Kansas offensive lineman honored by Big 12 coaches (12-4-03) 6Sports video: Center Vaughn is Newcomer of Year (12-4-03) Vaughn quietly ferocious (9-12-03) 6Sports video: Joe Vaughn has pivotal role in KU's offensive line (9-12-03) Newcomers next in line (7-25-03)

David Mitchell's preseason take: Center from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M earned a starting job during spring drills and is the linchpin in KU's retooled line. He has earned high praise from coach Mark Mangino and quarterback Bill Whittemore and appears to be the leader of a young and inexperienced line.

Career Overview/Notes

Enrolled at KU in the spring ... Quickly earned the No. 1 spot at center for the Jayhawks but missed the last couple of practices with an injury ... Smart, athletic lineman with good feet ... Has made impressive gains in the weight room ... Possesses a strong work ethic ... Born on Nov. 14, 1982, in Okarche, Okla. ... Major: Sociology and Human Devlopment and Family Life.

junior college

Was an NJCAA second team All-American and an all-SWJC first team selection following his sophomore season at NEO ... In 2002, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M won the SWJC championship and the Red River Bowl Game in addition to finishing second in the final National Junior College Athletic Association poll.

High School

Earned a total of six letters in both football and track and field ... As a senior was an all-state selection in football and was the state champion in the shotput ... Was a team captain in both 1999 and 2000 ... An all-around student-athlete, Vaughn was named Mr. Del City High School and listed in Who's Who in America as a senior.

— Courtesy of kuathletics.com.