JohnBallis

* SEC Academic Honor Roll (2013)

Has the opportunity to earn playing time at tight end following the departure of four seniors at that position … Has added approximately 10 pounds in the last year as he builds the size necessary to play tight end … Joined the team in the fall of 2012 and showed good all-around skills … Hard worker with good speed and understanding of the system … Caught a 26-yard pass in the 2013 Blue/White Game.

2013 (Redshirt Freshman): Continued to practice with the team.

2012 (Freshman): Redshirted.

High School: Was a two-year letterwinner and starter at Episcopal High School … Played primarily tight end and fullback, leading the Knights to an 8-2 record junior year and 7-3 senior season record … Named team captain and was coached by Steve Leisz … Was a member of the track team, competing in the shot put and discus, while advancing to the championship meet in both events … Played forward and center for the basketball team … National Society of High School Scholars … Received the math and history awards.

Personal: Born in Houston, Texas … Son of John and Joni Ballis … Has three brothers who are former collegiate athletes, including Pete, who played football at LSU; Reed, who ran track at Rice; and Jake, who was a basketball player at Houston … Considering a major in management.

Community Cats: Participated in God’s Pantry packing (2013) … Helped with Big Blue U Move-In, helping students move into their dorms (2012).

John Says … My nickname is: B-John … If I could trade places with any athlete, it would be: J.J. Watt … Other than the NFL, my dream job is: working with horses … My favorite part of game day is: running out of the tunnel … My hidden talent is: I can read minds.