 15): Posted three knockdowns while not allowing a sack and grading out at 79 percent.
2013: Saw action in five games and was a starter for the first four games. Blocked as Alex Collins became the second freshman in school history and 10th true freshman in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards. The offensive line also allowed the Razorbacks to produce eight individual 100-yard rushing performances and rush for more than 200 yards as a team nine times. Collins and Jonathan Williams became the second Razorback duo to each reach at least 900 rushing yards in one season, joining Darren McFadden and Felix Jones from 2006 and 2007. The offensive line also broke the single-season school record by only allowing 8.0 sacks. Arkansas led the SEC and tied for second in the NCAA with an average of 0.67 sacks allowed per game. The Razorbacks’ average of one sack allowed for every 37.63 pass attempts was the best in the conference and seventh in the nation. Arkansas also ranked fourth in the SEC and 23rd in the NCAA in rushing offense with an average of 208.7 yards per game on the ground.
2012: Worked with the UA scout team while redshirting.
2011: Saw action in seven games and started the first four games of the season. With his start in the season-opening 51-7 win vs. Missouri State, he became the first true freshman in school history to start a season opener on the offensive line and was one of just four true freshman offensive line starters on a BCS automatic-qualifying team in the season’s first week. Part of an offensive line that allowed the offense to break 16 game or season school records and produce a 3,000-yard passer for the third straight season. Arkansas led the SEC in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense to become just the fifth different school, and first since 2001, to lead the conference in all three categories in a single season and became the sixth team in conference history, and second since 1992, to lead the SEC in passing offense for three straight seasons. The Razorbacks ranked 13th in the country with their average of 300.7 passing yards per game, 15th in the nation with an average of 36.8 points per game and 29th in the NCAA with an average of 438.1 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback Tyler Wilson broke nine UA records and led the SEC in passing and total offense while becoming the first Razorback to be a first-team All-SEC selection at quarterback. Wide receiver Jarius Wright also earned first-team All-SEC honors after he broke seven school records and led the conference in receiving yards per game with an average of 93.1 to rank 18th in the country and in receiving touchdowns with 12, a total that tied for seventh in the NCAA. The Razorback offense posted the second-best single-season total in school history for completions (299), passing yards (3,909), passing yards per game (300.7), first downs (279) and passing first downs (166) while totaling the third-highest total offense yardage total (5,695) and third-best total offense per play average (6.45).
High School: Recognized on ESPNU’s Top 150 class of 2011 list and was part of three Arkansas Class 7A playoff teams at Springdale High School. Rated as the fourth-best prospect in the state of Arkansas and as the No. 17 offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com. Ranked No. 29 in the 2011 class of offensive tackles by Scout.com. Selected to Under Armour’s All-America team and appeared in the Under Armour All-American Game held in Tampa, Fla., following his senior year under Shane Patrick. Was a first-team Class 7A West All-State pick by the AHSAA and a first-team all-state selection by ArkansasVarsity.com. Recruited by Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and UCLA.
Personal: Born Oct. 20, 1992, and is the son of Kirk Smothers and Lori Cornella. Majoring in food, human nutrition and hospitality.
2015: Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Nov.2). Named to the Rimington Award Watch List, given annually to the most outstanding center in college football. Played in 13 games.
2014: Appeared and started in all 13 contests at center. Saw action in more than 600 snaps and finished the season with a 72 percent offensive line grade while only being penalized twice. Blocked for RBs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams, who were the only FBS teammates to each rush for 1,000-plus yards in the 2014 season. Helped protect QB Brandon Allen as the offensive line led the SEC with 14 sacks allowed. At No. 6 Auburn (Aug. 30): Opened the season with five knockdowns and didn’t allow a sack. At Texas Tech (Sept. 16): Tallied a season-high six knockdown blocks, paving the way for Arkansas to post over 400 rushing yards in the road win. Vs. No. 20 LSU (Nov. 15): Posted three knockdowns while not allowing a sack and grading out at 79 percent.
2013: Saw action in five games and was a starter for the first four games. Blocked as Alex Collins became the second freshman in school history and 10th true freshman in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards. The offensive line also allowed the Razorbacks to produce eight individual 100-yard rushing performances and rush for more than 200 yards as a team nine times. Collins and Jonathan Williams became the second Razorback duo to each reach at least 900 rushing yards in one season, joining Darren McFadden and Felix Jones from 2006 and 2007. The offensive line also broke the single-season school record by only allowing 8.0 sacks. Arkansas led the SEC and tied for second in the NCAA with an average of 0.67 sacks allowed per game. The Razorbacks’ average of one sack allowed for every 37.63 pass attempts was the best in the conference and seventh in the nation. Arkansas also ranked fourth in the SEC and 23rd in the NCAA in rushing offense with an average of 208.7 yards per game on the ground.
2012: Worked with the UA scout team while redshirting.
