SCOUTING REPORT
A fifth-year senior who will be in the playing group at tailback ... powerful runner who didn't see action until last season ... offense will often call his number in short-yardage situations ... earned first varsity letter in 2006.

2006 SEASON
Career's first starting assignment was at Purdue in an overtime loss to the Boilermakers, gaining 51 yards on 18 carries ... scored two touchdowns in Miami's 38-31 win at Buffalo ... also had decent performances at Bowling Green (13 attempts for 41 yards) and vs. Ball State (7 carries for 40 yards) ... played in all 12 RedHawk games.

2005 SEASON
Did not see action.

2004 SEASON
Did not see action.

2003 SEASON
Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL
Four-year letterwinner at Moon Area High School as a tailback and safety ... selected twice to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review's Terrific 25 Southwest Running Backs ... two-time Parkway Conference Top 22 all-conference pick ... twice named Class AAA Second-Team Pennsylvania Football News All-State ... set school records for single-game rushing yards (287) and rushing touchdowns (5) ... also established Moon single-season mark for rushing TDs (20) and career record for rushing yardage (3,075) ... helped Tigers to a four-year record of 30-14 ... coached by Mark Capuano .

PERSONAL
Born March 13, 1984 ... son of Verde and Amy Sykes ... majoring in sociology.