"He not only understands the defensive concepts we're trying to accomplish, he understands what the offense is thinking, too. So I can position him mentally to take the strains off of our linebackers and the rest of the secondary. I can put all the mental cover-down rules on him." --- Duane Akina, Defensive Coordinator
"The offense will be in a formation we've never see, and Huff just knows how to adjust to it." --- free safety Michael Griffin
A unanimous first team selection by every major All-American football team. Michael Wayne Huff, II, is the first player in University of Texas history to win the Jim Thorpe Award. He was also named the "Defensive MVP" in helping lead Texas to a national championship in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
"He's a first round draft pick," states Duane Akina, Texas' co-defensive coordinator. "Give me any receiver in the country and Huffy can lock up on him. He's in the same tier with Chris McAlister, Quentin Jammer and Nathan Vashar--great cover corners. And if you throw in the mental stuff, we don't have any other guys who have been close to him."
Huff, whose mind processes coverages and alignments the way engineers comprehend circuitry, started in all but one game during his college career. In 49 starts leading up to the Rose Bowl, Huff recorded 306 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 44 passes broken up, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Four of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns, giving him the UT record for that category--two short of the NCAA career mark. He averaged 23.1 yards per interception return, blocked three kicks and had one fumble recovery for a touchdown, giving him the Texas record for defensive touchdowns with a total of five.
In 2005, the versatile, athletic and speedy Huff also competed for the Texas track team, running the first leg on the Longhorns' 400-meter relay team that qualified for the NCAA outdoor championships. Fast in track and on the football field, he demonstrates his intellect as a whiz at electronics. He enjoys computers, iPods and video games. Doing all the work himself, he has upgraded his 1995 Ford Explorer with specialty lights, stereo equipment and flip-down DVD screens.
Boon in 1983 in Irving, Texas, Huff is a youth and community studies major. He has earned a spot on the University of Texas Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll and was named to the Big 12 commissioner's Honor Roll in previous semesters. Huff also in an active member in the university's community service program.
True to the Jim Thorpe mission--encouraging excellence in sports, academics, health and fitness--this talented athlete not only is the best on the field, but also strives to be the best all around. His style is to stay focused and level-headed. During game day preparation, he strives not to get pumped up too early and begins his day with a morning prayer to thank God for the opportunity to see another day.