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MATTHEW “Matt” LEINART
Quarterback
University of Southern California Trojans
#11
6:04.2-224
Santa Ana. California
Mater Dei High School
OVERVIEW
Matt is one of the elite performers in the collegiate ranks. He was the unquestioned leader of the
most dominating team in the country and led the squad in its quest for a third consecutive
national title.
Leinart was a standout prep quarterback at Mater Dei High School. He earned Parade, Super
Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports Senior All-American, Prep Star Dream Team, Student Sports
Top 100, Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Star All-Western Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-
Telegram Best in the West first team, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 first team, Tacoma News Tribune
Western 100 and Gatorade California Player of the Year honors in 2000.
He also garnered Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Southern Section first team, All-
CIF Division I Co-Offensive MVP, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County Back of the Year,
Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Serra League accolades as a
senior. He completed 192-of-309 passes (62.1%) for 2,870 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10
interceptions in 2000. Against national champion De La Salle High, he was 31-of-47 for 447 yards
and 4 scores, leading his team to a 9-3 record in 2000.
As a 1999 junior, he was the All-Serra League Offensive MVP while hitting 150-of-233 passes
(64.4%) for 2,400 yards with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Mater Dei was the CIF Division I
co-champion in 1999. He sat out his 1998 sophomore season with a rotator cuff injury to his left
(throwing) shoulder.
Matt redshirted as a freshman in 2001 at Southern California. He appeared briefly in the
Colorado, Oregon and UCLA games in 2002, but did not attempt a pass while being listed third
on the depth chart behind Matt Cassell and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. He won the
starting job by a slight edge in 2003. His passing efficiency, touchdown passes and won-lost
record in 2003 was better than Carson Palmer’s in ’02.
Leinart completed 255-of-402 passes (63.4%) for 3,556 yards, 38 touchdowns and nine
interceptions as a sophomore. He set a Pac-10 Conference record with 212 consecutive passes
without an interception that year. His 164.5 passing efficiency rating was the best in school
history and his 38 touchdowns not only set school and conference season-records, but rank
second in NCAA Division 1-A annals by a sophomore quarterback, one shy of the 39 by
Marshall’s Chad Pennington in 1999. His 3,494 yards in total offense rank second and his 255
completions rank third on USC’s annual record charts.
Matt was the Heisman Trophy winner and for the second-straight year, he garnered consensus
All-American awards. He ranked seventh in the nation with a 156.5 passing efficiency rating. Matt
threw for 3,322 yards on 269 of 412 attempts (65.3%) with 33 touchdowns and only six
interceptions. His 3,278 yards in total offense rank fourth on the school’s season-record list.
He is fourth on USC's career completions (524), passing yardage (6,878) and total offense
(6,772) charts. He already has thrown 71 touchdowns (second most in USC history behind
Carson Palmer's 72) in just 26 career starts, with at least one touchdown in all but one game he
has started (the first 24) and at least two scores in all but three games (he had a string of at least
2 TDs in 15 consecutive games). He also has thrown at least three touchdowns thirteen times
(and at least 4 TDs seven times, including 5 TDs on three occasions). He is averaging a
touchdown pass every 11.5 career attempts.
His career passing efficiency rating of 160.5 is fifth on the all-time NCAA chart. During USC's
current 22-game winning streak, he has thrown 63 touchdowns and just nine interceptions (his
career TD/interception ratio is 71/15). His 71 career scoring passes-already sixth on the Pac-10
career ladder-are the most ever in back-to-back seasons by a Pac-10 quarterback. His 64.3%
career passing percentage is just below USC's career record of 64.6% set by Rob Johnson
(1991-94). His 1.84% career interception rate is lower than the USC and Pac-10 career record of
1.95% set by Brad Otton (1994-96).
Leinart won the 2005 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top senior quarter-back
(USC’s third recipient, along with Rodney Peete and Carson Palmer). He won the 2005
Touchdown Club of Columbus’ Quarterback of the Year Award and finished third in the 2005
Heisman Trophy voting.
He was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award and the Maxwell Award, and one of four finalists for
the Cingular-ABC Sports All-American Player of the Year Award. He was also a finalist for the
Walter Camp Award and Manning Award. Matt was named a 2005 Football Coaches and Walter
Camp All-American first- team pick, adding second-team honors from the Associated Press and
College Football News.
Only the second quarterback to ever earn All-Pac 10 Conference first-team honors three times in
a career, Matt completed 283-of-431 passes (65.7%) for 3,815 yards and 28 touchdowns with
only eight interceptions as a senior. He also ran for 36 yards on 51 carries (0.7 avg) with six
scores.
Southern California was 37-2 when Leinart started (his 94.9% winning percentage is the highest
of any USC quarterback ever and is the second-best mark in NCAA history, minimum 25 starts,
behind Toledo's Chuck Ealey, who was 35-0). He was just the third quarterback in the last 30
years to lead his team to back-to-back national championships.
In 42 games with the Trojans, Matt started 39 times. He completed 807-of-1245 passes (64.8%)
for 10,693 yards, 99 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Matt scored nine times on 132 carries and
gained 10,623 yards in total offense with 108 total touchdowns.
He ranks second on the Trojan career total offense list behind Carson Palmer (11,621, 1998,
2000-02) and ranks fifth on the Pac-10 Conference all-time record chart. He joined Palmer
(11,818) as the only USC passers to throw for over 10,000 yards in a career, a figure that ranks
sixth in conference annals.
His pass completion percentage of 64.8 set a school all-time record and his career
touchdown/interception of 99/23 and interception percentage of 1.84% set an NCAA Division 1-A
career-record. He threw at least two touchdown passes in 34 games, with at least three scores in
20 of those contests and four TDs in ten games. He averaged a touchdown pass every 12.3
career attempts. His career passing efficiency mark of 159.7 is fifth on the NCAA list, one spot
below his current quarterbacks coach, Steve Sarkisian (who was at 162.0 at Brigham Young,
1995-96).
CAREER NOTES
In 39 starts for the Trojans, Matt has posted a 37-2 record. Only Toledo’s Chuck Ealy (35-0,
100%) has a better winning percentage than Leinart’s 94.8% among NCAA quarterbacks that
started 25 games in a career…His 10,693 yards passing rank second in school history behind
Carson Palmer (11,818, 1998-2002)…Joined Palmer, Steve Stenstrom of Stanford (10,911 from
1991-94) Cade McNown of UCLA (10,708 from 1995-98) and Cody Pickett of Washington
(10,220 from 1999-2003) as the only passers in Pac-10 Conference history to throw for over
10,000 yards in a career…Matt’s 10,623 yards in total offense rank second in USC history behind
Palmer (11,621) and rank third in Pac-10 annals behind Palmer and McNown (11,285)…Matt’s 99
touchdown passes broke the old school career-record of 72 by Palmer and the conference alltime
mark of 77 by Stanford’s John Elway (1979-82)…His interception percentage of 1.84 is a
school, conference and NCAA Division 1-A career-record (minimum 1,050 pass attempts),
topping the previous collegiate mark of 2.12% by Kliff Kingsbury of Texas Tech (1999-
2002)…Only the third player in college football history to lead his team to back-to-back national
championships… His career passing efficiency mark of 159.7 is fifth on the NCAA all-time record
chart…Has thrown for at least 200 yards in 36 career games, a Pac-10 record.
2005 SEASON
All-American first-team choice by The NFL Draft Report, Football Writers Association and Walter
Camp, earning second-team honors from the Associated Press and College Foot-ball News…All-
Pac 10 Conference first-team choice for the third-straight year, just the second quarterback to
ever do so (along with UCLA’s Gary Beban, 1965-67)…Won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm
Award as the nation’s top senior quarterback (USC’s third recipient, along with Rodney Peete and
Carson Palmer)…Recipient of the Touchdown Club of Columbus’ Quarterback of the Year
Award…Finished third in the 2005 Heiman Trophy voting…Finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award,
the Maxwell Award, the Cingular-ABC Sports All-America Player of the Year Award, Walter Camp
Award and Manning Award…Named the 2005 Southern California Sportsman of the Year by the
Los Angeles Sports Council… One of ten finalists for the 2005 Awards and Recognition
Association Sportsmanship Award…Named Sportsman of the Year by The Sporting
News…Overall in 2005 while starting all 12 games, he completed 254-of-391 passes (65.0%) for
3,450 yards and 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions…Also ran for 34 yards on 45 carries
(0.8 avg) with six scores…Gained 3,484 yards in total offense, an average of 290.3 yards per
game…His completions, passing yardage, passing efficiency rating and rushing touchdowns
