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Tim is the Spartans' experienced offensive linemen. Heading into 2002, Provost has started 33 games at right tackle in his three seasons - one of the top-10 figures among active NCAA Division I-A offensive linemen. Provost is an example of effectively utilizing a redshirt season and what hard work can do for a student-athlete. He accepted a challenge prior to the 1999 season, moved from defense to offense with only three weeks to learn a new position and now is one of the reliable forces in the team's offense. Tim has anchored the right side of the offensive line the last two years that has allowed just 24 sacks in the team's last 24 games. The 2000 offensive line also was one of the best run blocking units in school history opening holes for 29 rushing touchdowns, the second best single-season figure in school history, and helped the team finish with a 5.2 yards per carry average.


Tim came to San Jose State in 1998 as a 230-pound defensive lineman and redshirted that season. He remained with the defensive unit through 1999 spring practice and was asked to move to offense in part because the Spartans were short of linemen.


Provost lettered in football (Coach Kevin Simpson), basketball and track at Perris (Calif.) High School. He was second on his team in tackles as a senior with 87 tackles. He was a first-team all-league choice and an All-Inland Empire pick in 1997. As a junior, he was a second-team all-league and honorable mention all-county selection.In track and field, he was a shot put and discus thrower. His mother, JoAnne Provost, is the softball coach at Perris High School. One of his uncles, Mark Boyer, was a tight end on the 1982 through 1984 University of Southern California football teams. Provost is a four-time San Jose State University "Scholar-Athlete" Award winner and was chosen to the 1999 academic All-WAC football team. He is active in the campus chapters of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes-in-Action organizations. Tim was born in Downey, Calif., on August 24, 1980.