Nevada
2010: Expected to compete for playing time as a redshirt freshman, most likely at one of the tackle positions.
2009: Redshirted his first season in the program but made the travel squad for the Sheraton Hawai`i Bowl … Won the Offense’s Full-Speed, Effort and Habit Award as the Scout Team Player of the Year.

High School
A graduate of Long Beach (Calif.) Wilson Classical High School … Was a three-year letterman for coach Mario Morales … Was a two-sport star as a three-year letterwinner in basketball as well … As a senior, was named to the Long Beach Telegram's Dream Team for football and basketball … Was a two-time all-league selection and was the Moore League Lineman of the Year as a senior … Was a first-team all-conference selection and was named second-team all-state by maxpreps.com … Also lettered in track as a senior and led the league in the shot put.

Personal
Born Joel Michael Bitonio on Oct. 11, 1991 in San Pedro, Calif. … Son of Debbie and the late Mike Bitonio … Has an older sister, Katie, and a younger brother, Lucas … Is majoring in civil engineering … Sports hero is Kobe Bryant … Choose Nevada because of the direction of the program, the atmosphere and the academic reputation of the school … Was also recruited by Fresno State and San Jose State, among others … Enjoys playing basketball, watching movies, listening to music and going to the beach in his free time.