Jeff Byers

Classroom

A superb student, Jeff has already received his B.A. in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business. He holds a 3.27 GPA and made the Pac-10 All-Academic second team in 2007.

Character

An excellent young man, he is a tireless worker and optimist, which helped him deal with season-long injuries in 2005 and 2006. He has become a reliable role model and team captain for younger guys on the team as an example of how to do things right on-field and off-field. “Not only has he come into his own as a great offensive lineman, he has developed into a true leader on the team. That’s why his teammates voted him as one of our captains. He’s a bright, mature, talented young man who has really taken it upon himself to be a positive driving force on this team.” - Pete Carroll

Community

Byers visits the USC Women and Children’s Hospital with his teammates. Byers is active in writing a blog for the New York Times. He has helped in a mentoring program at the business school and has been a guest lecturer for undergraduate business classes. He has also been a speaker in a program directed at underprivileged high school students.

Competition

Jeff was on the 2008 Watch List for the Outland Trophy. He was awarded to the 2007 Phil Steele All-Pac-10 third team. In 2007, he started 12 games and played in all 13 games for the season. This season, Jeff was named All-Pac-10 first-team by rivals.com and Secong Team All-Pac 10.  During the 2008-09 season, Byers helped pave the way for USC’s decisive 2009 Rose Bowl victory over Penn Sate, 38-24. Byers helped key an offensive line that provided the near-flawless protection for QB Mark Sanchez, who threw for 413 yards (second-most ever in a Rose Bowl) and four touchdowns.