Ranked as the number-one tight end in North Carolina, 49th in the nation at that position overall by rivalscom...could also play on defense for the Tigers...all-conference on both sides of the ball at Providence Day School in Charlotte during his senior year...all-state performer at the independent school level...ranked as 23rd best player in North Carolina by SuperPrep...ranked as #77 player in Mid-Atlantic Region by Tom Lemming...had 75 tackles and 10 sacks on defense and 37 catches for 600 yards and eight touchdowns on offense...all-state selection on defense, All-Mecklenburg County on offense as a senior...all-region selection by Super Prep...also a Gatorade Player of the Week selection in 2000...all-conference on offense, all-state on defense as a junior...a strength All-American as a junior...had 80 tackles and six sacks as a linebacker, 25 receptions for 400 yards and four scores on offense as a tight end...all-conference and honorable mention all-state as a sophomore...had 60 tackles and three sacks to go with 15 receptions and two touchdowns on offense....played his high school football for John Patterson at Providence Day School...born 7-16-82....chose Clemson over Virginia and North Carolina.