Will move over to the defensive side of the ball after three years as an offensive lineman ... has diabetes and the move to defense will allow him to watch his weight more ... one of the hardest working players on the squad ... nicknamed the "Bulldog."

2001: Started all 11 games at left guard as a sophomore ... helped open holes for running back Tyler Hawkins, as he gained a UNC single-season record 1,311 yards.

2000: Started all 11 games ... was a key player on the offensive line as the Bears limited the opposition to only 19 sacks, which was fourth-best in the NCC ... anchored the line and allowed UNC to rank No. 5 in the conference in total offense per game (339.6 yards/game) and to rank No. 3 in the conference in pass offense (233.7 yards/game).

1999: Started at right guard ... helped the Bears rank among the national leaders in total offense, scoring offense and passing yardage.

1998: Saw limited action due to injury.

1997: Redshirted.

High School: Earned all-state and all-Centennial League honors as a senior at Mullen High School ... All-Colorado selection in 1996 ... also a member of track & field team where he was a two-time state champion in the shot put ... holds class 4A shot put record of 60' 5" ... helped Mullen to two state championships in track (1996 and 1997) ... high school football coach: Mick McCall.

Personal: Born May 5, 1979, in Denver ... son of Jose and Isabel Tarin ... majoring in marketing/speech communication ... brother, Jorge, is a junior linebacker on this year's team.