He was promoted to the Joliet Catholic varsity as a sophomore in only his second year of playing organized football, a potential wingback, wide receiver and tight end listed at a man-child 6 feet 2, 185 pounds. His brother Mike, a 6-8, 290-pound gentle giant, played tight end for three straight Hilltopper state champions from 1999-2001 before becoming a tackle for the University of Michigan. His brother Andrew was an ace defensive tackle for the 2003 state champs.