Gardner-Webb University Athletics

Arguably the team’s most surprising performer during spring practice, regardless of position … Bone-jarring tackler at safety with good range, instincts and athleticism … Could emerge as an All-Big South caliber performer … Slated to start at free safety entering the 2014 season, and won that job during spring practice … Highly-decorated prep prospect in California two seasons ago.

2013 at Gardner-Webb: Redshirted.

High School: Three-sport star at Valhalla (Calif.) High … Played football under Coach Charles Bussey … Also a standout in basketball and volleyball … Led Norsemen to a 9-4 record and a No. 45 ranking in California … Earned second-team overall All-State honors from CalHiSports.com following senior season as one of the state’s top-24 defensive players … A first-team All-CIF San Diego Section selection on defense … 2012 East County Defensive Player of the Year by EastCountySports.com … Named first-team All-Grossmont Hills League … Paced the Norsemen with 163 total tackles (112 solo), 11 interceptions, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries at safety … Broke up 17 passes … Had a school-record 23 total tackles (17 solo) in a win at Morse (Calif.) High … Collected eight tackles and a school-record three interceptions at Steele Canyon (Calif.) High … Also set school records for single-season tackles and interceptions … Collected 76 total tackles (53 solo) as a junior … Earned second-team All-League honors … Three-year starter in the secondary … Played in the same high school conference that produced current NFL star Reggie Bush (Helix HS) and former Gardner-Webb and NFL defensive end Brian Johnston (Madison HS) … An All-League selection in basketball as a junior and senior … Averaged 16.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 steals, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game as a senior … Played in the San Diego County Coaches’ All-Star Game … Earned first-team All-East County honors on the hardwood from EastCountySports.com … Had 30 points in a win over Mountain Empire in mid-December … An All-League selection in basketball as a junior … Chose Gardner-Webb over Old Dominion, Western New Mexico and Colorado-Mesa.