* 1999 North Central Conference All-Academic Team

Two-year starter, three-year letterwinner ... will open the season as the starting left tackle ... fully recovered from season-ending injury to his leg ... the veteran of the offensive lineman, his leadership will be key with a young offensive squad.

1999: Started every game at left tackle until he broke his leg in the Bears' playoff victory over Pittsburg State ... graded out as the team's top offensive linemen ... helped quarterback Corte McGuffey and the UNC offense set numerous school records.

1998: Started every game for the Bears and consistently graded out as one of the BearsÕ top linemen ... helped UNC to one of its best seasons offensively as the team ranked among the nationÕs leader in points per game (39.7).

1997: Saw significant action as a reserve and spot-starter ... helped Bears to Õ97 national title.

1996: Redshirted.

1995: Missed season due to an injury suffered during his senior year in high school.

High School: Consensus class 4A first team all-state selection in 1994 ... helped Grand Junction High School to a runner-up finish as a senior ... also won a pair of state heavyweight wrestling titles ... HS coach: Dan Gallas.

Personal: Born June 30, 1977 in Glenwood Springs ... son of Don and Carolyn Burkholder ... majoring in history.