Mario Benavides

Height:
6-4
Weight:
290
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Los Fresnos, Texas
High School:
Los Fresnos

Louisville: Mainstay on the offensive line... has only missed four games in his career, despite suffering a number of major injuries... has started 34 games in his career... has showed an ability to play through injuries ... has displayed tremendous leadership from the center position.

2011: Has made 10 straight starts at center after missing the first three games due to injury... missed the first three games of the season due to a knee injury... returned to action versus Marshall.

2010: Has been one of the most consistent players in the program ... missed his first game of his career versus Arkansas State ... started 12 of 13 games at center.

2009: Stepped in as a red-shirt freshman and started all 12 games at center ... took over as the starter in fall training camp and never let go of the position ... named to Phil Steele's Postseason First Team All-Freshmen squad.

Los Fresnos High School: Played for Scott Ford at Los Fresnos High School ... enrolled at Louisville in January and participated in spring practice ... rated the No. 33 offensive tackle and a three-star prospect by Scout.com ... voted All-Metro co-Most Valuable Player as a senior ... selected first team All-State, All-District and All-Metro as a junior ... rated the No. 2 prospect in South Texas by Scout.com ... three-time 32-5A All-District performer, received All-Valley twice, Associated Press All-State in 2006 ... was a big reason why Los Fresnos won back-to-back 32-5A District championships in 2006-07 and pancaked an astounding 200 defenders (45 in `05, 74 in `06, 81 in `07) in his three seasons for the Falcons ... rated the No. 40 offensive guard prospect by Rivals.com.

Personal: Son of Anne and Mario Benavides... born 11/23/89... marketing major.