Monmouth University Athletics

Returning starter at defensive tackle... All-Northeast Conference candidate... Verizon Academic All-District performer.

2002 (Junior): Earned second-team Verizon Academic All-America District II honors as a junior... Started all 10 games for the Hawks at defensive tackle... Registered 29 tackles on the season, including 16 solo jobs... Registed seven tackles for loss totaling 11 yards... Booked five tackles in season opener at Lafayette... Logged four tackles, including three tackles for loss of yardage at Robert Morris... Notched career-high seven tackles, including three tackles for loss of yardage at Wagner.

2001 (Sophomore): Played in all 10 games at defensive end... Recorded 21 tackles including 17 solo stops... Tallied one 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

2000 (Freshman): Played in two games as a freshman... Tallied four tackles on the season, including one-half sack.
High School: Two-sport standout at Toms River (N.J.) East High School... Earned two varsity letters in football... Named all-county honorable mention as a junior and senior... Logged 83 tackles, three forced fumbles and one touchdown as a senior... Also earned one letter in baseball as a pitcher.

Personal: Son of Bob and Sue Pluta... Born February 8, 1982 in Point Pleasant, N.J... Majoring in business finance.