FIU Athletics

2002 (Freshman): Early eligibility problems hindered him from getting on track as the season progressed...ended the year making two catches, both against Albany (11/9), in seven games...made grabs of 16 and five years in the second-half comeback win against the Great Danes...starting tight end in last five games of the season...forced to make a tackle following an interception against national champion Western Kentucky (10/12)...considered the best blocker among the tight ends...4.86 speed in the 40-yard dash and squats 525 pounds.

North Miami High School: Helped the Pioneers to their first back-to-back winning seasons in 10 years...an all-state and all-county selection on offense as a senior...ranked among the top tight ends in the state of Florida in 2000...caught 15 balls and scored five touchdowns while recording seven sacks on defense...two-time team MVP for his play at tight end, as a defensive end and at linebacker...played basketball and competed in wrestling as a junior but devoted full time to football in his final year...honorable mention all-county wrestler as a junior...member of North Miami’s 1999 district champion basketball team...high school service hours including time spent with the Feed the Homeless and Give an Extra Hand organizations...coached in football by Gil Lora.

Personal: Born June 11, 1982...son of Jeanette Pata ...chose FIU over interest shown by Iowa State, Rutgers, Florida Atlantic, South Florida, Florida A&M and Auburn ...Education major.