2011: Saw action in seven games and started the first four games of the season. With his start in the season-opening 51-7 win vs. Missouri State, he became the first true freshman in school history to start a season opener on the offensive line and was one of just four true freshman offensive line starters on a BCS automatic-qualifying team in the season’s first week. Part of an offensive line that allowed the offense to break 16 game or season school records and produce a 3,000-yard passer for the third straight season. Arkansas led the SEC in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense to become just the fifth different school, and first since 2001, to lead the conference in all three categories in a single season and became the sixth team in conference history, and second since 1992, to lead the SEC in passing offense for three straight seasons. The Razorbacks ranked 13th in the country with their average of 300.7 passing yards per game, 15th in the nation with an average of 36.8 points per game and 29th in the NCAA with an average of 438.1 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback Tyler Wilson broke nine UA records and led the SEC in passing and total offense while becoming the first Razorback to be a first-team All-SEC selection at quarterback. Wide receiver Jarius Wright also earned first-team All-SEC honors after he broke seven school records and led the conference in receiving yards per game with an average of 93.1 to rank 18th in the country and in receiving touchdowns with 12, a total that tied for seventh in the NCAA. The Razorback offense posted the second-best single-season total in school history for completions (299), passing yards (3,909), passing yards per game (300.7), first downs (279) and passing first downs (166) while totaling the third-highest total offense yardage total (5,695) and third-best total offense per play average (6.45).
High School: Recognized on ESPNU’s Top 150 class of 2011 list and was part of three Arkansas Class 7A playoff teams at Springdale High School. Rated as the fourth-best prospect in the state of Arkansas and as the No. 17 offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com. Ranked No. 29 in the 2011 class of offensive tackles by Scout.com. Selected to Under Armour’s All-America team and appeared in the Under Armour All-American Game held in Tampa, Fla., following his senior year under Shane Patrick. Was a first-team Class 7A West All-State pick by the AHSAA and a first-team all-state selection by ArkansasVarsity.com. Recruited by Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and UCLA.
Personal: Born Oct. 20, 1992, and is the son of Kirk Smothers and Lori Cornella. Majoring in food, human nutrition and hospitality.
9. Brynjar Gudmundsson - USF
Brynjar Gudmundsson - 66 USF 6-4 300
2015: Started all 13 games at center, his first year playing the position. Earned team’s Offensive Lineman Award. Was part of an offensive line that plowed the way for a school record 3,205 rushing yards and led The American in fewest sacks allowed in conference games (1.12 per game). Helped the Bulls produce a record 5,741 yards of offense. Graduated in the fall of 2014. Led active Bulls with 38 career starts.
2014: Gudmundsson started all 12 games, the first nine at right tackle, two at right guard and one at left guard. Named the Frank Morsani Leadership Award recipient. Helped lead freshman running back Marlon Mack to just the fourth 1,000-yard rushing season in program history. Plowed the way for four 100-yard games for Mack. Earned his degree in communications in December. Moved to right tackle during spring drills. Lettered.
2013: Gudmundsson started all 12 games and was on the field for 735 plays, which tied for the most among offensive players with center Austin Reiter. Helped pave the way for senior running back Marcus Shaw to run for 94 yards or more in each of the first four games, including three 100-yard outings and an average 131.25 yards per game. Helped Shaw run for 159 yards vs. FAU (9/14) and for 145 yards in the season-opener vs. McNeese State (8/31).
2012: Played in nine games, starting one against UConn, along the offensive line.
2011: Redshirted.
High School: Attended Wellington high School in Florida. Coached by Chris Romano at Wellington. A three-year letterman, who earned all-county honors as a senior. Tallied 36 pancakes and didn't allow a sack. Also earned two letters in powerlifting.
Personal: Has one brother, Joel, and one sister, Alexandra. Earned degree in communications.
2015: Started all 13 games at center, his first year playing the position. Earned team’s Offensive Lineman Award. Was part of an offensive line that plowed the way for a school record 3,205 rushing yards and led The American in fewest sacks allowed in conference games (1.12 per game). Helped the Bulls produce a record 5,741 yards of offense. Graduated in the fall of 2014. Led active Bulls with 38 career starts.
2014: Gudmundsson started all 12 games, the first nine at right tackle, two at right guard and one at left guard. Named the Frank Morsani Leadership Award recipient. Helped lead freshman running back Marlon Mack to just the fourth 1,000-yard rushing season in program history. Plowed the way for four 100-yard games for Mack. Earned his degree in communications in December. Moved to right tackle during spring drills. Lettered.
2013: Gudmundsson started all 12 games and was on the field for 735 plays, which tied for the most among offensive players with center Austin Reiter. Helped pave the way for senior running back Marcus Shaw to run for 94 yards or more in each of the first four games, including three 100-yard outings and an average 131.25 yards per game. Helped Shaw run for 159 yards vs. FAU (9/14) and for 145 yards in the season-opener vs. McNeese State (8/31).
