On Forte: Returning starter at strong safety who shifts to free safety post for 1999 ... redshirt junior with size, speed, strength and experience ...leading returning tackler in the Maryland secondary ... versatile performer who made five plays behind the line of scrimmage last season, in addition to an interception and three pass breakups ... has shown continued progress in the Terp secondary after originally coming to Maryland as a running back ... was moved to defensive back in the spring of 1997.

1998: Played and started in nine games in his first full season ... earned the No. 1 position at strong safety during spring drills ... despite missing games vs. Clemson and Wake Forest, finished second among Maryland defensive backs with 64 tackles, including 42 solos ... career-high 13 tackles at Duke ... had 11 stops in season finale vs. NC State ... contributed one of Maryland's record seven interceptions at Duke ... had a sack and tackle for loss vs. Temple, and a sack in the season opener vs. JMU.

1997: Missed his redshirt freshman season because of a broken leg suffered in spring drills ... was moved from running back to defensive back in the spring.

1996: Redshirt season.

High School: Graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1996 ... an all-state quarterback who accumulated 1,500 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns as a senior ... was an All-American selection by BlueChip Illustrated and an All-East choice by SuperPrep, National Recruiting Advisor and Tom Lemming. ... also lettered in basketball and track ... high school coaches were Keith Thompson and Tony Drakeford.

Personal: Shawn A. Forte ... born Jan. 20, 1977 ... son of Gail and Willie Williams ... majoring in American studies.

Defense  G-GS   UT   AT      TT   TFL   Sacks   Int
1998      9-9   42   22  64/7.1  4-17   1.0-8  1-10

Forte Up Close

Shawn Forte Hometown: Poughkeepsie, N.Y. High School: Poughkeepsie Position: Free Safety Experience: 1V