Versatile player who has contributed at running back, fullback, safety and on special teams throughout his career... A special teams dynamo who is gives the Wildcats quality depth in the offensive backfield.

2006: Played in all 13 games, mainly as a reserving running back and on special teams... Earned first team Academic All-Big 12 honors... Had a huge blocked punt against Texas that led to a touchdown... Totaled eight tackles, four solo and four assisted, this season on special teams... Caught his first career touchdown pass (2 yards) against Iowa State...  Also had a six-yard catch vs. Oklahoma State... Rushed for 25 yards on five carries, including a 12-yard run against Florida Atlantic.

2005: Saw action in all 11 games... Earned Academic All-Big 12 first team honors... Totaled eight tackles on special teams and as a reserve DB.

2004: Redshirted.

High School: Three-year starter at Millard North High School, where he was a teammate of fellow Wildcat Brad Rooker... Played quarterback as a prep... Earned first team all-state honors from both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald as a junior and senior... Also an all-metro and all-district selection... Tapped as an academic all-state performer by the Omaha World Herald... Rushed for a Nebraska Class A state record 2,300 yards in 2002... Coached by Fred Petito... Also lettered three years in track and field, running in the 100- and 200-meter sprints.

Personal: John Paul McCardle was born Dec. 7, 1984, in Omaha, Neb... Son of Paul and Pam McCardle... Major is finance.