Although he has never started a game in two seasons at Appalachian State, has seen significant playing time as a member of the Mountaineers’ rotation at inside linebacker and on special teams ... possesses a 245-pound frame that is prototypical for the inside linebacker position but also boasts great athleticism that benefits the Mountaineers on special teams ... barring injury to one of Appalachian State’s two starters (John Law and Eric Boggs), is expected to remain in his niche as a reserve linebacker and valuable special-teams contributor.

2014: Appeared in all 12 games ... led the team’s non-starters with 29 tackles ... got off to a relatively slow start with just seven tackles through six games but played a big part in Appalachian State’s six-game winning streak to close the season with 22 stops in the final six games of the campaign ... opened the second half of the season with a game- and career-high nine tackles at Troy ... nine stops in the 53-14 win over the Trojans included the first sack of his career ... notched five tackles in Appalachian’s impressive 35-16 triumph at UL Lafayette ... closed the season with five more stops and a pass breakup in win over Idaho ... ranked sixth on the team with four special-teams tackles (all on kickoffs).

2013: Saw action in eight games, splitting time between special teams and inside linebacker ... recorded seven tackles on the season with two of them coming on kickoff coverage ... enjoyed best performance of the season in finale against Western Carolina with four tackles and a pass breakup ... fielded two pooch kickoffs on the season, returning one for 21 yards against Samford and the other for 10 yards against WCU.

Previous College: Attended Virginia Tech for two seasons (2011-12) … redshirted as a true freshman and did not see game action as a redshirt frosh.

High School: Was a standout on both sides of the ball at Northeastern H.S. … two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year … also a two-time all-area honoree … in addition to exploits on defense, also rushed for 590 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught six touchdown passes as a senior … coached by Antonio Moore.

Personal: Full name is Denzel Jamal Ward … born Aug. 13, 1993 (turns 22 during season) … son of Dawn Brumsey … majoring in criminal justice.