Also played baseball as an Ohio prep. Had a 41-1 record in three years as a starter, winning a pair of state titles and being named Division III Player of the Year. Committed to then-head coach Brian Kelly and the Bearcats and redshirted in 2007. Saw limited action in eight games in ’08, completing 1-of-4 pass attempts (25 percent) for two yards without a touchdown or interception. In ’09, tossed 93-124-1,434-10-2 (75.0) in 12 games (four starts). Did not play against Florida. Started all 11 games in which he played in ’10, passing 225-383-2,902-26-14 (58.7). Injured his right knee against South Florida and did not play against Syracuse. In ’11, started all 10 games in which he played — the first nine and the Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt — and totaled 166-272-1,940-15-10 (61.0). Fractured his right ankle against West Virginia, had surgery and missed three games. For his career, rushed 268 times and netted 809 yards (3.0-yard average) with 16 touchdowns. Team captain. Had a 16-9 record in 25 career starts.

Short, tough, highly competitive quarterback with sandlot instincts that enable to him to scramble and run around to create plays. Could be a practice-squad candidate, but height, limited arm strength and inconsistent accuracy work against him. Could be tried at safety.