Furman: Returning starter who joins fellow defensive end Shaun Van Rensburg and nose tackle Justin Brown in forming a contingent of three veteran performers along Furman's defensive front...presence is key due to lack of experienced depth across the defensive line...shares a unique experience with Van Rensburg, as both have lived in South Africa...elected by teammates to serve as a team co-captain this fall along with Mike Brown, Julian Hicks, Jordan Sorrells, and Chris Truss. 2008 -- Made the successful switch from linebacker to defensive end where earned starts in seven games...split duty with Van Rensburg, who logged five starts...collected 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks...tallied a season high five tackles versus Chattanooga (35-10 win)...had sacks against both nationally sixth-ranked Delaware (23-21 win) and Virginia Tech...recorded one of the season's key plays with a blocked PAT with 1:52 left that preserved a 28-27 lead and eventual victory over Samford. 2007 -- Earned playing time in 10 games, all as a member of special teams and reserve linebacker...registered five tackles, including a pair of stops against Appalachian State...fielded and returned a pair of short kickoffs against both Coastal Carolina (27-17 win) and Chattanooga (28-22 win). 2006 -- Garnered the first action of his career, appearing in three games as a reserve linebacker and member of special teams...had one tackle versus Chattanooga (28-22 OT win). 2005 -- Member of scout team...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

High School: 2005 graduate of North Atlanta (4A) High School...football coach was Schredrick Austin...saw action primarily at middle linebacker and offensive tackle during his prep tenure...registered 67 tackles and eight pass deflections in 2004...earned first team all-city honors as a linebacker...also played baseball.

Personal: Full name is Kyle Lynn McKinney...son of Spencer and Lynn Brown McKinney...born December 17, 1986, in Atlanta, Georgia...has a brother, Spencer...plays the guitar and writes poetry...communications major.