2016: Returned for a sixth season with the Wildcats, but did not see any game action after sustaining a season-ending injury.

2015: Redshirt senior ... Started six games and right guard and one game at right tackle ... Key member of an offensive line that helped running back Justin Jackson rush for over 1,000 yards for the second-straight season ... Granted sixth year of eligibility by NCAA and will return next season ... Academic All-Big Ten ... Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

2014: Redshirt junior ... Appeared in four of the final five games of the season ... Named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, encompassing only student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year ... Academic All-Big Ten.

2013: Redshirt sophomore ... Appeared in all 12 games on special teams and as a reserve tackle ... Saw significant time on offense at Nebraska ... Academic All-Big Ten.

2012: Missed the entire season due to injury.

2011: Missed the entire season due to injury.

High School: ESPN.com three-star, SuperPrep All-Northeast and Rivals.com All-Atlantic East selection ... Ranked 19th among all New Jersey players by Rivals.com, 21st among all New Jersey players by SuperPrep and 62nd nationally among all offensive tackles by Rivals.com ... MaxPreps All-State, All-County, All-Division and All-Shore Conference honoree ... Ranked as a top-25 offensive tackle by ESPN.com ... Helped lead the Rockets to a two-year record of 14-6, which included a state semifinal appearance in 2009 ... Invited to play in area's Chesapeake Bowl and All-Shore game ... High Honor Roll all four years, Academic All-Shore, NHS, ranked 15th in a class of 275 ... Played against former NU lineman Brandon Vitabile ... Also lettered in track and field (throws) ... Coached by Bob Generelli.

Personal: Born Shane Russell Mertz ... Son of Joann and Harold Mertz ... Economics major as an undergraduate ... Enrolled in postbaccalaureate program.