Branden Pena

 Granted a medical redshirt year after missing most of the last two years with injuries, Branden Pena put together an impressive spring for the University of East Carolina football team.

 A sixth-year senior, Pena was moved from right guard to center, where he is listed as the starter for the Pirates.

 Pena, who prepped at North Salinas and played at Hartnell, helped East Carolina record three of its top four rushing performances before suffering a season ending knee injury in Week 4.

 The 6-foot-2, 288-pounder lost his junior year to a season ending foot injury in the season opener, enabling him to be granted a medical redshirt in March.

 A member of The Herald's All-County football team at North Salinas, Pena was part of Hartnell's 10-1 team in 2015. He's already earned his bachelor's degree in communications at East Carolina.