The availability of four veteran tackles enabled him to redshirt last season ... Showed high energy and passion for the game during his redshirt year ... Also did a good job learning the defensive system.
2012 (Freshman): Redshirted.
High School: Second-team all-state as a senior by The Associated Press and the Louisville Courier-Journal ... Played at Central Hardin HS in Cecilia, Ky. ... Team's best finish was 9-3 as a junior, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs ... Three-year starter ... Had 11 quarterback sacks as a senior ... Totaled 91 tackles as a junior, featuring 10 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks and a pass interception ... Participated in a pair of postseason all-star games after his senior year ... Played for the winning Greater Louisville team in the Best of the Bluegrass All-Star Game, defeating a team from the remainder of the state ... Also played in the Kentucky vs. Tennessee Border Bowl ... One of the top-10 prospects in Kentucky by Rivals.com, 24/7 Sports and SuperPrep ... The nation's No. 72 defensive tackle by 24/7 ... Head coaches at Central Hardin were former UK quarterback Mark Perry and Mike Lawson ... Also participated in basketball and the track and field teams ... Competed in the shot put and discus throw ... Honor-roll student.
Personal: Born in Jackson, Miss. ... Son of Patti Lewis and Antonio Townsend ... A cousin, Jeremy Graffree, played football at Virginia Tech ... Considering a major in business or kinesiology.
