His father, Mike, spent eight years as a starting pitcher for five MLB teams and is currently the bullpen coach for the New York Yankees. Played tight end and defensive end as a California prep in addition to lettering four times in basketball. Appeared in all 12 games with seven starts as a true freshman in 2008 and grabbed five passes for 40 yards (8.0-yard average) and one touchdown. Snagged 8-41-1 (5.1) in 13 games in ’09 and made four starts when the Bruins went with a two-TE formation. Made all 12 starts in ’10 and hauled in 14-140-0 (10.0). Was used more as a blocking tight end in ’11 with only 1-10-0 receiving in 14 starts.

Outstanding mass. Shows grit to block in line and works to sustain. Tough and durable (plays through pain). Keeps his head on a swivel in pass protection — alert to blitzes and quick to cut off rushers. Football-smart and mentally tough. Good character. Well-respected, hardworking, vocal leader. Is coachable and studies the game. Professional sports pedigree.

Short-armed and heavy-footed. Limited athletic ability. Inflexible to escape the jam — gets held up at the line. Marginal receiving value (shaky hands). Poor production. Lacking functional and weight-room strength — bench-pressed 225 pounds 13 times, a Combine low for tight ends. 

Big-bodied, tough, competitive base blocker with sheer mass to compete for a job as a No. 3 tight end/“jumbo” package contributor.