Hard-hitting and fearless linebacker who is one of the most experienced players on the defensive side of the ball with 29 career games played.

2008: Saw action in eight games during his junior campaign... Finished the season with 29 total tackles... In his first appearance of the season he collected seven tackles against Texas Tech... Had a total of five stops twice, against Colorado and Nebraska... Also had two pass breakups and one forced fumble on the season.

2007: Appeared in all 12 games, starting five... Finished 2007 third on the team with 68 tackles... Had multiple stops in all 12 games and collected five or more tackles in nine games... Had three sacks and four tackles for loss on the year... Brought down eight ball carriers, including one for a loss, against San Jose State, matching his total from all of 2006... Had four total tackles and recorded a sack against Missouri State... Had four takedowns against Texas... Made seven stops against Colorado and Oklahoma State, followed by five tackles against Baylor and Iowa State... Turned in eight stops at Fresno State.

2006: Earned playing time in nine games at linebacker and on special teams... Totaled eight tackles, four solo and four assisted... Credited with two tackles against Florida Atlantic, Colorado and Texas... Also had a tackle for loss in the Texas Bowl vs. Rutgers.

HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at Wichita Collegiate... Played both running back and linebacker for the Spartans... Earned first team Class 4A all-state honors from both the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal in 2005... Also a three-time All-Mid-Central Activities Association first team selection and two-time All-Metro pick... Selected to play in the 2006 Kansas Shrine Bowl.

PERSONAL: John Houlik was born Feb. 13, 1987, in Wichita Kan... Parents are Jeff and Charia Houlik... Grandson of Wichita State hall of fame running back Anton Houlik... Grandfather, Jack Ging, lettered at Oklahoma... A construction science major.