2012: Played in nine games, starting one against UConn, along the offensive line.
2011: Redshirted.
High School: Attended Wellington high School in Florida. Coached by Chris Romano at Wellington. A three-year letterman, who earned all-county honors as a senior. Tallied 36 pancakes and didn't allow a sack. Also earned two letters in powerlifting.
Personal: Has one brother, Joel, and one sister, Alexandra. Earned degree in communications.
Friday, April 1, 2016
9. Jared Kaster - Texas Tech
Jared Kaster - 75 Texas Tech 6-3 293
2015: All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention). Played in 13 games.
2014: All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention). Started and played in all 12 games at center. Paved the way for Tech’s first 1,000-yard rusher (DeAndre Washington) since 1998. Team rushed for 1,836 yards – its most since 1998 (2,219). Offensive line allowed just 13 sacks. Completed season with 25 consecutive starts, which dates back to start of the 2013 season.
2013: Started and played in all 13 games at center. Helped the Red Raiders to a 37-23 upset over No. 14 Arizona State (12/30) at the National University Holiday Bowl where the Red Raider offensive line didn’t allow a sack against the Sun Devils, who ranked near the top of the Pac-12 with 40 sacks on the season.
2012: Played in 12 games primarily as a backup on the offensive line. One of just two true freshmen to play during the season (LB Micah Awe).Part of the offensive line that helped pave the way for the Red Raider running backs that rushed for 1,674 yards during the regular season (12 games) – the most by Texas Tech since 1998 (2,219).
High School: Altair Rice High School in Altair, Texas. A three-star prospect by Rivals. Ranked by Rivals as the No. 5 center prospect in the nation. ESPN.com ranked him as the No. 8 center prospect. A 2010 Class AA All-State Selection. Also competed in track, golf and power lifting. Head coach: Brad Dumont. Chose Texas Tech over Rice.
Personal: Jared Kaster. Born in Houston, Texas. Son of Ernie and Brenda Kaster. Hobbies include fishing and hunting. A petroleum engineering major at Texas Tech.
2015: All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention). Played in 13 games.
2014: All-Big 12 (Honorable Mention). Started and played in all 12 games at center. Paved the way for Tech’s first 1,000-yard rusher (DeAndre Washington) since 1998. Team rushed for 1,836 yards – its most since 1998 (2,219). Offensive line allowed just 13 sacks. Completed season with 25 consecutive starts, which dates back to start of the 2013 season.
2013: Started and played in all 13 games at center. Helped the Red Raiders to a 37-23 upset over No. 14 Arizona State (12/30) at the National University Holiday Bowl where the Red Raider offensive line didn’t allow a sack against the Sun Devils, who ranked near the top of the Pac-12 with 40 sacks on the season.
2012: Played in 12 games primarily as a backup on the offensive line. One of just two true freshmen to play during the season (LB Micah Awe).Part of the offensive line that helped pave the way for the Red Raider running backs that rushed for 1,674 yards during the regular season (12 games) – the most by Texas Tech since 1998 (2,219).
High School: Altair Rice High School in Altair, Texas. A three-star prospect by Rivals. Ranked by Rivals as the No. 5 center prospect in the nation. ESPN.com ranked him as the No. 8 center prospect. A 2010 Class AA All-State Selection. Also competed in track, golf and power lifting. Head coach: Brad Dumont. Chose Texas Tech over Rice.
Personal: Jared Kaster. Born in Houston, Texas. Son of Ernie and Brenda Kaster. Hobbies include fishing and hunting. A petroleum engineering major at Texas Tech.
10. Matt Hugenberg - Army
Matt Hugenberg - 53 Army 6-5 309
2015: Played in 12 games. Listed in the starting lineup in every game this season. Announced as the starter at center against Fordham, Connecticut, Wake Forest, Eastern Michigan, Penn State, Duke, Bucknell, Rice and Air Force.
2014: Drew the starting assignment at center in every game in 2014.
2013: Appeared in all 12 games. Drew reserve duty in each contest.
2012: Played in two games as a backup. Made collegiate debut at Eastern Michigan. Also saw action versus Navy.
High School: Dual-sport athlete at Quincy Notre Dame High School in Illinois. Lettered three times in football and four times in wrestling. Captained the wrestling squad. Two-time all-conference and all-area selection on the gridiron. Finished fourth in state wrestling tournament to earn all-state accolades. Also an all-conference grappler. Set school record for most pins in a season.
Personal: Given name is Matthew William Hugenberg. Parents' names are William and Karen Hugenberg. Majoring in Systems Engineering.
2015: Played in 12 games. Listed in the starting lineup in every game this season. Announced as the starter at center against Fordham, Connecticut, Wake Forest, Eastern Michigan, Penn State, Duke, Bucknell, Rice and Air Force.
