Countdown to Kickoff - 83 days

To get ready for the 2011 football season, BlueRaiderZone is doing an in-depth look at Middle Tennessee's roster. One player per day, we're counting down the days until kickoff. Today's featured player is Sr. TE Jared Bamber.

Jared Bamber

Class: Sr.
Position: TE
Height: 6-4
Weight: 238 pounds
Previous School: Palomar CC
Hometown: Murietta, CA

2010: Played in 11 of 13 games and earned four starts ... Had two catches for 23 yards for the year but was mainly used in the running game for his blocking ability ... Earned 10 winning grades from the coaches ... Played 259 total snaps, including a season-high 56 against Austin Peay ... Started in the season opener against Minnesota ... Made his first reception as a Blue Raider against Memphis ... Earned the start against Troy ... Missed the North Texas and WKU games with mononucleosis ... Started against FAU and played 35 snaps ... Had a career-long 17-yard reception on 4th-and-5 against FIU to set up a touchdown.

Palomar Community College: Earned 2009 California All-America honors ... Also tabbed all-state and all-region after helping lead Palomar to a No. 8 final ranking ... Was an offensive captain ... Had five receptions for 52 yards on the season ... A two-star recruit by Rivals.com ... Started all season at tight end in 2008 for the Palomar Comets ... Turned in a strong performance blocking along with the rest of the offensive line in a 21-19 season-opening victory over Southwestern on Sept. 6 when Palomar rushed for 303 yards, and his blocking was critical in the Comets' running attack ... Had a 9-yard reception vs. Grossmont on Oct. 4 ... Redshirted at Palomar in 2007.

High School: Played three seasons of varsity football under coach Tom Leach at Chaparral High ... All-Southwestern League and All-Valley selection as a senior ... Averaged 14.1 yards per catch ... National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete award winner.

Full Name: Jared Jeffrey Bamber ... Born: 10/7/88 ... Parents: Jeff and Cathy Bamber ... Major: Undecided.