At MSU: Kenny Boutsabouabane played more minutes in 2007 than any player on this year’s roster and will be a steady presence on the back line. 2007: Boutsabouabane stepped in immediately after transferring from St. Bonaventure, starting all 20 matches in the midfield and back as a junior. The Dallas native was a steady performer all season and notched his only point with an assist against UMKC (10/31).

Background: Boutsabouabane started 15 matches and played in all 17 at midfielder for St. Bonaventure in 2006, as the Bonnies finished 3-12-2. The Dallas, Texas, native contributed an assist and had six shots during his sophomore season. As a freshman, Boutsabouabane started 13 matches and played in 17 contests, and scored his only collegiate goal for the 4-11-3 Bonnies. As a prepster at Duncanville High, Boutsabouabane scored 14 goals and added 16 assists as a senior. He was named the 2005 Texas all-state team, the Dallas Morning News’ second team, and was his district’s Midfielder of the Year. As a junior, he accumulated eight goals and eight assists to earn first team all-district honors.

Personal: Kenny Boutsabouabane is the son of Mani Boutsabouabane. He was born Oct. 28, 1986, in Dallas, Texas.