in 2005 were better than his 2004 Heisman Trophy season (he also had 7 three-touchdown
passing games and six 300-yard passing games this year)…Ranks seventh nationally in passing
efficiency (158.3, second in Pac-10) and 15th in total offense (290.3, first in Pac-10)…In his last
six games of 2005 (while never playing in the fourth quarter in the first three and only one series
into the fourth quarter in the fourth and sixth contests), he completed 66.8% of his passes (129-
of-193) for 1,493 yards, 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His 3,484 yards of total
offense is third on USC’s season list (10th on the Pac-10’s season ladder) and his 254
completions is fifth on USC’s season chart…Had minor outpatient surgery to address tendonitis in
his left (throwing) elbow in late January of 2005, which sidelined him in 2005 spring practice.
2004 SEASON
Won the 2004 Heisman Trophy, becoming the sixth Trojan to do so, along with Mike Garrett in
1965, O.J. Simpson in 1968, Charles White in 1979, Marcus Allen in 1981 and Carson Palmer in
2002…Named Walter Camp Player of the Year, joining three other Trojans to have been so
honored; Simpson in 1967 and 1968, White in 1979 and Allen in 1981) and was also selected
Associated Press Player of the Year…Won the Touchdown Club of Columbus' 2004 Archie Griffin
Award (nation's MVP) for the second year in a row and its Quarterback of the Year Award…Won
the inaugural 2004 Manning Award (as the nation's best quarterback), the National Quarterback
Club's College Quarterback of the Year, the Victor Award College Football Player of the Year and
the Sporting News Radio Socrates Award…Named All-American first-team by The Poor Man’s
Guide to the NFL Draft, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter
Camp, ESPN, College Sports TV and Rivals.com, and to the second-team by Sports Illustrated
and College Football News…Chosen Pac-10 Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year (along
with teammate Reggie Bush), becoming just the fourth player to win that honor twice (and the
second quarterback, along with Stanford's John Elway)…Finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award,
Maxwell Award and Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-America Player of the Year
Award…Named the ESPN and Rivals.com All-Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year…Was also
selected USC's Player of the Game vs. Notre Dame and a team captain…Presented with the
Chuck Benedict Founder's Award (for outstanding achievement) from the Southern California
Sportscasters Association and was the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation Sportsman of
the Year…Named a finalist for the Sullivan Award (given to the nation's top amateur
athlete)…Added Sports Illustrated On Campus Athlete of the Year honors…Only the third
quarterback to ever lead his team to consecutive national titles, Matt had to work with a young
receiving unit that was missing All-American Mike Williams for the 2004 campaign…Completed
269 of 412 passes (65.3%) for 3,332 yards, 33 touch-downs and only six interceptions…Also
rushed for three scores on 49 carries…Ranked seventh nationally in passing efficiency (156.5,
first in Pac-10) and 25th in total offense (252.2, third in Pac-10)…His 33 scoring passes were
second on the USC season-record list, his 269 completions were third, and his 3,322 passing
yards and 3,278 yards of total offense were fourth…His 33 touchdown passes tied for third on the
Pac-10 season-record list)….Had fewer interceptions, the same amount of touchdown passes,
and a better completion percentage and passing rating-and led USC to more wins-than Carson
Palmer did in his 2002 Heisman Trophy season…Against USC's four opponents in the final 2004
Associated Press rankings (Virginia Tech, California, Arizona State and Oklahoma), he threw for
992 yards and 14 touchdowns with only one interception…Accounted for 144 of the team’s 150
first downs that were gained passing, adding eleven more first downs rushing…Helped the
offense convert 79 of 182 third-down plays and 11 of 20 fourth down plays.
2003 SEASON
College Football News All-American first-team, pick, adding second-team honors from The NFL
Draft Report and Sports Illustrated…Named the Pac-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year
(only the second sophomore to win that honor, along with Stanford's John Elway in 1980) and
made the All-Pac-10 first-team, as well as being selected the ESPN All-Pac-10 MVP and College
Football News All-Pac-10 Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and first-team…One of ten
semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award and he was sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting…Won
the Touchdown Club of Columbus' Archie Griffin Award (nation's MVP)…USC's team MVP and
won the USC Player of the Game Award vs. Notre Dame…After winning the starting job in a
heated pre-season battle, Matt went on to complete 255 of 402 passes (63.4%) for 3,556 yards,
38 touchdowns and only nine interceptions…Leinart's passing percentage, efficiency rating, TD
passes, interceptions and won-loss record were better than Carson Palmer’s 2002 Heisman
Trophy numbers… Also caught a 15-yard pass for a touchdown…Ranked third nationally in
passing efficiency (164.5, first in Pac-10) and 19th in total offense (268.8, second in Pac-10)…In
his last nine games, he threw for 2,632 yards and 30 touchdowns with just three interceptions on
65.5% passing (182-of-278)…Threw at least two touchdowns in his last 12 games (included was
a string of at least 3 TDs in the first five of those contests)…Set a Pac-10 season record with 212
consecutive passes without an interception-stretching over eight games-and fell just four passes
short of the Pac-10 career record…His 164.5 passing efficiency rating was the best season in
USC history…His 255 completions were third on the USC season-record list…His 38 touchdown
passes was a Pac-10 season record (and the second most by any sophomore in NCAA
history)…His 3,494 yards of total offense was second on the USC season-record chart, topped
only by Carson Palmer’s 3,820 in 2002…Became the first USC sophomore to have back-to-back
300-yard passing games and he is the first USC sophomore to have thrown for 3,000 yards in a
season…Sacked 15 times for losses of 82 yards…Fumbled five times, with the opposition
recovering three of those miscues.
2002 SEASON
Matt was USC's third-string quarterback as a redshirt freshman…Appeared briefly late in three
games, taking two snaps at Colorado, directing three series at Oregon and taking a snap at
UCLA, but didn't throw a pass…Also served as a backup holder on placekicks, but wasn't called
on in that role.
2001 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman quarterback…Spent the season as the co-backup to Carson Palmer,
although he never got into a game.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Cal.) High School, playing football for coach Bruce
Rollinson…Earned Parade, Super Prep, Prep Star, Student Sports Senior All-American, Prep
Star Dream Team, Student Sports Top 100, Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Star All-Western
Region Super 30, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Las Vegas Sun Super
11 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 and Gatorade California Player of the Year
honors in 2000…Also garnered Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Southern Section
first team, All-CIF Division I Co-Offensive MVP, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County Back of
the Year, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Serra League accolades
as a senior…Completed 192-of-309 passes (62.1%) for 2,870 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10
interceptions in 2000…Against national champion De La Salle High, he was 31-of-47 for 447
yards and 4 scores, leading his team to a 9-3 record in 2000…As a 1999 junior, he was the All-
Serra League Offensive MVP while hitting 150-of-233 passes (64.4%) for 2,400 yards with 15
touchdowns and 6 interceptions…Mater Dei was the CIF Division I co-champion in 1999…Sat out
his 1998 sophomore season with a rotator cuff injury to his left (throwing) shoulder.
PERSONAL
Graduated in 2005 with a degree in Sociology…Was born with strabismus (cross-eyes), as his
left eye was not aligned with his right (he underwent surgery when he was 3 years old and was
fitted with glasses)…Born 5/11/83…Resides in Santa Ana, California.
PLAYER STATISTICS
PASSING STATISTICS
STATS ATT COMP PCT YARDS TD YD/ATT YD/CMP INT I/PCT LG GM/AVG
2002 0 0 00.0 0 0 0.00 00.00 0 0.00 - 00.00
2003 402 255 63.4 3556 38 8.85 13.95 9 2.23 73 273.54
2004 412 269 65.3 3322 33 8.06 12.35 6 1.46 69 255.54
2005 431 283 65.7 3815 28 8.85 13.48 8 1.86 57 293.46
TOTAL 1245 807 64.8 10693 99 8.59 13.25 23 1.85 73 254.60
NOTE-GM/AVG reflects three games in 2002 where Matt did not attempt a pass…Minus
those three games, his game average would be 274.18 yards per game.
RUSHING STATISTICS
STATS GP GS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG
2002 03 00 0 0 0.0 0 -
2003 13 13 32 -62 -1.9 0 12
2004 13 13 49 -44 -0.9 3 23
2005 13 13 51 36 0.7 6 20
TOTAL 42 39 132 -70 -0.5 9 23
TOTAL OFFENSE
STATS GM PLAYS PASS RUSH YARDS TDR P/AVG GM/AVG
2002 03 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 00.00
2003 13 434 3556 -62 3494 38 8.05 268.77
2004 13 461 3322 -44 3278 36 7.11 252.15
2005 13 482 3815 36 3851 34 7.99 296.23
TOTAL 42 1377 10693 -70 10623 108 7.71 252.93
NOTE-GM/AVG reflects three games in 2002 where Matt did not attempt a pass…Minus
those three games, his game average would be 272.38 yards per game.

