Full Name: Omar Thabiti Gaither

Born: March 18, 1984

Coach at Myers Park High School: Tommy Strahan

TENNESSEE TRIVIA - Eighteen tackles in 2004 SEC title game were most by Vol in regulation contest since Shon Walker had 19 vs. Kentucky in 1991 ... Led Vols in special teams tackles each of first two collegiate seasons.

HONORS -

• 2004 All-SEC Coaches (2nd)
• 2002 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll

CAREER GAMES/STARTS - 38/11

2004 - Games/Starts: 13/11 ... All-SEC second team nod from league coaches after performances like 18-tackle effort in SEC title game ... The 18 tackles, including three for lost yardage, were most since Keyon Whiteside had 18 in 6-overtime win vs. Arkansas in 2002 ... Vols' third-leading tackler with 92 stops and ranked sixth among league TFL leaders with 12.5 ... Started final 11 games of season at strong side linebacker ... Made most of first career start, posting team-leading 11 tackles and one interception against Louisiana Tech ... Led defensive effort at Georgia, totaling nine tackles (eight solo), including two for loss and first career sack ... At South Carolina, made seven tackles including one for loss and returned interception 20 yards.

2003 - Games/Starts: 12/0 ... Led team with 10 special teams tackles ... Saw limited action at linebacker ... Made five tackles vs. Auburn ... Added three tackles, including 11/2 TFLs, against Georgia ... Posted two tackles in Vols' homecoming victory over Duke.

2002 - Games/Starts: 13/0 ... Led Vols with 12 special teams tackles ... Finished regular season with 17 tackles ... Also named to SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll ... Had season best four tackles at Mississippi State.

HIGH SCHOOL - All-America honors from PrepStar, Tom Lemming and Borderwars.com ... Named Student-Athlete of the Year by Charlotte Touchdown Club ... At 2001 Shrine Bowl, blocked field goal and two punts, added interception, nine tackles, three hurries, two sacks and three knockdowns to earn North Carolina Defensive MVP ... Three-time Class 4A All-State selection and four-time All-Conference ... As senior, had 94 tackles, five forced fumbles and three interceptions ... Contributed 810 yards rushing and nine TDs on 91 carries ... Best game was 16 tackles vs. Richmond in 1999 ... First Myers Park athlete to earn 12 letters (four each in football, basketball and track and field) ... Had 4.1 grade-point average ... Averaged 13 points and eight rebounds in basketball his senior year and had long jump of 23-4.