New Mexico State University Athletics

2008 (Junior): Paden started in all 12 games for the Aggies at linebacker.  He capped off the season second on the team, third in the WAC and 32nd in the nation in tackles with 107, while posting double-digit tackles in five games.  He also recorded a pair of quarterback sacks for 12 yards, seven tackles-for-a-loss of 30 yards and two interceptions for a total of 33 return yards.  At UTEP (9/20), Paden recorded 15 tackles and a pair of sacks for 12 yards.  He followed that performance with a season-high 16 tackles versus New Mexico (10/27).  Paden also recorded interceptions in back-to-back games when he snagged a pass against San Jose State (10/18) for 13 yards and at Idaho (10/25) for a season-high 20 yards. 

Butte Junior College: Paden spent two years at Butte Junior College as one of its starting linebackers. This past season, Paden led the team with 71 tackles, grabbing five sacks and 10 tackles-for-a-loss. He helped Butte to a 7-4 overall record in 2007 and a Stockman’s Bowl game win over Delta College. He was named the team’s most valuable defensive player and earned honorable mention All-Northern California Conference honors. As a freshman, Paden was named most valuable defensive player and also earned first team All-Northern California Conference honors.

High School: While at Folsom High School, Paden was both a linebacker and tight end. He was named a first team all-league selection in 2004 and 2005 as well as the team’s most valuable player in 2005 and was named to the state all-state game in 2005. He led the team in tackles both his junior and senior season with over a 100-plus each year.

Personal: Paden is the son of Kent and June Paden. He plans to major in marketing.