Big-sized walk-on who will work to contribute to the depth of the Tiger offensive line in his fourth year in the program ... Spent the spring on the depth chart at left tackle, after lining up both at right tackle and right guard during the previous seasons ... Is on pace to earn his undergraduate degree in May of 2012 ... Changed his jersey to #79, after wearing #56 the previous season.
2010 SEASON
Contributed to the depth of the offensive line, and was a valuable member of the offensive scout team throughout the season .
2009 SEASON
Did not see game action in his second year in the Tiger program, but continued to make strides during his hard work with the offensive scout team throughout the season.
2008 SEASON
Joined the team as a walk-on and took part in practice throughout the year as part of the offensive scout team.
HIGH SCHOOL
An outstanding all-around athlete who lettered in the sports of football, basketball, baseball and soccer during his prep years ... Served as a team captain as a senior, while playing on both sides of the line of scrimmage in the trenches ... Caught a pass for a two-point conversion on offense as a senior, while he had 12 tackles, recovered a fumble and blocked a pass as well, on defense ... Recorded eight tackles with one fumble recovery on defense as a junior ... Was a two-time All-Conference performer in basketball, while leading his team in rebounding and blocked shots for three straight years ... High school coach - Dave Wanninger.
PERSONAL
Parents - Scotty & Cindy Birdwell ... Majoring in business at Mizzou, with an emphasis in finance and banking ... Has an ultimate desire of earning a law degree and becoming a sports agent eventually ... Lists hobbies as sports, video games, auctioneering and singing ... Is a licensed auctioneer.
