DonteRumph

– SEC Defensive LIneman of the Week vs. Samford by the SEC office (2012)

Two-year starter at defensive tackle … Showed all-around improvement last year and enjoyed his best season as a Wildcat … Hopes to continue that trend in his senior season … Has become more of a factor as he has improved his conditioning and gotten stronger in the weight room … A story of perseverance, he originally signed with UK in 2008 and worked for two years to earn qualification to attend … Has played in 34 games with 18 starts.

2012 (Junior): Had his best season to date … Started all 11 games in which he played … Missed one game because of injury … Amassed 36 tackles … Had six tackles for loss and four sacks during the season, both tying for second on the team … SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in the win over Samford as he made five tackles, including a quarterback sack that caused a fumble which Tristian Johnson returned for a touchdown … Tied a career high with six tackles vs. South Carolina … His four tackles vs. Georgia included 1.5 sacks, his first multiple-sack game.

2011 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games and started seven … Made 31 tackles with a career high of six at LSU … Had three tackles for loss, including a quarterback sack vs. Louisville.

2010 (Freshman): Saw action in 12 games …  Had 12 tackles on the year, getting more and more reps as the season progressed … Recorded season high of three tackles against Akron and in the BBVA Compass Bowl vs. Pittsburgh.

Prep School: Talented lineman with the size and strength to play tackle and also the quickness needed to play at end … Originally signed with Kentucky in 2008, he spent the 2008 and `09 seasons at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy … His 2008 prep season included a game against the Kentucky junior varsity, in which he made two tackles for loss, including a quarterback sack … Coached at Fork Union by John Shuman.

High School: Earned first-team all-state honors, covering all classifications, by The Associated Press and the Columbia State newspaper … Also first-team all-state for Class AA by the High School Sports Report … Totaled 107 tackles during senior season, including 14 quarterback sacks, for Calhoun County HS in St. Matthews, S.C. … Chosen for the South Carolina vs. North Carolina Shrine Bowl and played for the winning squad … Made 65 tackles and five sacks during his junior season … Coached by Walter Wilson … Member of the Calhoun County basketball team which won three consecutive state championships and had a winning streak of more than 70 games … Also played three seasons of baseball … Member of the Spirit Club.

Personal: Born in Orangeburg, S.C. … Last name pronounced “rump” with a silent “h” … Son of Otis and Thelma Rumph … An uncle, Chris Rumph, is an assistant coach at Alabama … Donte’s brother, Tremaine Tyler, played football at South Carolina … Cousin of Philip Merling, former Clemson star who is now a defensive end with the Miami Dolphins … Major is community and leadership development.

Community Cats: Participated in an event at Camp Cedarmore and the Big Blue U Move-In (2011, `12).

Donte Says … My nickname is: Uncle Rumph … My favorite movie is: 300 … When I played football as a kid, I pretended I was: Warren Sapp … I couldn’t live without my: grandmother … The coolest thing about being at UK is: the fan base.