Personal
Parents are Michele Stephens and Dennis Rykert...favorite athlete is Bo Jackson ... recruited by California, Oregon State, and Washington ...majoring in recreation management and youth leadership with an emphasis in leisure services management.
At BYU
In 2002: Named by the league's media, Sporting News and Phil Steele to the preseason All-MWC first-team ... also ranked as the 14th top offensive tackle in the nation by Phil Steele and ranked 13th by Sporting News.
In 2001: Started all 14 games at offensive tackle for the Cougars as a junior... earned All-MWC honorable-mention honors... named as an All-MWC second-team performer by the league's media... earned Football News First-Team All-MWC honors... named the Most Outstanding Offensive performer at the 2001 Liberty Bowl... also earned recognition for having the most memorable play during the Liberty Bowl... scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter (vs. Louisville) on a 10-yd run after a lateral from quarterback Brandon Doman... the touchdown tied the game at 7-7, capping a nine-play, 53-yard drive... provided excellent protection for the No. 1-ranked offense in the nation (averaging 46.8 points and 542.8 yards per game)... provided protection for Heisman Trophy candidate Brandon Doman and Doak Walker Award winner Luke Staley.
In 2000: Earned All-Mountain West Conference Honorable-Mention honors... participated in spring drills... started all 12 games for BYU at left tackle... part of an offensive line that did not allow a single sack in back-to-back games during the season, marking the first time the Cougars have not allowed a single sack in consecutive games since the 1985 season... provided pass protection for the top-ranked BYU passing offense, which averaged 274.6 yards per game.
In 1999: Participated in spring drills... saw significant time at offensive tackle... played in eight games during the regular season.
In 1998: Redshirted
Before BYU
Was second-team all-league at Oakmont High...lettered twice in football and basketball ...coached by Bob Vukajlovich (Stanford).