2008: Played in seven of the team's 11 games last year, mostly on special teams, recording no statistics.

High School: Four-year letterwinner in football at both Greeley West and Seward High (Neb.)... Three-year letterwinner in baseball and also earned one in soccer... Named to Rocky Mountain News All-Class team in 2007... Recorded 32 career sacks... Averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 15.8 per reception... Served as football team captain in his senior year... In 2007 was also an all-conference selection in baseball.

Personal: Is the middle of three sons of Scott and Karen Downing with an older brother Matthew and a younger brother Zachary... Born Feb. 24, 1990 in Laramie, Wyo... Is majoring in sport & exercise science with an emphasis in physical education teaching... Father Scott is the head football coach at Northern Colorado.