Photos: Rivals.com

6'2" / 243 / 4.8

Rankings:

- ESPN: 4* / 80 Rating / #7 ILB / #5 State / #20 Regional
- Rivals: 4* / 5.9 Rating / #3 ILB / #4 State / #91 National
- Scout: 4* / #12 MLB
- _247: 4* / 97 Rating / #1 ILB / #2 State / #37 National

Other Offers: Arkansas, Connecticut, Michigan State, Navy, North Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Oregon, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech

Notes: "strong physical player" ... "very good production against the run" ... "tough customer who displays the ability to knock ball carriers back where they came from" ... "could see early playing time as special team's coverage player" ... "good job with key and read recognition skills against the run" ... "quickness to beat blockers to the ball and avoiding contact" ... "havoc in the opponent's backfield"

Quotables: "I wanted a coach that I could relate to spiritually. Coach London being a Christian, that was one of my biggest factors. He just inspired me. We've always talked about leadership. I try to lead at the school and around my neighborhood. I always try to lead the people I'm around. In him, I see a man that's leading a whole football team and showing Christ. He's representing Jesus Christ and that was a really important factor for me. It was just a match."

"I remember one time Coach (Chip) West was talking to all of us. He said, 'Mario, you'd be a great receiver for us. Courtnye, you'd be a great tight end or defensive end. Will, you'd be a great defensive back or receiver. Kwontie, you could play wherever you want to play.'"

"I know they want me at linebacker but it would be real cool if I could play some running back. Whatever the team needs."