Class: r-Jr.
Position: FB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 233 pounds
Previous School: Bearden
Hometown: Knoxville, TN

2006: Played in 10 games and earned a career-best four starts ... Did not have a rushing attempt but did haul in a personal-best four receptions for 27 yards ... Missed all of spring practice due to an injury ... Played 25 snaps in win over FIU and recorded a personal-best two receptions ... Was in on 21 plays at Maryland and 16 in win over Tennessee Tech where he earned a start ... Had eight snaps at Oklahoma ... Had 30 plays in win over North Texas following injury to starting fullback Coy Williamson ... Started against No. 8 Louisville ... Earned a "winning performance" by the coaches for his play at Louisiana-Monroe while playing 24 total snaps ... Started at Louisiana-Lafayette and played a total of 30 snaps while collecting one reception for 15 yards ... Made his second straight start in the win over FAU and had one catch for seven yards ... Suffered a season-ending knee injury in win over Arkansas State.

2005: Saw action in all 11 games, including one start ... Used primarily as a blocker ... Earned a start in the season opener at Alabama ... Made his first collegiate reception against FAU that went for six yards and a first down.

2004: Saw action in three games during the season (NMSU, ULM, Troy) ... Traveled to every game.

2003: Did not compete in any games ... Was redshirted.

High School: Lettered three years in football and two years in track at Bearden High School ... Earned all-conference honors three years in a row in football and was all-Knoxville in track during his senior campaign.

Personal: Parents: Greg Birtsch and Leigh Hobson ... Born: 8/14/85 ... Major: University Studies ... Other: father lettered four years in football at Virginia Tech (1976-79).