2012: Competed in seven games for Saginaw Valley...caught 2 receptions for 16 yards during his sophomore campaign...hauled in a season-long 12-yard catch against Wayne St. (Oct. 11).

2011: Saw action in one game against Ferris State (Sept. 10).

2010: Did not see action in 2010.

2009: Redshirted in 2009.

Prior to SVSU/Personal: Received varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track at Kenowa Hills High School...prepped at quarterback and defensive back positions under Coach VanEssen freshman through senior years...earned all-conference, all-area Advance, Grand Rapids Press Dream Team, honorable mention All-State Division II in 2008...set school records for most touchdowns with 21, yards rushing with 1,158, and yards passing with 1,220...Honorable mention all-conference, All-Area Advance and Grand Rapids Press Dream Team in 2007...set school records in track in 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter relay and 800 meter relay and was all-conference in 2007....elected football and basketball captain junior and senior years...four-year academic athlete...three year honor roll member...major is undecided...son of Scott and Marcia Van Essen...born on 5/26/90.