Joe Gilbert enters his third season as the offensive line coach at UCF.
Gilbert[apos]s offensive line was one of UCF[apos]s most consistent units in 2005 and helped pave the way for Conference USA Freshman of the Year Kevin Smith, who totaled 1,178 yards on the ground from his tailback position. Following the regular season, junior center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux garnered C-USA All-Conference First Team recognition. Gilbert also helped guard L.J. Anderson and tackle Patrick Brown earn conference all-freshman team honors.
In Gilbert[apos]s first year with the Golden Knights in 2004, he coached the nation[apos]s youngest offensive line that started two true freshmen and three sophomores. The six offensive linemen that earned letters were either freshmen or sophomores.
Prior to UCF, Gilbert helped develop one of the nation[apos]s top offensive lines at Toledo. Gilbert[apos]s offensive line enjoyed a banner season in 2002 as the Rockets ranked fifth in the nation in total offense (472.2), 11th in scoring (35.4) and 16th in rushing (214.3), while earning a second MAC West title and a repeat visit to the Motor City Bowl. Two offensive linemen, sophomore tackle Nick Kaczur and senior center Chris Tuminello, earned first-team All-MAC honors.
In 2001, Gilbert guided the Rocket offensive line to another outstanding season, helping pave the way for MAC and Motor City Bowl championships.
Toledo ranked 13th in the nation in total offense (444.5), 16th in scoring offense (34.9) and 17th in rushing offense (213.4) that season.
Gilbert worked as an assistant coach at Maine form 1994-99, including three years as offensive coordinator. During his tenure with the Black Bears, Gilbert directed an offense that set 11 school and five NCAA I-AA records.
Prior to coaching at Maine, Gilbert was the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Northeastern from 1991-93, and assistant line coach and recruiting coordinator at Pennsylvania in 1989-90.
Gilbert was a standout at Horseheads (N.Y.) High School where he earned All-Twin-Tier honors before attending Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. A four-year starter on the offensive line at Hamilton, Gilbert was a three-time all-conference selection, and in his senior season became the first Hamilton player to earn first-team All-America honors.
A 1983 graduate of Horseheads High School, Gilbert earned a bachelor[apos]s degree in government at Hamilton in 1987. He and his wife Cheryl have a daughter, Madison (6) and two sons; Nicholas (3) and Joseph (1).
As of 6/15/06