2014: Drew the starting assignment at center in every game in 2014.
2013: Appeared in all 12 games. Drew reserve duty in each contest.
2012: Played in two games as a backup. Made collegiate debut at Eastern Michigan. Also saw action versus Navy.
High School: Dual-sport athlete at Quincy Notre Dame High School in Illinois. Lettered three times in football and four times in wrestling. Captained the wrestling squad. Two-time all-conference and all-area selection on the gridiron. Finished fourth in state wrestling tournament to earn all-state accolades. Also an all-conference grappler. Set school record for most pins in a season.
Personal: Given name is Matthew William Hugenberg. Parents' names are William and Karen Hugenberg. Majoring in Systems Engineering.
11. Joey Hunt - TCU
Joey Hunt - 55 TCU 6-3 295
2015: Played in 11 games. One of the nation’s top centers, who took the majority of his snaps alongside Trevone Boykin during his collegiate career. Led a TCU offense that produced a 1,000-yard rusher and receiver in the same season. Saw action in the first 10 games of the season, all starts, before missing the final three games due to injury. 2015 All-Big 12 Football First Team.
2014: Earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches and Associated Press. Was also second-team Academic All-Big 12. Received a TCU Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation's Gridiron Club of Dallas. Named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. Started all 13 games. Helped key a TCU offense that finished second in the nation in scoring (46.5 points per game) and tied for fifth in total offense (533.0 yards per game. Horned Frogs set single-season school marks for points (604), passing yards (4,240), total yards (6,929), first downs (331) and plays (1,038).
2013: A second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Started all 12 games. Made 11 starts at center and one at right guard versus Texas.
2012: Played in seven games, including a start against Iowa State at left guard. Provided more depth on the Horned Frogs offensive line. Paved the way for TCU to accumulate 1,977 yards rushing and 13 rushing touchdowns. TCU had three runners with at least 417 yards rushing. Helped TCU control the ball as it led the Big 12 in time of possession and rank eighth nationally at 32:44 minutes per game.
High School: Attended El Campo High School in Texas. A Rivals.com three-star defensive tackle. Ranked by 247sports.com as the nation's third-best center. Selected to play for the United States in the 2012 International Bowl. An all-state selection on offense as a senior. Was an all-state pick on defense his junior year, when he was also named the District 23-4A Defensive Most Valuable Player. Totaled 210 tackles, including 66 for loss, with 16 sacks in his high school career. Forced 15 fumbles while recovering 10. Recorded 240 pancake blocks while allowing just one sack. A three-time selection to the Victoria Advocate's All-Area team, including twice as the Lineman of the Year. Also named to the Houston All-Area team. A member of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-State honoree. Chose TCU over Stanford and Texas Tech.
Personal: Parents are Tommy and Pam Hunt.
2015: Played in 11 games. One of the nation’s top centers, who took the majority of his snaps alongside Trevone Boykin during his collegiate career. Led a TCU offense that produced a 1,000-yard rusher and receiver in the same season. Saw action in the first 10 games of the season, all starts, before missing the final three games due to injury. 2015 All-Big 12 Football First Team.
2014: Earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches and Associated Press. Was also second-team Academic All-Big 12. Received a TCU Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation's Gridiron Club of Dallas. Named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. Started all 13 games. Helped key a TCU offense that finished second in the nation in scoring (46.5 points per game) and tied for fifth in total offense (533.0 yards per game. Horned Frogs set single-season school marks for points (604), passing yards (4,240), total yards (6,929), first downs (331) and plays (1,038).
2013: A second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Started all 12 games. Made 11 starts at center and one at right guard versus Texas.
2012: Played in seven games, including a start against Iowa State at left guard. Provided more depth on the Horned Frogs offensive line. Paved the way for TCU to accumulate 1,977 yards rushing and 13 rushing touchdowns. TCU had three runners with at least 417 yards rushing. Helped TCU control the ball as it led the Big 12 in time of possession and rank eighth nationally at 32:44 minutes per game.
High School: Attended El Campo High School in Texas. A Rivals.com three-star defensive tackle. Ranked by 247sports.com as the nation's third-best center. Selected to play for the United States in the 2012 International Bowl. An all-state selection on offense as a senior. Was an all-state pick on defense his junior year, when he was also named the District 23-4A Defensive Most Valuable Player. Totaled 210 tackles, including 66 for loss, with 16 sacks in his high school career. Forced 15 fumbles while recovering 10. Recorded 240 pancake blocks while allowing just one sack. A three-time selection to the Victoria Advocate's All-Area team, including twice as the Lineman of the Year. Also named to the Houston All-Area team. A member of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-State honoree. Chose TCU over Stanford and Texas Tech.
Personal: Parents are Tommy and Pam Hunt.
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