Personal
Born in Caldwell, Idaho ... parents are Carl Myrna Tidwell of Nampa, Idaho ... Eagle Scout ... served a Church mission in Pittsburgh, Pa. ... one of seven children ... fifth child to play Division-I football ... three older brothers, Neils, David and Russ, played football at BYU ... older brother, Shawn, played football at Utah ...married to the former Natalie Jenkins in Dec. 2001 ... recruited by Oregon, Utah and Stanford out of high school.
Before BYU
Redshirted the 2001 season at Ricks College ... a three-year letterwinner in football at Vallivue High School ... also lettered twice in basketball and three years in track ... a first-team all-state selection at tight end as a junior and senior ... an all-state honroable mention defensive line selection.