Kurt Mester Class: Senior Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI High School: E. Grand Rapids Height / Weight: 6-4 / 268 Position: Defensive Line Birthdate: 03/11/1980 Experience: 3

Scouting Report

Versatile player who is a leading candidate for a starting role for the upcoming season ... possesses the size and strength to play defensive tackle and the agility to play defensive end ... could see time at both positions this season.

2001 Season

Played in 11-of-12 games during the season, making at least one tackle in all but one ... made a season-high three tackles each versus Ohio (Oct. 20) and Marshall (Nov. 10) ... made three tackles for losses totaling 15 yards ... forced two fumbles ... opened the season with a sack for a seven-yard loss at Michigan (Sept. 1).

2000 Season

Played in nine games, totaling one or more tackles in five of those ... had a pair of hits in games against Kent State (Sept. 23) and Cincinnati (Oct. 28) ... recovered a fumble vs. Akron (Sept. 30).

1999 Season

Academic all-MAC honoree ... played in all 11 games, making his first career start against Cincinnati (Oct. 30) ... rang up a career-best five tackles on two occasions—vs. Bowling Green (Oct. 9) and Buffalo (Nov. 20) ... credited with four solo hits against the Bulls, three of which were pass sacks ... recorded two unassisted hits, one of which went for a loss, against Marshall (Oct. 2) ... four tackles (three solos) vs. Cincinnati ... three stops in win over Akron (Nov. 6).

1998 Season

Redshirted.

High School

A three-year starter at East Grand Rapids ... captained the football and lacrosse teams ... earned first team all-area and all-conference honors ... named to the Grand Rapids Press “Dream Team” ... an all-state honorable mention selection ... as a sophomore, team won the Class BB state title ... also an all-state second-team pick in lacrosse ... earned three lacrosse letters ... helped lead lacrosse team to state finals as a senior.

Personal

Born March 11, 1980 (22 years old) ... son of David and Gail Mester ... a double major in marketing and management information systems.