 

[BACH]

TAITUSI LUTUI
Offensive Guard
University of Southern California Trojans
#71
6:03.5-334
Mesa, Arizona
Snow Junior College
Mesa High School
OVERVIEW
Lutui found a home at offensive guard during his senior year with the Trojans, earning national
post-season honors. He was regarded as one of the premier offensive tackles in the junior
college ranks and started at right tackle at USC in 2004 before shifting inside the following
season.
The Tongan native is one of the few married players on the Trojans squad, Lutui survived an auto
accident when he was six-years old that killed his sister and disabled his father. “It was a trauma
for all of us,” Taitusi recalls. “I was determined after that to make something of my life. My parents
were hurt, but I felt they had brought us to this country for a purpose. As a teenager, I had to take
care of the family. I was the one paying the bills. My parents, coming from the Tongan Islands,
weren’t too familiar with the American system.”
Lutui was a two-way lineman at Mesa High School. In 2001, he was a Super Prep All-Farwest,
Prep Star All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best of the Rest, All-State, All-Region and All-
Conference selection.
Out of high school, Lutui signed to attend the University of Utah, but enrolled at Mesa Community
College in 2002 and then transferred to Snow Junior College in 2003. At Snow College, Taitusi
earned All-American first-team honors. He was heavily recruited by Brigham Young, where his
relatives, current Cougars players T.J. Sitake and David Tafuna and former Cougar Ofa Mohetau
attended.
But, with a chance to play for a powerhouse, Southern California won out for Lutui’s services. He
started all year at right tackle in 2004, doing a fine job while acclimating to major college life.
Shifting inside to left guard in 2005, he was a dominant factor on the front line, providing stellar
protection for an offense that set a Pac-10 Conference record with 7,537 yards. The consensus
All-American was also named the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, adding co-Most
Inspirational Player and co-Lifter Awards.
CAREER NOTES
Originally signed with the University of Utah, but enrolled at Mesa Community College
instead…Then transferred to Snow College before moving on to Southern California.
2005 SEASON
All-American first-team selection by The NFL: Draft Report, American Football Coaches
Association, Football Writers Association, The Sporting News, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and CBS
Sportsline.com, adding second-team honors from the Associated Press, Walter Camp and
College Football News…All-Pac 10 Conference first-team pick…Earned team Offensive Lineman
of the Year, Co-Most Inspirational Player and Co-Lifter Awards…Was selected to ESPN’s All-
Bowl team…Shifted to left offensive guard, leading an offensive line that paved the way for a unit
that generated 7,537 yards, joining Texas Tech (7,576 yards in 2003) as the only NCAA Division
1-A teams to gain over 7,500 yards in total offense in a season…He was also responsible for the
running game increasing its yardage total from 2,306 yards in 2004 to 3,380 in 2005 and for the
passing attack to improve from 3,532 yards in 2004 to 4,157 in 2005…Registered 105
knockdowns and graded 84.7% for blocking consistency…Allowed only one quarterback sack
and prevented four opponents from registering any tackles in those contests.
2004 SEASON
Started all season at right tackle during his first year with the Trojans…Helped the offense amass
5,838 yards…Registered 67 knockdowns with eight blocks resulting in USC touchdowns…Did a
fine job of replacing Winston Justice in the lineup…Did not allow any tackles in the Notre Dame
and Arizona State contests.
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Originally signed with Utah in 2002, but academics forced him to enroll at Mesa (Az.) Community
College instead…Transferred to Snow (Ut.) Junior College in 2003, where he earned J.C. Grid-
Wire and National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first- team honors…Added
Super Prep JUCO 100 and All-Western States Football League first- team honors as a
sophomore offensive lineman, leading Snow to a 9-1 record and tied for fourth in the final NJCAA
poll.
COMBINE AGILITY TESTS
5.44 in the 40-yard dash…3.07 20-yard dash…1.8 10-yard dash…Bench presses 225 pounds 28
times…28-inch vertical jump…8’1” broad jump…4.76 20-yard shuttle…8.04 three-cone drill…32
¼-inch arm length…10 3/8-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Mesa (Az.) High School…Two-way lineman who was a Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep
Star All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best of the Rest, All-State, All-Region and All-
Conference selection in 2001.
PERSONAL
Sociology major…Married in July of 2004 and his wife’s name is Pua. Their son, Inoke Liuaki
Moeltau (“Return a champion”), was born on January 5, 2005, the day after USC’s win in the
2005 Orange Bowl…Brother, Sam, was an assistant football coach at Southern Utah, where he
also started on the line in 1995-96…Related to current Brigham Young players T.J. Sitake and
David Tafuna and former Cougar Ofa Mohetau…His nickname is “Deuce.”…Survived a car
accident at age six that killed his sister and disabled his father…Born 5/05/83 in Ha’api,
Tonga…Resides in Mesa, Arizona.
PLAYER STATISTICS
BLOCKING STATISTICS...Based on review of game film by our scouting department...SGPseason
grade percentage...GM-games played...PLAY-amount of snaps played in...KB-key
blocks (pancake/ knockdowns)...TDB-touchdown resulting blocks... DWF-downfield blocks...
PRS-pressures allowed...SKA-sacks allowed...High Grade Game-best graded game for the
season.
STATS GM SGP PLAYS KB TDB DWF PRS SKA High Grade Game
2004 13 81.1 860 67 8 10 5 3.0 87% vs. Notre Dame
2005 13 84.7 1006 105 13 12 4 1.0 91% vs. Texas (Rose)
TOTAL 26 82.9 1866 172 21 22 9 4.0 91% vs. Texas (Rose)

