Hard-working walk-on looks to break through for playing time as a sophomore ... could add depth both in the defensive backfield and on special teams.

2013: Did not see game action.

2012: Redshirted.

High School: Played only two seasons of varsity football but earned all-region and all-district honors after recording 50 tackles and 13 takeaways as a senior … coached by Anthony Parker … was also captain of Thomas Edison H.S. basketball team that won back-to-back district championships and advanced to Virginia state tournament for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Personal: Full name is Michael Nicholas Counts … born April 22, 1994 (20 years old) … son of Mary and Ken Counts … sister, Caitlin, played field hockey at Appalachian State from 2007-10, served as team captain as a senior and spent two seasons (2011-12) as an assistant coach following her graduation … Mike is majoring in criminal justice … is a member of Dean’s List and Appalachian State athletics’ academic honor roll and was also a member of Southern Conference academic honor roll … aspires to work for the FBI.