44  John Prater
	Class: Senior Hometown: Kerrville, Texas High School: Tivy Height / Weight: 6-0 / 234 Position: Inside Linebacker

UW This Season: John Prater enjoyed an outstanding junior season in 2006, and will team with fellow senior Luke Chase at the "MIKE" inside linebacking position again in `07. No other tandem on the Cowboy squad will have as much experience at one position as Prater and Chase in the middle.

2006: Prater had a great comeback season in `06 after redshirting the 2005 season due to chronic back problems. The senior ranked ninth on the Cowboy squad in tackles in `06, being credited with 36 total tackles. He also tied for the team lead in fumble recoveries with two on the season. That also ranked him No. 6 in the MWC. He sat out the entire `05 season, as well as 2006 spring drills trying to get his back healthy, and that paid off with an outstanding 2006 campaign.

2005: Prater was slotted to take over the starting spot at middle linebacker for the Wyoming Cowboys in 2005, filling the starting role that was held by two-year starter Randy Tscharner, who graduated, but a chronic back injury forced Prater to sit out the 2005 season. Although he wasn't the starter his first two seasons at Wyoming, Prater made significant contributions in both his true freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2004, he ranked 11th on the Cowboy squad in tackles, with 32, despite not starting.

2004: Prater played in 10 of 12 games in 2004, and recorded 32 total tackles. He also broke up three passes, and had two tackles for losses. A physical, intelligent player who is effective against both the run and pass.

2003: Prater was the only true freshman linebacker to see action for the Cowboys in `03. He played in nine of 12 games for UW, accounting for seven total tackles -- four solos and three assists. His best individual games came at Utah State and at Utah, making two tackles in each of those games. Earned his first varsity letter.

High School: Prater played his high school football at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas. He earned First Team All-State, First Team All-District and All-West Texas honors in football as a senior at Tivy High. Elected a team captain, Prater was also named his team's Most Valuable Player, and was selected the MVP of the Regional Super Team. His senior season, Prater was credited with 147 total tackles, including five quarterback sacks. He recorded 16 quarterback hurries, forced eight fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown. For his efforts, Prater was named his team's Defensive Most Valuable Player, as well. During his three years as a starter, Tivy High posted a 25-10 (.714) record. His junior year, Prater's team advanced to the Regional Semifinals of the State Playoffs and posted an 11-2 record. In 2002, Tivy compiled an 8-3 record and made it to the Bi-District Round of the playoffs. Prater was also an outstanding baseball player in high school. Academically, Prater was an Academic All-District honoree, an honor student and received the English Merit Award at his high school. He was coached in high school by head football coach Mark Smith. He was also recruited by Fresno State, San Diego State, UCLA and Utah.

Personal: Born March 3, 1984, he is the eldest of two sons of Kim and John Prater. Prater's father played football at the University of Kansas. His grandfather, John Prater Sr., played football and basketball at Baylor, and an uncle Dean Prater played football at Oklahoma State. Prater is majoring in communications.