Mike Degory Position: Centers / Offensive Guards Experience: Two Seasons Alma Mater: Florida, 2006

Mike Degory (da-GOR-ee) spent two seasons at the University of New Mexico coaching offensive guards and centers.

In his first year at UNM, Degory coached first-team all-MWC selection C Erik Cook. Cook was taken in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.

Just 27, the former University of Florida center spent the previous two seasons before coming to UNM as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois.

In Illinois' Rose Bowl season of 2007, Degory helped mold an offensive line that was among the best in the nation. The Fighting Illini ranked fifth in rushing offense (256.7 yards per game) and tied for 15th in fewest sacks allowed (16).

Degory was a four-year letterwinner at center at the University of Florida, starting a school-record 50 games in his college career from 2002-05.

His 50 consecutive starts tied for tops on the all-time Florida list with Larry Kennedy (1991-94) and ranked as the third-best total in Southeastern Conference history.

A two-time captain, Degory was a first team All-SEC selection in 2005 and second team in both 2003 and 2004. He also earned All-America honors from CBS Sportsline as a senior, and was a freshman All-American in 2002, according to The Sporting News.

Degory was a three-time Rimington Award candidate, and was a finalist in 2005. He was also a member of five Florida bowl teams: 2002 Orange Bowl; 2003 Outback Bowl; 2004 Outback Bowl; 2004 Peach Bowl and the 2006 Outback Bowl.

Degory excelled in the classroomas as well, earning Academic All-America honors by ESPN the Magazine in 2005. He was a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF) Draddy Trophy and a candidate for the NFF National Scholar-Athlete award.

Degory was also active in the community, twice being named to the SEC Goodworks team for community service.

A native of Palm Bay, Fla., Degory received his bachelor's degree in physical education teaching from the University of Florida in December of 2006. He minored in business and graduated with cum laude honors.

After graduation, Degory interned at two grade schools in Florida and spent a brief period of time coaching the offensive line and teaching physical education at Palm Bay High School before his appointment at the University of Illinois.

Degory and his wife, Lauren, were married in July of 2009. Lauren is a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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