Prior to UNI: Redshirted at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

High School: A 2006 graduate of Union High School ... two-time state qualifier ... two-time conference champion ... served as team captain as a senior ... four-time academic all-conference honoree ... a second-team all-district pick in football ... academic all-conference selection in football in 2005 and 2006 ... earned letters in wrestling, football and soccer ... member of National Honor Society ... honor roll student.

Personal: Born Oct. 10, 1987, in Hudson, Iowa ... son of William Zempel and Christine and Dave Taylor ... has two siblings, Hunter, and Tori ... majoring in biology.