Western Illinois University Athletics

SENIOR (2013): Played in the first five games before suffering a season-ending injury... caught a 1-yard touchdown pass at Minnesota.

JUNIOR (2012): Played in all 11 games... started against Iowa State, Illinois State, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois... caught a 14-yard pass against Indianapolis... 2-yard catch at Iowa State and 4-yard reception at Missouri State... 5-yard kickoff return at South Dakota... 17-yard KO return at South Dakota State... 8-yard return versus Youngstown State.

SOPHOMORE (2011): Saw action in all 11 games... played on special teams and in last half of the season was the back-up tight end.

REDSHIRT-FRESHMAN (2010): Saw action in four games: Valparaiso, Sam Houston State, Indiana State and Illinois State... Named to the Academic Honor Roll from the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

FRESHMAN (2009): Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered two years in football and three in track... named to the All-County team his senior year... averaged 17 yards per reception and was the team's third-leading receiver... three-time Offensive Lineman of the Week... averaged blocking grade of 92 percent on the year... played for coach Mark Crews.

PERSONAL: Born June 23, 1991 in Lawrenceville, Ga.... No. 1 sports highlight was starting at tight end while playing a state playoff game in the Georgia Dome... most admires coach David Nelson, "He was a great Christian influence on me in high school."... his uncle played on the 1974 Alabama national title team... enjoys going to church, lifting weights, music, golf and volleyball... favorite professional team is the Atlanta Braves... favorite music group is 311... son of Barry Howington and Laura Cooper.

MAJOR: Marketing