| Buckeye Bits: Enters the spring listed as the backup at right tackle to Kirk Barton ... fourth-year player ... was redshirted as a freshman and earned his first letter in 2005 ... did not play the first half of the 2005 season, but saw action in the final five games ... made huge strides the second half of last year and continued his excellent showing during bowl practice, proving to the coaches he was ready to step in and make contributions ... was a challenger at left guard heading into the 2006 season, but settled in at No. 2 at right tackle behind Kirk Barton ... can also play guard and center and is an excellent backup at any of the three interior positions (has had reps at all three in past springs) ... an intelligent player with good technique and power ... comes from an excellent high school program and has always been associated with winning teams.
2006 (Sophomore): Appeared in 10 games with action in the first eight games and again at Northwestern and in the national championship game ... No. 2 on the depth chart at right tackle behind Kirk Barton.
2005 (Freshman): Made his college debut was against Minnesota on the field goal unit and played in every game after that ... recorded playing time at tackle against Illinois and Northwestern.
2004 (Redshirt): Did not play in any games and was redshirted.
High School: Won all-state honors as a senior, helping Mt. Carmel to a 12-2 record ... played his junior year with a torn ACL and helped Mt. Carmel to a perfect 15-0 record and the state title ... started as a sophomore and was a part-time starter on the state championship team as a freshman ... considered one of the Top 50 offensive linemen in the country as a senior ... played baseball (pitcher, first base) and basketball (center) as a freshman and sophomore, but then concentrated on football.
Personal: Son of John and Judy Skinner ... has an older sister Julia, who graduated from Purdue this past spring ... his father, who played football at Bucknell, is a middle school teacher and his mom teaches at the high school level ... enjoys trout fishing back home and deep sea fishing (a 90-pound tarpon is his biggest catch). | 