 

[BACH]

LEONARD POPE
Tight End
University of Georgia Bulldogs
#81
6:07.3-256
Americus, Georgia
Hargrave Military Institute
Americus High School
OVERVIEW
Possibly the tallest receiver in college football, Leonard has that perfect blend of size, strength
and speed needed to consistently stretch the defense and break tackles to gain extra yardage.
Anyone looking for a validation of his hard-driving running skills after the catch need only to talk to
Tennessee cornerback Jason Allen, who suffered a dislocated hip trying to tackle Leonard in their
2005 match-up.
At Americus High School, Leonard earned Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Top
50 in Georgia, Class AA All-State, Georgia Sportswriters Association All-State honors and was
invited to play in the Georgia-Florida All-Star game. He led his team to two straight Class AA
state titles during his junior and senior seasons.
Pope registered seven touchdowns as a tight end, catching eight passes with a pair of
touchdowns in the playoffs as a senior. He also returned an interception for a score while lining
up at safety that year. As a junior, Leonard caught 25 passes for 491 yards and six touchdowns.
"We always saw an unlimited potential for Leonard," said Erik Soliday, who coached Pope at
Americus his final three years. "To get where he is as quick as he has, I don't know if anyone saw
that coming. He's just an extremely talented kid."
Heavily recruited out of high school, Leonard to attend Hargrave Military Academy in 2002, where
he was a roommate of Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks. Pope describes the Hargrave
experience as a "tough and crazy year, where the only way home was a Greyhound bus and that
time stood still." Pope wasn't fond of the regimented lifestyle of military school and found himself
a long way from the comforts of home, including his kitchen.
"He used to come to my room to try and get snacks," said Brooks, a Butkus Award finalist last
year who became close friends with Pope. "Hargrave was a learning experience. We had to get
our SAT scores. We were like a family, picking each other up and encouraging each other to do
good, on and off the field." Brooks earned his qualifying score fall semester and left Hargrave.
Pope remained behind, still trying to land his one-way ticket out. He dreaded having to return.
"When he left, I cried because I was the first one back on the Greyhound," Pope said. "I always
thought in my mind, 'If I had a chance, what would I do with it?' "
With his academics now in order, Leonard enrolled at Georgia in 2003. He appeared in every
game as reserve tight end, but only had one catch for 21 yards. He started ten contests in 2004,
grabbing 25 passes for 482 yards (19.3 avg) and six touchdowns.
Pope was a unanimous All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2005. He started eleven
games, missing the Louisiana-Monroe contest. He ranked second on the team with 33 receptions
for 491 yards (14.9 avg) and three touchdowns. In 35 games with the Bulldogs, Leonard started
21 times. He gained 994 yards with nine touchdowns on 59 catches (16.8 avg).
CAREER NOTES
The two-year starter hauled in 59 passes for 994 yards (16.8 avg) and nine touchdowns in 35
games for the Bulldogs…In 2005, Leonard and Martinez Milner accounted for 47 catches for 782
yards and five touchdowns (26% of the team’s receptions)…Those totals were the highest of any
tight end tandem in the Southeastern Conference for the season and ranks as the third-best
season for tight ends in Georgia annals, topped only by Jermaine Wiggins and Larry Brown (56 of
190 receptions, 29% in 1998) and Randy McMichael and Jevaris Johnson (65 of 211 receptions,
29% in 1999).
2005 SEASON
Unanimous All-Southeastern Conference first-team choice…On the Mackey Award Watch List,
given to the nation’s top tight end…Named the team’s Best All-Around Offensive Player…Started
eleven games…Ranked second on the team with a career-high 33 receptions for 491 yards (14.9
avg) and three touchdowns, just missing (by two catches) in becoming the first tight end to lead
the team in receptions during a season since Kirk Warner had 30 catches in 1989…Of the 55
passes targeted to Leonard, 21 resulted in first downs, with two coming on fourth-down plays and
three others on third-down…Had eight receptions for 20 yards or longer…Posted 64 knockdowns
with four touchdown-resulting blocks and seventeen downfield blocks.
2004 SEASON
All-Southeastern Conference first-team selection by the Associated Press and the league’s
coaches...Recipient of the Offensive Most Improved Player Award and the Special Teams
Performance Award (for his game vs. Florida)…Also earned the team’s Victors Club Award
honors for outstanding grades in eight or more games...Started ten of twelve games, hauling in
25 passes for 482 yards (19.3 avg) and six touchdowns…Had at least one scoring grab in five of
his last six games.
2003 SEASON
Named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team by The Sporting News…Saw action
in twelve games as a reserve tight end…His only reception was good for 21 yards in the Middle
Tennessee contest.
2002 SEASON
Attended Hargrave Military Academy.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.73 in the 40-yard dash…370-pound bench press…510-pound squat…335-pound power
clean…510-pound squat…36-inch vertical jump…34 7/8-inch arm length…10-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Americus (Ga.) High School, playing football for head coach Eric Soliday…
Earned Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Top 50 in Georgia, Class AA All-State,
Georgia Sportswriters Association All-State honors and was invited to play in the Georgia-Florida
All-Star game…Led his team to two straight Class AA state titles during his junior and senior
seasons…Registered seven touchdowns as a tight end, catching eight passes with a pair of
touchdowns in the playoffs as a senior…Also returned an interception for a score while lining up
at safety that year…As a junior, Leonard caught 25 passes for 491 yards and six
touchdowns…"We always saw an unlimited potential for Leonard," said Erik Soliday, who
coached Pope at Americus his final three years. "To get where he is as quick as he has, I don't
know if anyone saw that coming. He's just an extremely talented kid."
PERSONAL
Sports Studies major…Recipient of the Elizabeth and Scott Kelly Football Scholarship…
Son of Karen Pope…Born 9/09/83…Resides in Americus, Georgia.
PLAYER STATISTICS
RECEIVING STATISTICS… R/PG indicates receptions per game...GM/AVG
indicates average yards gained per game.
STATS GP GS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG R/PG GM/AVG
2003 12 00 1 21 21.0 0 21 0.08 1.75
2004 12 10 25 482 19.3 6 35 2.08 40.17
2005 11 11 33 491 14.9 3 34 3.00 44.64
TOTAL 35 21 59 994 16.8 9 35 1.69 28.40

