New Jersey native has gained 30 pounds since his arrival on campus two years ago which will make him even more valuable in running situations ... came out of spring drills listed as a backup at left tackle, but is expected to remain a vital part of the Mountaineers’ regular rotation at defensive tackle as he has been for the past two seasons.
2008 : Production waned a bit from his impressive freshman campaign, but he remained a solid and valuable member of the regular rotation along the defensive line ... recorded seven tackles on the season, including two apiece versus nationally ranked foes Elon and Richmond.
2007 : Appeared in 12 games, making three starts at left tackle … was in the starting lineup for his collegiate debut at Michigan … fared well against U-M with four tackles (three assists) … registered four more stops and was in on his only tackle for loss of the season the following week versus Lenoir-Rhyne … recorded season highs for total tackles (five) and solo tackles (four) at Wofford … finished season with 20 total stops (10 solo).
Became the Vikings’ key defensive player as the leading tackler... will play a vital role as the middle linebacker in the Vikings’ 4-3 scheme... fast and tough, always around the ball.
SOPHOMORE SEASON • 2009
Started all 11 games in his second season and became the Vikings’ leading tackler... had team-highs of 72 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and six quarterback hurries... also had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery for touchdown and a pass breakup... led the team in tackles in four games... made a career-high 12 tackles against Northern Arizona (10/17)... also had two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble... returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown against UC Davis (10/24)... had eight tackles with a sack at Montana (9/19)... named honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference.
FRESHMAN SEASON • 2008
Had a big impact on defense as a true freshman... one of 11 true freshmen to play... after sitting out the first game, the coaches decided not to redshirt him and he competed in the final 10 contests... made 22 tackles on the season as a backup linebacker and special teams performer... top game was six tackles at Washington State (9/20)... made four tackles at Sacramento State (9/27).
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Folsom High School... was a three-year starter on the varsity... averaged 19 tackles per game as a senior... Most Valuable Player of the Delta River League... Sacramento Bee 2nd team All-Metro... Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Section team selection... ranked 88th in the nation at inside linebacker by ESPN.com... during his junior season averaged 17 tackles per game and was Defensive MVP of the Delta River League... named honorable mention All-Metro team by the Sacramento Bee... selected to the All-Nike Combine team... team defensive MVP as a freshman.
High School: Graduated from Nipomo HS in 2010...was named all-Southern Section Northwest Division as a linebacker and also the Los Padres League Defensive Back of the Year in 2009...he recorded 134 total tackles, including 86 solos...also played running back where he had 23 carries for 164 yards and caught 14 passes for 119 yards...as a junior, he rushed for 361 yards and eight scores and also had 64 tackles...was named first team all-county and first team all-Los Padres League...best game came against Templeton where he had 19 tackles, including three for loss as a senior.
Albany #56
Marc Wargo
DE 6-2 235 Jr.
East Windsor, N.J. (Hightstown)
UAlbany: Moved from inside linebacker to defensive end as a redshirt freshman ... climbed to second on depth chart after spring practice ... played in seven games ... made 11 tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery ... named Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week on Oct. 6 ... three tackles and one sack at Duquesne ... career-high four tackles vs. Central Conn. State ... one varsity letter ... High School: All-Colonial Valley Conference middle linebacker ... totaled 101 tackles, including 56 unassisted, and five quarterback sacks ... played on two conference championship teams in 2004 and 2006 ... team captain twice ... team MVP as a senior ... three varsity letters ... Personal: Major is communication with a minor in business administration ... born 2-28-89
2009:
Appeared in 10 games...Made 20 total tackles (13 solo, 7 assisted)...Made a season-high six stops in the win over Georgetown...Recorded three pass break-ups against Presbyterian...
HIGH SCHOOL:
Lettered in football, basketball and track... All-District as a linebacker at Norview... Finished third in the high jump at the state meet to earn all-state honors... Named Defensive Player of the Year in basketball...Member of the National Honor Society.
PERSONAL:
Born February 15, 1990...Son of Michael and Monique Williams... Uncle is former boxer Pernell Whitaker and his cousin Ronyell Whitaker plays for the Vikings....Major is undecided.
