Towson University Athletics

Probable starter at inside linebacker ... has done very well as a back-up the last two years ... one of the strongest players on the team ... does a great job defending against the run ... explosive performer in weight room ... intense player who is an excellent tackler ... has been a standout on special teams ... very good student who was named to the Atlantic 10 Football Academic All-Conference team in 2006 and the Colonial Athletic Association Academic team in 2007 ... should be a candidate for Academic All-America honors ... made five tackles and intercepted a pass in 2008 Spring Game ... freshman "red shirt" in 2005.

2007 Season: Appeared in all 11 games as a reserve linebacker ... made 11 tackles in reserve role ... also saw action as long snapper on offense ... made three tackles in Tigers’ win over Central Connecticut in season opener ... made two tackles and blocked a field goal attempt in win at Morgan State ... made two tackles and forced a fumble in win over Richmond ... had also made two tackles against Villanova ... has one tackle at William & Mary ... also made one tackle at Colgate.

2006 Season: Appeared in nine games as a reserve linebacker ... made 13 tackles in reserve role ... had four tackles in first college game, a win over Morgan State ... had one tackle in Tigers’ win at Elon ... also made a tackle in win at Hofstra ... had three tackles against Massachusetts ... had one tackle against William & Mary ... made three tackles in season finale against James Madison.

At Fort Hill High School: Led the Sentinels with 105 tackles as a senior ... active on special teams, blocking three extra point attempts and two punts ... ran for 860 yards on 89 carries as a fullback ... first team All-State small schools selection at linebacker ... named first team All-City, All-Area and All-League ... enjoyed a successful track career, throwing shot put and discus ... won 2004 Maryland 2A Outdoor Shot Put title ... two-time silver medalist and one-time bronze medalist in the shot put ... had one second place finish in the discus.

Personal: Lists his parents as the people he admires the most ... ambition is to become a financial advisor ... hobbies include video games, hunting and fishing ... has worked as a landscaper during the summer months ... favorite athlete is Barry Sanders ... favorite movie is "Scarface" ... favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden ... has two older brothers ... son of James Root and Lisa Abbott ... born February 16, 1987 in Cumberland, Md.