Western Oregon University Athletics

MONMOUTH, Ore. - For the second time in three seasons a member of the Western Oregon football family will be representing the Wolves in the Super Bowl. This year it will be Jeff Charleston's turn to grind it out in the trenches in the biggest game of them all, when his New Orleans Saints battle the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Feb. 7.

Charleston will be part of the Saints' defensive line rotation as they look to keep the pressure on Peyton Manning. However, it was not long ago Charleston wore those the same blue and white colors as he began his professional career in a Colts' uniform.

Charleston's journey began at Central High School in Independence, Ore., where he was an all-state tight end and inside linebacker. Upon graduation he moved on to Western Oregon University for his first three seasons of college ball (2001-03). Charleston committed to the defensive side of the ball and started his sophomore and junior on the line. During his last season with WOU, Charleston registered 69 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

He then moved on to complete his eligibility and continue the pursuit of his degree in pharmacy at Idaho State University. During his senior season (2005), Charleston led the Big Sky Conference with 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, but went undrafted.

The Houston Texans would give Charleston his first NFL opportunity, we they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Charleston did not see the field with the Texans, but caught on with Indianapolis part way through the 2007 season. Charleston went on to play in 13 games his first season, recording a career-best 24 tackles with three passes defended and forced a fumble, but was releases prior to the start of the next season.

He then signed a contract with the Saints on Oct. 14th, 2008 as has been with the organization for the past two seasons. Last year, Charleston saw action in 10 games, while registering 16 solo tackles (18 total) and a career-bet three sacks. This season, he has played every game during the Saints' run to Super Bowl XLIV as part of the defensive line rotation.

So no matter which team the Western Oregon alumni's heads are pulling for at kick-off they should save a little piece of their heart for the local boy and their fellow Wolf wearing the black and gold.