He was born on February 5, 1987 in Anaheim, California. He stands six feet 2 and weighs 225 pounds. He attended highschool at Canyon High, where he made the 2004 All-Century League team as a senior. He also was on Canyon's volleyball, golf and track teams.

In the 2005 season, he made the All-Mission Conference National Division first team as a freshman placekicker, linebacker and running back at Santa Ana Junior College. He also recorded 25 touchbacks on his 58 kickoffs, plus recorded 24 tackles and 1 interception on defense and rushed for 50 yards on 9 carries with 5 touchdowns on offense.