Perfection is the only word to describe John Urschel's first three years in the classroom as a Penn State student-athlete. The redshirt junior guard capped off his sixth consecutive semester with a 4.0 grade-point average during the 2012 spring semester. Urschel graduated with a degree in mathematics in just three years and was the student marshal for the mathematics graduates at Spring Commencement in May. Well on his way to becoming one of the premier student-athletes in the history of Penn State football, Urschel has made significant strides on the practice field and in the weight room. Coach Bill O'Brien called the Western New York product one of the team's top players at the conclusion of spring drills. Urschel will be atop the depth chart at right guard entering training camp in August. Possessing good skills, size and strength, he is among the Lions' most experienced offensive linemen and should be a significant contributor the next two seasons. Urschel received the 2012 Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award, presented to a junior squad member who consistently displays a total commitment to academic pursuits, off-season preparation, in-season commitment and community service. The focused and driven Urschel is enrolling in a master's degree program in mathematics with an anticipated graduation date of May 2014. He will be a strong candidate for Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America® accolades this fall, potentially adding to the distinguished list of Penn State's previous 49 such honorees. Urschel was selected Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District® last year and named Academic All-Big Ten for the second time. Urschel is one of six returning Nittany Lions from the Empire State.
2011 Junior Season
Playing in every game, Urschel helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed, with 14 in 13 games. He played an important role in helping clear running lanes for tailback Silas Redd (1,241 yards), giving Penn State a 1,000-yard rusher for the seventh consecutive season. Urschel and the offensive line lifted Penn State to an improvement of 41 rushing yards per game in Big Ten games (178.1 ypg) compared to the initial four non-conference tilts (137.0 ypg). Urschel earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive year. In the matchup against Legends Division foe Iowa, Urschel helped pave the way as Penn State rushed for 231 yards. On a pivotal fourth-quarter drive, Penn State ran the ball 10 times, with the offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage and leading the way to four first downs to set up a late touchdown against the Hawkeyes. In the season opener against Indiana State, Urschel and the O-line paved the way for 245 yards on the ground. Against No. 2 Alabama, the offense totaled 16 first downs and 251 yards and did not allow a sack against one of the nation's top defenses. In the non-conference game against Eastern Michigan, Urschel helped the offense amass a season-high 468 total yards, including 364 through the air, and was part of an offensive line effort that did not allow a sack. He helped Penn State compile 464 yards of offense (193 rushing, 271 passing), run a season-high 86 plays and hold the ball for 37:27 in the Big Ten opener at Indiana. Urschel was on the field for 396 snaps during the season, including highs of 60 against Alabama and 52 in the Indiana game.
2010 Sophomore Season
Urschel saw his most significant career action against Indiana, starting and playing on 66 snaps at right guard in the 41-24 win. He helped the Nittany Lions gain 496 yards and 24 first downs in the victory at FedEx Field. He also played against Youngstown State and Kent State. Urschel compiled his third and fourth consecutive 4.00 grade-point averages during the fall and spring semesters. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for the first time.
2009 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
A defensive tackle at Canisius HS, Urschel earned all-state and Western New York Lineman-of-the-Year honors under Coach Brandon Harris. During his senior season, he recorded 77 tackles and 4.5 sacks. A senior captain on the gridiron, Urschel also was a three-year captain with the track and field team.
Personal
Full name is John Cameron Urschel. He is the son of Venita Parker and John Urschel. In his spare time, Urschel enjoys reading and playing the guitar. He is a mathematics major and owned a perfect 4.00 grade-point average through the spring semester. Born June 24, 1991 in Winnipeg, Canada.
