Loper is regarded as one of college football's top pass protectors. He started 44 games during his career with the Red Raiders and was one of the team's brightest stars. The seasoned veteran anchored an offensive line that protected first-year starting quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who led the country in passing and total offense. Loper's size and strength are his greatest attributes, as well as his ability as a team leader. He is a physical, intimidating presence with a tremendous frame and work ethic.

At Episcopal High School, Loper played tight end as a senior. He was also the team's punter and earned all-conference honors as a sophomore and senior. Loper was the starting center on Episcopal's basketball team and a pitcher on the baseball team, boasting a 95-mile per hour fastball. He was also named Male Athlete of the Year at Episcopal.

In 2001, Loper started five times at left tackle for Texas Tech, including the season's final four contests. He earned third-team All-Big 12 Conference honors as the full-time starter at left tackle in 2002. The following year, Loper garnered All-Big 12 second-team accolades while registering 71 knockdowns. His continued play improvement saw Loper gain first-team All-Big 12 honors in his final season.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Above-average player with quickness, agility and body control … Athletic pass protector who is extremely quick for a player his size … Very fluid moving up the field, showing the ability to set up to take proper blocking angles … Sinks his hips low when firing off the snap and has developed a solid hand punch to rock defenders back … Very effective on the short-area pull and adjusts quickly to the edge rushers, shuffling his feet properly to slide back and protect the outside … Has the long arms to seal off the outside and his lateral agility is ideal for trap blocking … Looks natural and at ease when moving off the snap straight ahead and has developed excellent quickness in getting his hands raised and into the defender's chest.

Negatives: Displays some toughness and plays hard, but needs to develop that dominating attitude … Needs to refine his hip swerve, as he does not roll his hips through contact … Needs to develop better playing strength to control the line of scrimmage … Does not show a kick slide to get good position to pop and punch consistently and effectively in pass protection … Gets too high in his stance at times, failing to get proper position, and this results in him getting pushed back on his heels … Rolls off blocks, at times, and needs refinement in this area … Has to also work on his upfield block, as he does not quickly recognize the linebackers moving towards the ball and seems to stand around more than trying to get a piece of someone … Struggles to anchor against the edge rushers, looking awkward when having to move out and mirror.

AGILITY

Campus: 5.26 in the 40-yard dash … 405-pound bench press … Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times … 500-pound squat … 315-pound power clean … 4.84 20-yard shuttle … 7.8 three-cone drill … 23½-inch vertical jump … 8-foot-10 broad jump … Left-handed … Combine: 5.32 in the 40-yard dash … 3.09 20-yard dash … 1.87 10-yard dash … 4.68 20-yard shuttle … 7.74 three-cone drill … 32-inch vertical jump … 8-foot-5 broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times … 33-inch arm length … 10 5/8-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Episcopal (Houston, Texas) High School, playing football for coach Dick Phillips … Played tight end and was also the team's punter … All-conference choice as a sophomore and senior … Starting center on the basketball team and a pitcher on the baseball team, boasting a 95-mile per hour fastball … Named Male Athlete of the Year at Episcopal.

PERSONAL

Exercise Sport Science major … Son of Cindy and Bob Loper … Father played football at Rice … Born Jan. 15, 1982 in Houston, Texas.