Wayne State University Athletics

Career Notes:  Played in 41 career contests, starting the final 17 games at center ... also made one start at right tackle ... link to career statistics.

2016:   Started all 11 games at center ... helped WSU score the third-most TD in the GLIAC (52) and finish seventh nationally in rushing offense (274.3 ypg), 13th in fewest TFL allowed (4.18 pg) and 24th in yards per completion (14.59) ... blocked for the nation's second-leading rusher during the regular season ... Game-By-Game Stats.

2015:  Played in all 11 games, starting seven times ... made first career start in the Michigan Tech contest playing right tackle ... was the back-up right tackle vs. Truman ... saw action vs. Malone as both the back-up right tackle and at center ... played as a back-up center at Tiffin ... started at center the last six games ... helped WSU rush for 194 yards per game and 27 touchdowns ... saw action on the PAT/FG unit in the first six games ... Game-By-Game Statistics.

2014:  Dressed for 10 games, seeing action in eight contests ... saw action as back-up right tackle vs. Malone, Northwood, Walsh and Findlay ... did not travel to Grand Valley State ... dressed but did not play at Northern Michigan and Hillsdale ... played on the PAT/FG unit in nine games ... Game-By-Game Stats.

2013:  Played in all 11 games ... made collegiate debut at left guard at Carson-Newman ... saw action at right guard vs. Malone and Ferris State ... also saw time on the PAT/FG team in all 11 games ... Game-By-Game Stats.

2012:  Dressed for all the home games, but did not see any playing time ... was redshirted.

High School:  A 2012 graduate of Lapeer East High School ... was a key member of an offensive unit that averaged nearly 27 points per game during the regular season for head coach Jake Weingartz, a former WSU letterwinner (2003-06) … helped the Eagles to an 8-3 mark and a state playoff appearance … selected to the All-Flint Metro League Second Team as a senior … also competed in basketball and track ... served as a team captain in both football and basketball ... was a four-year Scholar Athlete.

Personal:  Full name--Joseph F. Pillars III ... born July 16, 1994, in Greensboro, N.C. ... son of Joe Pillars and the late Jill Hooker ... is a civil engineering major ... named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (term gpa 3.5+) for Winter 2016 and Winter 2017 ... named to the Coach's Honor Roll (term gpa 3.0-3.49) for Winter 2013, Winter 2014 and Fall 2016.