The Wolford File 2007- University of Illinois (run-game coordinator/offensive line) 2004-06 University of Arizona (offensive line) 2003 University of North Texas (offensive line) 2002 University of Houston (defensive line) 2001 University of Houston (running backs/special teams) 2000 University of Houston (tight ends/tackles) 1996-99 University of South Florida (offensive line) 1995 Emporia State University (offensive line/strength coach) 1994 Kansas State (graduate assistant) Home Town: Youngstown, Ohio Birthdate: April 5, 1971 Family: Wife, Melinda; Son, Stone (1); Daugnter, Marlee (newborn) Education: B.S., Social Sciences-monetary policy and banking -- Kansas State, 1994 Playing Experience: Kansas State, 1989-93 Bowl Games: Rose Bowl, 2008; New Orleans Bowl, 2003; Copper Bowl, 1993 (player) "Coach Wolford really understands what a player goes through on a daily basis and what they need from a mentor. He is a very, very feisty guy, but for all the right reasons. He is a stand-up man, with great character, and you won't find many people like him in the world." - Former South Florida offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones

THE WOLFORD FAMILY (pictured left to right): Eric, Stone, (Zuri the dog), Marlee and Melinda Wolford

Eric Wolford enters his second year at Illinois after putting his mark on the Illinois offensive line in his first season on the Fighting Illini coaching staff. He mobilized a line group that paved the way for the best rushing season in school history while allowing the fewest sacks by an Illinois squad.

Wolford's veteran offensive line led the Illini offense to 3,338 rushing yards, the most in school history, and paved the way for running back Rashard Mendenhall's record-setting season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendenhall broke school records for rushing yards, rushing TDs and total TDs in a season. The offensive line also protected quaterback Juice Williams at a record pace, allowing just 16 sacks, a school record and the second-fewest in the Big Ten.

Individual honors followed, with left guard Martin O'Donnell earning Associated Press first-team All-America honors as well as first-team All-Big Ten recognition. Left tackle Xavier Fulton and center Ryan McDonald were named second-team All-Big Ten.

Wolford came to Illinois with 13 years of collegiate coaching experience, spending the past three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats as offensive line coach. During that time, UA led the league in fewest sacks allowed in 2004 and was second 2005. Wolford tutored two All-Pac-10 performers on the offensive line in Peter Graniello and Eben Britton, who also was named a Sporting News All-American in 2006. In addition to his strong coaching skills, Wolford was a integral part of Arizona's back-to-back top-25 recruiting classes.

Wolford spent the 2003 season at North Texas, where his offensive line paved the way for tailback Patrick Cobbs. He rushed for a league-record 1,690 yards, earning the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Award. Cobbs averaged 152 yards and 11.5 points per game, leading the NCAA. The offensive line blocked for a rushing average of 177.5 yards per game, which ranked 35th nationally, allowed only 18 sacks during the season and posted an 88 percent efficiency rating in the redzone. For their efforts, two Mean Green linemen, Andy Brewster and Nick Zuniga earned first-team All-Conference honors. Wolford also helped lead UNT to its third consecutive bid to the New Orleans Bowl.

Before joining North Texas, Wolford spent three-year stints at both Houston and South Florida. While at Houston, he coached a number of positions spanning offense, defense and special teams. In 2002, Houston enjoyed a dramatic turnaround went from winless to 5-7, the third-most wins for UH since 1990. The team also ended on a high note, defeating nationally ranked Louisville in the finale. During that time, Wolford coached five all-conference players. On the recruiting trail, Houston edged all Conference USA foes, landing the league's top classes in 2001 and 2002.

Wolford had the unique experience of coaching in the first three seasons of the South Florida football program, helping to lead the Bulls to two winning seasons in three years. In year two of the building process, the offense put up over 400 yards per game, including 191.5 yards per contest rushing. Running back Dyral McMillan became the school's first 1,000-yard rusher that year.

The Youngstown, Ohio, native began his coaching career at his alma mater, Kansas State, where he served as a graduate assistant and worked with the offensive line. From there, he spent two seasons as the offensive line and strength coach at Emporia State.

Wolford was a four-year starter at Kansas State under Bill Snyder and his teams laid the groundwork for the program's emergence on the national spotlight. His senior year, the Wildcats won the school's first bowl game in the 1993 Copper Bowl. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1994 in social sciences with a focus on monetary policy and banking. After college, Wolford signed a free agent contract with Buddy Ryan's Arizona Cardinals. Wolford and his wife, Melinda, have a son, Stone, and a daughter, Marlee.

What They're Saying About Wolford...