HOW ACQUIRED:
Drafted with the 11th pick in the third round (75th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Highest Seahawks drafted guard since Steve Hutchinson was drafted 17th overall in 2001. Third player chosen out of Wisconsin in club history (Eric Unverzagt, 1996; Chris McIntosh, 2001).
NFL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• Started the first nine games of rookie campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury vs. Baltimore (11/13/11) and was placed on injured reserve (11/15/11).
COLLEGE:
Started 42 of 45 games at Wisconsin at guard and center. In 42 starts, was credited with 280 knockdowns/key blocks, that included 46 touchdown-resulting blocks and fifteen blocks down field. As an offensive guard, delivered 174 knockdowns and 28 touchdown resulting blocks, posting 106 more key blocks, including 18 touchdown-resulting shots at center. On 2,915 offensive snaps, allowed just two quarterback pressures and 3.5 sacks, as he was penalized only twice in his Badger career. Started all 13 games at left guard as a senior, leading a blocking unit that allowed only 14 sacks. Earned All-American first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and the Associated Press, adding second-team accolades from Sports Illustrated. Consensus All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection. Was the recipient of the Badgers’ Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award (offense) and was named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch list. Helped the Badgers rank second in the conference and 12th in the nation in rushing offense (245.09 ypg). Led the Big Ten while finishing fifth in the NCAA ranks in scoring offense (41.5 ppg). As a junior, earned All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report, the league’s coaches and media. Took over left guard duties vs. Michigan State, remaining at that position for eight games before shifting to center for his final two contests. Helped the Badgers average 417 yards in total offense, the fourth-best average in school history. Took over center duties as a sophomore, starting all 13 games. Badgers led the Big Ten Conference and ranked 14th nationally with an average of 211 yards per game rushing. Allowed just one sack and was penalized just once on 900 offensive snaps. All-Big Ten Conference Freshman Team selection by The Gridiron Report. Inserted into the starting lineup at left guard for the final six contests.
PERSONAL:
Attended Notre Dame (West Haven, Ct.) High School. Played on both sides of the line. Received a three-star rating from Rivals.com, and was a member of the New England Top 20 team by that recruiting service, ranking 13th on that list. The Prep Star All- American added All-State first-team honors as an offensive guard by the Hartford Courant. Was also a two-time All-Conference selection. Captured the state heavyweight weightlifting championship. Also competed in track, performing in the weights. Sociology major. Father, Dave, and uncle, Steven, played college basketball at New Haven from 1973-76. Another uncle, Jim, played football at Temple.
HOW ACQUIRED:
Drafted with the 11th pick in the third round (75th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Highest Seahawks drafted guard since Steve Hutchinson was drafted 17th overall in 2001. Third player chosen out of Wisconsin in club history (Eric Unverzagt, 1996; Chris McIntosh, 2001).
NFL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• Started the first nine games of rookie campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury vs. Baltimore (11/13/11) and was placed on injured reserve (11/15/11).
COLLEGE:
Started 42 of 45 games at Wisconsin at guard and center. In 42 starts, was credited with 280 knockdowns/key blocks, that included 46 touchdown-resulting blocks and fifteen blocks down field. As an offensive guard, delivered 174 knockdowns and 28 touchdown resulting blocks, posting 106 more key blocks, including 18 touchdown-resulting shots at center. On 2,915 offensive snaps, allowed just two quarterback pressures and 3.5 sacks, as he was penalized only twice in his Badger career. Started all 13 games at left guard as a senior, leading a blocking unit that allowed only 14 sacks. Earned All-American first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and the Associated Press, adding second-team accolades from Sports Illustrated. Consensus All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection. Was the recipient of the Badgers’ Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award (offense) and was named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch list. Helped the Badgers rank second in the conference and 12th in the nation in rushing offense (245.09 ypg). Led the Big Ten while finishing fifth in the NCAA ranks in scoring offense (41.5 ppg). As a junior, earned All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report, the league’s coaches and media. Took over left guard duties vs. Michigan State, remaining at that position for eight games before shifting to center for his final two contests. Helped the Badgers average 417 yards in total offense, the fourth-best average in school history. Took over center duties as a sophomore, starting all 13 games. Badgers led the Big Ten Conference and ranked 14th nationally with an average of 211 yards per game rushing. Allowed just one sack and was penalized just once on 900 offensive snaps. All-Big Ten Conference Freshman Team selection by The Gridiron Report. Inserted into the starting lineup at left guard for the final six contests.
PERSONAL:
Attended Notre Dame (West Haven, Ct.) High School. Played on both sides of the line. Received a three-star rating from Rivals.com, and was a member of the New England Top 20 team by that recruiting service, ranking 13th on that list. The Prep Star All- American added All-State first-team honors as an offensive guard by the Hartford Courant. Was also a two-time All-Conference selection. Captured the state heavyweight weightlifting championship. Also competed in track, performing in the weights. Sociology major. Father, Dave, and uncle, Steven, played college basketball at New Haven from 1973-76. Another uncle, Jim, played football at Temple.
