No. 5 – Joe LaPorta
THIS YEAR: The hard-hitting Joe LaPorta returns as one of the most-experienced leaders of the Cougar defense ... Is a hard-hitting player who makes his presence known and adds emotion to the team's play ... Rated a good athlete as well.
2008 (junior): Appeared in 7 of the Cougars' 10 games during his 2008 sophomore season ... Started the first 2 contests before injury sidelined for injury sidelined him and forced him to come off the bench when he returned ... Record 16 tackles (4 solo) in his time, including a season-high 6 in a season-finale win over East Texas Baptist.
2007 (sophomore): Came off the bench in 10 of the Cougars' 11 games (missed the season-opener vs. MidAmerica Nazarene), recording 8 tackles (4 solo), including 1 for loss ... Had a single-game best 3 tackles in the Cougars' win over Southern Nazarene.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played 1 season for head coach Jim Bittner at Moorpark (Calif.) College ... Played primarily special times and situational downs for the 9-2 Raiders ... As an up-back returned one kickoff 12 yards.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 varsity seasons for head coach Mike Sanders at Thousand Oaks (Calif.) High ... As a 2004 senior named All-Marmonte League first team and All-Ventura County second team after tallying 112 tackles, 1 interception and 1 touchdown for the 8-4 Lancers ... Named team defensive MVP.
PERSONAL: Born Dec. 23, 1986, in Tarzana, Calif. ... Parents are Dan (contractor) and Nicki (real estate agent) LaPorta ... Has a brother (Luke) and 2 sisters (Lauren, Gabby) ... Majoring in exercise and sport science ... Would like to teach and coach after graduation ... Plays the guitar and has served as a junior high leader at his church.
YEAR G-GS Solo As't Tackles TFL-Yards Sacks FF FR PD 2007 10-0 4 4 8 0.5-1 0 0 0 0 2008 7-2 4 12 16 1.5-3 0 0 0 1 Total 17-2 8 16 24 2-4 0 0 0 1
