The Philadelphia Eagles will welcome its Class of 2013 for the rookie minicamp next weekend. As we learn about the new Eagles as football players and begin to project how they will help this football team, here's an opportunity to learn about the players off the field as well. Here are some notes on the Eagles' third-round pick, defensive tackle Bennie Logan ...

• The son of Bennie Frost and Sandra Logan, Bennie Logan has seven siblings - Lacey, Jeremy, Corey, Adrian, Jessica, Carl and Mark. Bennie Logan lost his mother in the fifth grade.
• Raised in the small town of Coushatta, La., which boasts a population of nearly 2,300 people, Logan joins former Major League Baseball All-Star first basemen Joe Adcock and WNBA player Vickie Johnson as fellow professional athletes to hail from Coushatta.
• Even thought he was a two-time all-state selection at Red River High School in Coushatta, Logan struggled to get the eye of college football recruiters. Once LSU got in the mix, Nebraska and Michigan were also serious suitors, Logan was heading to Baton Rouge, La. even though he would always carry a chip on his shoulder.

"Guys that are not in the spotlight, they have to be hungry and humble, they've got to be patient with it," Logan said. "I wasn't the high-ranked defensive lineman, so I had to work harder than the five-stars to get into college. ... That motivated me throughout my life."

• At LSU, it has become a customary tradition for a player who possesses a selfless attitude to don the prestigious No. 18 jersey. Logan would sport the jersey in the 2012 season.

The jersey number, which has become synonymous with success both on and off the field, originated in 2003 when LSU quarterback Matt Mauck helped guide the school to its first National Championship since 1958. Following Mauck's collegiate career, he passed along his number to running back Jacob Hester, who then led the Tigers on another championship run in 2007.

Entering his junior season in 2012, Logan's leadership and dedicated commitment were key factors in him being presented with the honor when it was handed down by graduating LSU defensive back Brandon Taylor. Former Tigers who also wore the esteemed number included running back Richard Murphy and tight end Richard Dickson.

"The number 18 is a great thing that is given to a player who displays great leadership on and off the field. (Guys who have) great character, handle their business and go to class, don't cause any problems or anything like that," Logan said. "It's voted on by the coaching staff, the equipment staff and the training room staff. So if you have friends on the football team, they can't vote for you because they like you. It's strictly given to you by (the coaching staff)."

Logan became the first defensive lineman to get to wear the number after the previous No. 18s were all backs or receivers.

• Logan earned the Toby Caston Award, given for outstanding leadership on defense in the Tigers program.

"Ben has definitely been one of my closest friends on the team. We came in together and we've always been tight knit class," said Browns first-round pick and former Tiger Barkevious Mingo. "The class of 2009. He lived right down the corner from me, so we were always together hanging out and I just wish him the best. He's a guy that I looked up to. He led our defensive line room, he kept everything in order and like I said, I just wish nothing but the best for him."

• Showing his blue collar work ethic, it was uncommon for an LSU starter to volunteer for special team duties, but Logan embraced that role and rewarded the staff by blocking three kicks during the last two seasons.
• Surrounded by talented players during his time at LSU, such as 2012 first-round draft pick Michael Brockers and  Mingo, there is reason to believe that Logan's best football is ahead of him.

"He may be a better pro than he was a college player. And he was a very good college player," said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock before the draft. "He's going to go in the second or third round."

Well, Mayock was right. The Eagles had a second-round grade on Logan and were pleased to see he was still available in the third round.

• Logan worked with former Eagles defensive line coach and former LSU defensive coordinator Pete Jenkins before the draft. He was impressed by Logan's willingness to learn.

"Every morning when we'd get together for film sessions about 8 AM, most of the guys were half-asleep," Jenkins said. "I'd see the look on Bennie's face and it was 'Let's go do it.' He's got a great attitude."

• Proud of his beard, Logan's facial hair was well known on the Baton Rouge campus.

"I couldn't get rid of my beard now," Logan said. "I've built this image with the beard, so to shave it off would make it a lot different for me."

• In the Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Clemson, he ended his Tigers tenure with a career-best nine tackles that included an assisted stop behind the line of scrimmage. He always seemed to rise to the occasion in big spots. Tied his season-high with six tackles in the 2011 BCS Championship Game vs. Alabama, as he also had a sack and 1.5 stops-for-loss. He added five solo tackles and a forced fumble vs. Georgia in the SEC Championship Game to advance to the BCS title game.

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