 

[BACH]

GABRIEL WATSON
Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle
University of Michigan Wolverines
#78
6:03.2-341
Novi, Michigan
Southfield High School
OVERVIEW
Simply dominating nose guard in the Gilbert Brown (ex-Green Bay) mold. Gabriel has a massive
frame with surprising quickness and tremendous power. His ability to manhandle double team
action helped free up the Wolvernines defensive ends to wreak havoc in the opposition’s
backfield. While his statistics are not indicative of his potential, if you talk to any center that had
the displeasure of lining up against him, they will all tell you to give them “an aspirin,” as trying to
handle Watson will certainly bring on a headache.
Watson earned All-State honors at both offensive and defensive tackle during his time at
Southfield High School. He was selected second-team All-USA as an offensive lineman by USA
Today and named first-team All-State offense by the Detroit Free Press. He was rated the best
player on The Detroit News Blue Chip list and named to their Dream Team. He also ranked first
on Mick McCabe's Fab 50 of Michigan's top college football prospects and rated the best
offensive lineman in nation while earning All-America honors by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football
Report. Max Emfinger also rated Gabriel as the second-best nose guard in the country.
Watson started and lettered four years on the varsity squad. He was also the team’s place-kicker
for two seasons. Gabriel recorded 78 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior and the team ran 85
percent of their running plays behind him on offense. As a junior, he posted 74 tackles and six
sacks. He also participated in track and wrestling.
CAREER NOTES
One of the team’s strongest players, no opponent has ever scored a touchdown over him when
running in goal line situations…Recognized more for his ability to contain the inside run and split
double teams than for being a player with gaudy statistics, but has produced 92 tackles with 14.5
stops behind the line of scrimmage during his career.
2005 SEASON
All-American first-team selection by Playboy magazine, earning third-team honors from The NFL
Draft Report…Consensus All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice and on the Lombardi Award
Watch List…Played in every game, starting seven contests (Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Penn
State, Iowa, Northwestern, Indiana, Ohio State) at nose guard…Recorded a career-high 40
tackles (24 solos) with three sacks for minus 17 yards and 6.5 stops for losses of 25
yards…Recovered a fumble and registered four third-down stops… 39 of his 40 tackles came vs.
the run.
2004 SEASON
All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice by the league’s coaches…Played in every game,
starting the final eleven contests at nose guard…Registered 37 tackles (25 solos) with two sacks
for minus 7 yards and seven stops for losses of 15 yards…Also caused a fumble.
2003 SEASON
Appeared in thirteen games as a reserve defensive tackle…Recorded 13 tackles (8 solos) with a
stop for a 12-yard loss…Had three solo stops, including one behind the line of scrimmage vs.
Central Michigan…Added two assisted tackles vs. Oregon and a season-high four tackles (3
solos) vs. Indiana.
2002 SEASON
Saw limited action in eight games as a reserve defensive tackle…Posted two tackles with a pass
deflection…Had an assisted tackle and a pass break-up vs. Illinois and a solo tackle in the Penn
State clash.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
5.02 in the 40-yard dash…510-pound bench press…33 1/8-inch arm length…9 ½-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Southfield (Nori, Mich.) High School, playing football for head coach David
Reese…Earned All-State honors at both offensive and defensive tackle…Selected second-team
All-USA as an offensive lineman by USA Today and named first-team All-State offense by the
Detroit Free Press…Rated the best player on The Detroit News Blue Chip list and named to their
Dream Team…Also ranked first on Mick McCabe's Fab 50 of Michigan's top college football
prospects and rated the best offensive lineman in nation while earning All-America honors by
Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report…Max Emfinger also rated Gabriel as the second-best nose
guard in the country…Started and lettered four years on the varsity squad…Was also the team’s
place-kicker for two seasons…Recorded 78 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior and the team ran
85 percent of their running plays behind him on offense…As a junior, he posted 74 tackles and
six sacks…Also participated in track and wrestling.
PERSONAL
Business major, enrolled in the Division of Kinesiology…Earned MVP honors at the Michigan
Nike Camp in 2001…Born Gabriel Pierre Kim Watson on 9/24/83...Resides in Nori, Michigan.
PLAYER STATISTICS
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
STATS GP GS TK SO AS FR FC INT TFL PBU SACK PRES
2002 08 00 2 1 1 0 0 0-0 0.0- 0 1 0.0- 0 0
2003 13 00 13 8 5 0 0 0-0 1.0- 1 0 0.0- 0 1
2004 12 11 37 25 12 0 1 0-0 7.0-15 0 2.0- 7 6
2005 12 07 40 24 16 1 0 0-0 6.5-25 0 3.0-17 10
TOTAL 45 18 92 58 34 1 1 0-0 14.5-41 1 5.0-24 17

 

[BACH]

