John Carroll University Athletics

One of the most decorated athletes on this year's John Carroll roster, is one of only five three-year letterwinners and joins Mike Nettling as the one of the only two players who have been selected to the All-Ohio Athletic Conference team twice ... Earned All-OAC second team accolades for his efforts during the 2007 season ... Compiled 124 yards as a punt returner in 2007, and had 66 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back ... Had at least three tackles in every game last season, and his 172 career stops are second most among active players ... Tabbed first team All-OAC and consensus all-region defensive back for JCU in 2006 ... Led the JCU defense with four interceptions as a sophomore, and finished third on the team in tackles with 47 ... Recorded three tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble in 2006 ... Voted the teams Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2006 and Most Valuable Defensive Back in both 2006 and 2007 ... After making his way to John Carroll from Mercyhurst prior to the start of the 2005 football campaign, performed at a high level in all ten games as the Blue Streaks’ starting strong safety ... Impact was felt immediately, as he had two interceptions, including one for a touchdown, in JCU’s 2005 season opening win over Hope (9/10/05) ... Finished the year ranked second on the squad in tackles (57) and interceptions (3), and was first in passes defended (7) ... Selected as the Streaks’ Top Defensive Newcomer Award recipient for the 2005 season ... Played his high school football at nearby Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, where he was a Division III All-Ohio special mention performer as a senior in 2003 ... Team MVP as well as all-conference and all-county that year ... Is a Management Major ... Son of Peter and Raffaela Melaragno.