Saffer, Mike

Michael Steven Saffer

A three-year regular at right tackle for the University of California-Los Angeles, Saffer was considered UCLA's best lineman by many NFL scouts, and was named first team All-Pac 10, CNNSI.com, Sporting News second team All-America, and AP third team All-America in 2002. That same year, he won the team's N.N. Sugarman Perpetual Trophy for Best Leadership. On April 27, 2003, he signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, but was cut by the team on August 24.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 25, 1979

Career Highlights:
Considered by many to be the best prep offensive linemen in the country coming out of high school in 1997, Saffer redshirted his freshman year in 1998. The following year, Mike started at right guard in all seven games he appeared in (he was injured twice during the season), but UCLA had a disappointing 4-7 record on the season.

In 2000, Saffer started all 12 games for the Bruins, who went 6-6 including a 21-20 loss to Wisconsin in the Sun Bowl. In 2001, as a redshirt junior, Saffer was outstanding as he switched from guard to right tackle and the Bruins finished the season with a record of 7-4 (4-4 in conference). Mike was named second team All-Pac 10.

Prior to the 2002 season, Saffer was named pre-season All-America by the Sporting News and Street and Smith's, and was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy as the nation's top offensive lineman. His jersey, No. 65, was one of only three replica Bruin jerseys sold by UCLA and he was featured on billboards in the Los Angeles area.

UCLA finished the 2002 regular season with a record of 7-5 (4-4 in conference). On December 25, UCLA defeated New Mexico in the Sega Sports Las Vegas Bowl. One of Saffer's teammates was All-Pac 10 tight end Mike Seidman. Saffer, who was named All-Pac 10 and All-Pac 10 and All-America, played in the East-West Shrine Game on January 11, 2003.

Origin:
Tucson, Arizona

Career Dates:
Saffer played on UCLA's offensive line from 1999-2002.

Physical description:
6'5", 305 pounds

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