2003 Football Roster
Roster
Nate LiaBraaten
- Position:
- Tight End
- Height:
- 6-4
- Weight:
- 245
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Hometown:
- Bend, Ore.
- High School:
- Bend HS
PERSONAL ? Born Nathan Michael LiaBraaten on Nov. 15, 1982 in West Linn, Ore. Parents: Joel and Sherry LiaBraaten. Family: One sister. High School (Coach): Bend Senior (Craig Walker) 2001. Major: Business Administration. Redshirt: 2001.
HIGH SCHOOL ? A diverse athlete at Bend Senior high school, this two-year letterwinner in football, basketball and track was a workhorse both on and off the field. Was a member of the national honor society and was also a Navy All-American scholar athlete while earning first-team Inter Mountain Conference honors for his play at tight end. Was the youngest starting tight end at Bend High school as a sophomore. Also led Bend Senior to a fifth place finish at the state 4A championships and was eighth in the state in the javelin with a throw of 196 feet.
OREGON ? It says a lot about a player who would sacrifice himself for the good of the team. Yet that should come as no surprise when talking about the versatile athlete who was shifted back to the defensive side of the ball from tight end following the conclusion of spring drills. After all, he sacrificed his own ego before when he originally came to Oregon without the benefit of athletic financial aid. His hard work and success on the field paid off in the form of a scholarship following a solid 2003 spring showing. The former tight end was converted to defense for the spring of 2004, but was asked to be ready at both tight end and defensive end last year when injuries began to mount. After playing tight end last season, it was felt his services could be better utilized again on defense. Provides agility and experience to a position that benefits from little proven depth.
2004 ? Played in all 11 games on offense and earned starts vs. Indiana and UCLA. Finished the year with one catch for 12 yards against Indiana and added a tackle on special teams vs. Idaho. Answered the call for 43 snaps against the Bruins and 39 plays against the Vandals.
2003 ? His dedication and hard work paid off for the third-year player only to have an ankle injury during the Michigan game
derail his continued improvement and contributions at tight end. Finished the year with both of his receptions coming against the Wolverines for 32 yards. Included was a career-long 22-yard catch in addition to provide solid depth
2002 ? Made the most of every opportunity granted to him as he worked his way into the lineup as a redshirt freshman. Despite
playing just two snaps vs. Portland State, his lone reception of the game ? and season ? was an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kellen Clemens. Added one tackle in the regular-season finale at Oregon State.
2001 ? Provided a solid role on the scout team as a true freshman, epitomized by being recognized as practice squad’s offensive player of the week for aiding preparations in Ducks’ win over USC.