BRANDON JOHNSON
Outside Linebacker/Strong Safety
University of Louisville Cardinals
#97
6:05.2-223
Birmingham, Alabama
Minor High School
OVERVIEW
One of the fastest linebackers in college football, Louisville fans became used to seeing Brandon
chasing down opposing ball carriers all over the field. He is a fluid athlete that is blessed with
great lateral agility and size that make him ideal for a Cover-2 defensive alignment, whether as a
nickel linebacker or as a safety.
Johnson lettered three times on both sides of the football field at Minor High School. He helped
lead the team to an 11-1 mark and into the second round of the Alabama state playoffs as a
senior, earning first-team All-Metro honors from the Birmingham News.
He also garnered honorable mention All-State at the 6A level by that publication, adding All-Metro
honorable mention as a junior.
Brandon recorded 80 tackles with fourteen stops behind the line of scrimmage, six pass breakups
and four blocked kicks in his final prep campaign. The Honor Roll student was also a threeyear
member of the varsity basketball team, averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked
shots per game.
Johnson redshirted in 2001 at Louisville, spending the season performing as a defensive end on
the scout team. He earned Freshman All-Conference USA honors from The Sporting News as a
reserve outside linebacker in 2002. Brandon collected 34 tackles (27 solos) with 1.5 sacks and a
pass break-up in thirteen games that year.
Brandon took over right outside linebacker duties as a sophomore. He produced 50 tackles (29
solos) with three sacks, six stops for losses and two fumble recoveries. He also deflected five
passes. He continued to excel in pass coverage in 2004, pulling down two interceptions for 49
yards in returns while batting away four passes. He also had a career-high 84 tackles (46 solos)
with a sack and 7.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in nine starting assignments.
Johnson earned All-Big East Conference second-team honors as a senior. He led the defense
with 72 tackles (44 solos), coming up with two sacks and 8.5 stops for losses. He caused and
recovered a fumble, blocked one kick and also deflected five passes. Brandon gained 25 yards
with a touchdown on two interception returns.
In 50 games at Louisville, Johnson started 31 times. He registered 240 tackles (146 solos) with
7.5 sacks for minus 56 yards and 23.5 stops for losses of 89 yards. He caused two fumbles and
recovered three others for 20 yards in returns. He also deflected fifteen passes, blocked five kicks
and gained 74 yards with a touchdown on four interception returns. In addition to his interception
return for a touchdown, Brandon also scored on a 20-yard fumble recovery and on 27 & 24-yard
blocked punt returns.
CAREER NOTES
Opportunistic player who scored touchdowns on an interception, blocked punts and fumble
recovery during his career…Ranks twelfth in school history with 23.5 stops behind the line of
scrimmage.
2005 SEASON
All-Big East Conference second-team selection…Started all year at right outside line-backer,
leading the team with 72 tackles (44 solos)…Produced two sacks for minus 20 yards and 8.5
stops for losses of 36 yards…Caused and recovered a fumble…Deflected five passes, blocked a
kick and gained 25 yards with a touchdown on two interception returns.
2004 SEASON
Played in every game, starting nine contests at right outside linebacker…Recorded a career-high
84 tackles (46 solos) with an 8-yard sack and 7.5 stops for losses of 20 yards… Deflected four
passes and intercepted two others for 49 yards in returns…Also blocked a punt that he returned
24 yards for a touchdown.
2003 SEASON
Played in every game, starting ten contests at right outside linebacker…Posted 50 tackles (29
solos) with three sacks for minus 12 yards and six stops for losses of 17 yards…Had five pass
deflections and two fumble recoveries, returning one 20 yards for a score.
2002 SEASON
Named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team by the league coaches and media and by The
Sporting News...Saw action as a reserve linebacker after spending his red-shirt season on the
defensive line...Key contributor on a special teams unit which led the nation with nine blocked
punts and eleven total blocked kicks...Tied with teammate Curry Burns for the national lead with
three punt blocks and was a constant threat that opposing coaches needed to account
for…Finished with 34 tackles (27 solos), 1.5 sacks for minus 16 yards and a pass deflection.
2001 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman, performing on the scout team as a defensive end.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.44 in the 40-yard dash…Bench presses 225 pounds five times…345-pound back squat…255-
pound hang clean…32.5-inch vertical jump…34-inch arm length…9 ¼-inch hands…Righthanded.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Minor (Adamsville, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Tony
Lunceford…Lettered three times on both sides of the football field…Helped lead the team to an
11-1 mark and into the second round of the Alabama state playoffs as a senior, earning first-team
All-Metro honors from the Birmingham News…Garnered honorable mention All-State at the 6A
level by that publication, adding All-Metro honorable mention as a junior…Recorded 80 tackles
with fourteen stops behind the line of scrimmage, six pass break-ups and four blocked kicks in his
final prep campaign…The Honor Roll student was also a three-year member of the varsity
basketball team, averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots per game.
PERSONAL
Communications major…Son of Andrea Johnson...Born 5/05/83...Resides in Birmingham,
Alabama.
PLAYER STATISTICS
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
STATS GP GS TK SO AS FR FC INT TFL PBU SACK BK
2002 13 00 34 27 7 0 1 0 1.5-16 1 1.5-16 3
2003 13 10 50 29 21 2 0 0 6.0-17 5 3.0-12 0
2004 12 09 84 46 38 0 0 2 7.5-20 4 1.0- 8 1
2005 12 12 72 44 28 1 1 2 8.5-36 5 2.0-20 1
TOTAL 50 31 240 146 94 3 2 4 23.5-89 15 7.5-56 5
BLOCKED PUNT RETURNS ADVANCED FUMBLE RETURNS
STATS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG NO YARDS AVG TD LONG
2002 2 52 26.0 1 27
2003 1 20 20.0 1 20
2004 1 24 24.0 1 24
2005 1 4 4.0 0 4
TOTAL 4 80 20.0 2 27 1 20 20.0 1 20
INTERCEPTION RETURNS
STATS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG
2004 2 49 24.5 0 47
2005 2 25 12.5 1 15
TOTAL 4 74 18.5 1 47

 

[BACH]

