Talented linebacker who adds depth at the middle linebacker position ... Expected to be a major contributor this season ... Has a big, strong and good physical presence ... Good run stopper ... Worked hard in the weight room in the offseason and added weight ... Named the defensive Player of the Week by the coaching staff following his performance against UCF (9/26) ... Also used on special teams ...Athletic Director's Honor Roll ... Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll ... 2006 (r-Jr.): Played in eight games, making five starts ... Participated in 270 total snaps, including 260 on defense and 10 on special teams ... Recorded 35 total tackles, including 24 unassisted, one interception, three pass breakups and one touchdown ... Finished with a season-high 11 tackles against Houston (10/14) ... Scored a touchdown after intercepting a pass against UCF and returning it for four yards ...Recorded seven tackles against NC State (9/16) and UCF ... Junior College: Played for Coach Jeff Terrill at Itawamba CC ... Starter at linebacker as a sophomore when he sustained a strained ACL ligament in his right knee in the first quarter of the first game of the 2004 season ... Had Arthroscopic knee surgery but didn't play the remainder of the season ... Selected a NJCAA preseason All-American by JC Gridwire prior to his sophomore season ... As a freshman, finished with 75 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions and forced four fumbles ... Ranked No. 7 on The Clarion-Ledger's Top 25 Junior College Prospects ... Three-star prospect by rivals.com ... Prep: Four-year letterwinner for Coach Rusty Funk at Houston High School ... As a senior, he played both fullback and linebacker ... Finished with 101 tackles as a senior ... Recorded 157 tackles as a junior ... Named all-district from 2000-02 ... Selected second team all-state at linebacker in 2002 ... Also lettered three years in basketball and four in track ... Personal: Son of John and Allie Lyons ... Majoring in coaching and sport administration ... Born June 30, 1982.