J.D. Groves Class: Junior Hometown: Keizer, OR High School: McNary Height / Weight: 6-2 / 240 Position: FB Birthdate: 10/25/1983 Experience: HS

UCLA — This promising young player gained valuable experience in his first year in the program … He is a solid all-around fullback who figures to be a key contributor this season … Enjoyed a productive Spring, coming on strong as he learned to play at a faster pace.

2002 — Appeared in 12 games as a true freshman … On the field for at least 25 plays at the fullback position in the Colorado State, Oregon State, Oregon and Arizona games … Used primarily as a blocking back, he had three carries for 14 yards for the season … Caught two passes for nine yards … Also was a member of the field goal unit on special teams during the season … Had one rush for six yards at San Diego State … Had two carries for eight yards at Arizona … Caught one pass for six yards versus Colorado … Had one grab for three yards in the bowl game win over New Mexico.

HIGH SCHOOL — Earned four letters in football for coach Tom Smythe at McNary High School in Keizer, OR … SuperPrep All-American (No. 4 fullback) … Three-star prospect by Max Emfinger … No. 58 linebacker prospect by Max Emfinger … Rated No. 7 linebacker in West by PacWest Football.com … Rated No. 64 linebacker in nation and three-star rating by PacWest Football … Tom Lemming All-West team (No. 96) … PrepStar All-West Region … Rated No. 2 player in Oregon by SuperPrep … Member of Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Outstanding blocker as a fullback … Helped McNary run for 360 rushing yards in the Oregon 4A title game … As a senior, he served as team captain … Rushed for 800 yards and scored 20 touchdowns … Credited with 50 tackles … Had a big first half in one game with six carries for 160 yards and four touchdowns … Third-team all-league selection as a running back and first-team pick as a linebacker … Named team’s Most Inspirational Player … Named as a finalist for the Johnny Carpenter Prep Athlete of the Year in the state of Oregon … Salem Sports Breakfast Club Athlete of the Week … Les Schwad Athlete of the Month for December 2001 … In 2000, he served as team captain and was named third-team all-league at both running back and linebacker … Rushed for 650 yards and scored 12 touchdowns … Set a school record with 218 yards rushing in a game … Also lettered two years in track for coach Molly Gehley (100m, 4 x 100m, discus, 200m).

PERSONAL — Full Name: Jonathan David Groves … Born: October 25, 1983 in Dallas, OR … Parents: Kenneth and Virginia Groves … Has three brothers — Kenn, Kevin, Perry — and one sister, Monica … Lists biggest athletic thrill as coming back from injury to lead his high school team to the 2001 Oregon State Football 4A championship … NFL star Mike Alstott of Tampa Bay is his favorite player … Hobbies include hiking, fishing, lifting weights, cooking and lounging … Earned spot on the Director’s Honor Roll in Fall 2002 (3.36) … History is his favorite class and his likely major.