JONATHAN LEWIS
Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle
Virginia Polytechnic (Tech) Institute Hokies
#56
6:00.7-304
Richmond, Virginia
Vorina High School
OVERVIEW
The unquestioned leader of the Hokies’ defensive unit, Lewis has the raw strength to push the
pocket and shed blocks while being a disruptive force in the opposing backfield. Teaming with
defensive end Darryl Tapp on the strong-side of the field, the tandem accounted 28 quarterback
sacks, 49.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 91 quarterback pressures during their two
seasons starting alongside each other. He is the second son of Gale and David Lewis to attend
Virginia Tech, as his brother, Kevin, was also a defensive lineman for the Hokies (2000-04).
Lewis was an All-American pick by Super Prep, Prep Star and Tom Lemming's Prep Football
Report as a senior at Vorina High School. He was the only player in Varina history to earn All-
Metro, All-Region and All-State honors three years in a row. He was rated the 17th-best defensive
line prospect in the nation by Super Prep and the nation's third-best defensive lineman by Max
Emfinger of USA Today. He also ranked fourth in the state among the Top 25 prospect, according
to the Roanoke Times. Lewis also played in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He posted 107 tackles and ten quarterback sacks as a senior, including 15 tackles and a pair of
sacks in a game vs. Armstrong High and was in on 12 tackles vs. Highland Springs that year. He
was named first-team Group AAA by the Associated Press and the state coaches . He added
Metro, district and region player of the year honors as a junior when he had 96 tackles and 11
sacks. Jonathan registered over 300 career tackles and 46 sacks, leading the team to a 46-7
record and three regional championships during his varsity career. He also played center on the
basketball team.
As a true freshman at Virginia Tech, Lewis played in every game, starting the final three. He was
a fourth-team Freshman All-American choice by The Sporting News. He finished his rookie
season with 56 tackles (33 solos), two sacks, seven stops for losses and five quarterback
pressures.
Firmly entrenched as the starter entering 2003, he would finish his career with 41 consecutive
starts. As a sophomore, Jonathan came up with 69 tackles (36 solos), six pressures, four sacks
and seven stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also caused two fumbles and intercepted a
pass.
Despite playing late in the 2004 campaign with a fractured finger, Lewis collected 40 tackles (18
solos), five sacks and eleven stops for losses. He had fourteen pressures and recovered two
fumbles. The second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference choice closed out his career with 38
tackles (13 solos) and 4.5 sacks in 2005. He added 7.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 19
pressures and three pass deflections.
In 53 games with the Hokies, Jonathan started 42 times. He produced 203 tackles (100 solos)
with 15.5 sacks for minus 92 yards and 32.5 stops for losses of 123 yards. He made 44
quarterback pressures, intercepted a pass and deflected five others. He also recovered and
caused a pair of fumbles.
CAREER NOTES
Started his final 42 games for the Hokies…Big-play specialist who constantly dealt with double
teams, but still managed to produce 32.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 15.5 quarterback
sacks and 44 quarterback pressures during his career.
2005 SEASON
All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team choice…Started every game, recording 38 tackles
(13 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus 40 yards, 7.5 stops for losses of 49 yards and nineteen
quarterback pressures in thirteen games…Also deflected three passes.
2004 SEASON
All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention…Started all year at right defensive tackle,
recording 40 tackles (18 solos) with five sacks for minus 26 yards (tied for second on the team)
and eleven stops (third-best on the squad) for losses of 35 yards…Had 14 quarterback
pressures, two fumble recoveries and a pass deflection…Participated in 434 defensive plays and
added five more on special teams.
2003 SEASON
Started every game at defensive tackle, finishing seventh on the team with a career-high 69
tackles (36 solos)…Had four sacks for minus 14 yards, seven stops for losses of 16 yards and six
quarterback pressures…Caused two fumbles, deflected a pass and intercepted another for a 9-
yard return.
2002 SEASON
Played in every game as a true freshman, starting the final three contests…Recorded 56 tackles
(33 solos) with two sacks for minus 12 yards, seven stops for losses of 23 yards and five
pressures…Was named Freshman All-American fourth-team by The Sporting News.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.95 in the 40-yard dash…390-pound bench press…600-pound back squat…326-pound power
clean…370-pound power jerk…34-inch vertical jump…32 ½-inch arm length…
9 7/8-inch hands…Right-handed…Wears contacts.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Vorina (Richmond, Va.) High School, playing football for head coach Gary
Chilcoat…All-American pick by Super Prep, Prep Star and Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report
as a senior…Was the only player in Varina history to earn All-Metro, All-Region and All-State
honors three years in a row…Rated the 17th-best defensive line prospect in the nation by Super
Prep and the nation's third-best defensive lineman by Max Emfinger of USA Today…Also ranked
fourth in the state among the Top 25 prospect, according to the Roanoke Times…Also played in
the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl…Posted 107 tackles and ten quarterback sacks as
a senior, including 15 tackles and a pair of sacks in a game vs. Armstrong High and was in on 12
tackles vs. Highland Springs that year…Was named first-team Group AAA by the Associated
Press and the state coaches…Added Metro, district and region player of the year honors as a
junior when he had 96 tackles and 11 sacks…Registered over 300 career tackles and 46 sacks,
leading the team to a 46-7 record and three regional championships during his varsity
career…Also played center on the basketball team.
PERSONAL
Apparel, Housing and Resource Management major…Brother, Kevin, was a teammate and
defensive tackle at Virginia Tech (2000, 02-04)…Son of Gale and David Lewis…Born Jonathan
M. Lewis on 7/12/84 in Richmond, Virginia.
PLAYER STATISTICS
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
STATS GP GS TK SO AS FR FC INT TFL PBU SACK PRES
2002 14 03 56 33 23 0 0 0-0 7.0-23 0 2.0-12 5
2003 13 13 69 36 33 0 2 1-9 7.0-16 1 4.0-14 6
2004 13 13 40 18 22 2 0 0-0 11.0-35 1 5.0-26 14
2005 13 13 38 13 25 0 0 0-0 7.5-49 3 4.5-40 19
TOTAL 53 42 203 100 103 2 2 1-9 32.5-123 5 15.5-92 44

 

[BACH]

TODD WATKINS
Wide Receiver
Brigham Young University Cougars
#1
6:02.4-191
San Diego, California
Grossmont Junior College
Helix High School
OVERVIEW
Watkins is regarded as one of the best deep threats in the West. The former Grossmont Junior
College product joined the Cougars in 2004 and quickly established himself as a big play
specialist. Not only has Watkins developed as a receiver, but he can also handle place-kicking
duties quite capably.
Todd comes from a football-rich family. His great uncle, Tom Watkins, is a member of the Iowa
State Athletic Hall of Fame after a stellar collegiate career (1958-1960) and also played for the
Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams. His father, Don
Watkins, played lineman at Pasadena City College and later played for the San Diego Police
Department football team, raising money for various community charities. His brother, Travis, was
an offensive guard at Southern California, starting on the Trojans’ national championship team in
2004.
Watkins competed in football, soccer, volleyball and track at Helix High School, becoming the first
athlete in twenty-five years to letter in four sports at that school. He earned All-County honors as
a receiver and kicker in both his junior and senior seasons and was a member of the 2000 San
Diego Section, Division II CIF Football championship team.
In track, Todd helped his relay team to the 2000 California State Boys CIF Track Champion-ship
in the 4x100 relay in a time of 41.17. He also held the school’s best 40-yard dash time with a 4.28
second clocking.
Watkins redshirted at Norfolk State in 2001 before transferring to Grossmont Junior College. He
appeared in ten games during the 2002 season, catching eleven passes for 299 yards (27.2 avg)
and four touchdowns. Todd also made his mark as a place-kicker, totaling 76 points on 10 of 11
field goals and 46 of 49 PATs that year.
He was a 2003 JC Gridwire and Junior College Athletic Bureau first-team All-American selection,
helping Grossmont to a third-place national junior college ranking as the team compiled a 13-1
record, including a 10-0 regular-season finish. He was a member of the 2003 Foothill Valley
Conference champions and named the Region III Offensive Player of the Year. He also earned
first-team All-State and All-Conference honors.
Watkins finished his sophomore season with 40 catches for 915 yards (22.9 avg) and eight
touchdowns, including a 72-yarder. He ran once for a 12-yard gain and scored 134 points. 86 of
those points came as a place-kicker, hitting on 12 of 15 field goals and 50 of 51 extra point
attempts.
In ten regular-season games, he recorded 40 receptions for 915 yards, averaging 22.9 yards per
reception and was credited with eight touchdowns. Watkins led the Foothill Conference in kick
scoring in 2003, posting 50-of-51 point-after attempts and 12-of-15 field goal attempts, including a
long of 52 yards. He was responsible for a league-leading 134 total points on the season,
including 48 points as a receiver and 86 points as a kicker.
Watkins joined Brigham Young in 2004, taking over “X” (split end) duties. He finished second on
the squad with 52 receptions, good for 1,042 yards (20.0 avg) and six touch-downs. His 1,042
yards led the Mountain West Conference, picking up first-team All-MWC
And honorable mention All-American honors. He was named the nation’s best deep threat by
Sports Illustrated. In 2005, defenses constantly double-teamed Watkins. He ranked second on
the team with 42 receptions for 563 yards (13.4 avg) and seven touchdowns through ten games.
During his Grossmont College career, Todd totaled 51 receptions for 1,298 yards (25.5 avg) and
twelve touchdowns. He also made 96 of 100 PATs and 22 of 26 field goals for 162 points kicking,
finishing with 234 total points for his junior college career.
In 21 games at Brigham Young, Watkins grabbed 94 passes for 1,605 yards (17.7 avg) and
thirteen touchdowns. For his entire collegiate career, he amassed 312 points scored, as he
caught 145 passes for 2,903 yards, an impressive 20.0-yard average and also had 25 touchdown
grabs.
CAREER NOTES
The two-year starter at split end for the Cougars, Todd has amassed 1,605 yards and thirteen
touchdowns on 94 receptions…He led the Mountain West Conference with 1,042 yards receiving
in 2004, the eighth-best season total in school history and the most yards gained by a BYU player
since Reno Mahe’s 1,211 yards in 2001…His 211 yards receiving vs. Boise State in 2004 was the
most ever by a junior in Mountain West Conference history and ranks eleventh on the school’s
game-record chart…Has totaled 312 points (162 kicking) during his collegiate career…His 20.0-
yard average during his Grossmont College career was a school record.
2005 SEASON
All-Mountain West Conference honorable mention by The NFL Draft Report…Lined up at the “X”
receiver (split end) position…Ranked second on the team with 42 receptions for 563 yards (13.4
avg) and seven touchdowns…Of the 84 passes targeted for Todd, he came up with 26 first-down
grabs, including converting ten third-down plays and one more on fourth-down…Had five catches
for 20 yards or longer…Rated the nation’s best deep threat before the season by Sports
Illustrated.
2004 SEASON
Associated Press All-American honorable mention, adding first-team All-Mountain West
Conference honors…Took over “X” receiver duties, finishing second on the team with 52
receptions…His 1,042 yards receiving led the conference and ranks as the eighth-best season
total in school history…Had six touchdown grabs, 21 first downs, including eight conversions of
third-down plays and seven receptions of 20 yards or longer among the 92 passes targeted to
Todd…Also carried once for a 4-yard loss…Gained over 100 yards receiving in five contests.
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Watkins redshirted at Norfolk State in 2001 before transferring to Grossmont Junior College
(2002-03)…Appeared in ten games during the 2002 season, catching eleven passes for 299
yards (27.2 avg) and four touchdowns…Also made his mark as a place-kicker, totaling 76 points
on 10 of 11 field goals and 46 of 49 PATs that year…Was a 2003 JC Gridwire and Junior College
Athletic Bureau first-team All-American selection, helping Grossmont to a third-place national
junior college ranking as the team compiled a 13-1 record, including a 10-0 regular-season
finish…Member of the 2003 Foothill Valley Conference champions and named the Region III
Offensive Player of the Year…Also earned first-team All-State and All-Conference
honors…Finished his sophomore season with 40 catches for 915 yards (22.9 avg) and eight
touchdowns, including a 72-yarder. He ran once for a 12-yard gain and scored 134 points. 86 of
those points came as a place-kicker, hitting on 12 of 15 field goals and 50 of 51 extra point
attempts.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.28 in the 40-yard dash (wind-aided)…4.45 in the 40-yard dash (against the wind)…325-pound
bench press…Bench presses 225 pounds 13 times…350-pound squat…286-pound power
clean…32-inch vertical jump…32 5/8-inch arm length…9 3/8-inch hands..
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Helix (San Diego, Cal.) High School, where he was the first player in 25 years to letter
in four sports (football, volleyball, soccer, track)…Earned All-County honors as a receiver and
kicker in both his junior and senior seasons and was a member of the 2000 San Diego Section,
Division II CIF Football championship team…In track, Todd helped his relay team to the 2000
California State Boys CIF Track Champion-ship in the 4x100 relay in a time of 41.17.
PERSONAL
Physical Education major…Son of Cinthia Winter-Watkins and Don and Vickie Watkins… Comes
from a football-rich family…His great uncle, Tom Watkins, is a member of the Iowa State Athletic
Hall of Fame after a stellar collegiate career (1958-1960) and also played for the Cleveland
Browns, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams…His father, Don Watkins,
played lineman at Pasadena City College and later played for the San Diego Police Department
football team, raising money for various community charities… His brother, Travis, was an
offensive guard at Southern California, starting on the Trojans’ national championship team in
2004…Resides in San Diego, California.
PLAYER STATISTICS
RECEIVING STATISTICS… R/PG indicates receptions per game...GM/AVG
indicates average yards gained per game.
STATS GP GS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG R/PG GM/AVG
2002 10 01 11 299 27.4 4 86 1.10 29.90
2003 10 10 40 915 22.9 8 72 4.00 91.50
2004 11 11 52 1042 20.0 6 79 4.73 93.09
2005 10 10 42 563 13.4 7 67 4.20 56.30
TOTAL 20 11 51 1298 25.5 12 86 2.55 64.90
Above statistics are for Grossmont Junior College regular season games
TOTAL 21 21 94 1605 17.1 13 79 4.48 76.43
Above statistics are for Brigham Young career
TOTAL 41 32 145 2903 20.0 25 86 3.54 93.65
Above statistics are for complete college career
RUSHING STATISTICS DEFENSIVE TACKLES
STATS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG TK SO AS FR FC
2003 1 12 12.0 0 12
2004 1 -4 -4.0 0 -4
2005 1 1 0 0 0
TOTAL 2 8 4.0 0 12 1 1 0 0 0
Above statistics are for complete college career
PLACEKICKING STATISTICS
STATS FGA FGM EPA EPM POINTS LONG
2002 11 10 49 46 76 54
2003 15 12 51 50 86 52
TOTAL 26 22 100 96 162 54