JOHN BAUMGAERTNER, 27
FORMER DIRECTOR'S ASSISTANT
"None of us are hunks," says the Wisconsin native. But behind the demure glasses, he's an L.A.-based singer-drummer who once dyed his hair blue while touring with his band, the Baum Squad. Favorite date with Melana: Dinner by a campfire. "A five-star restaurant, that's not my style." Ideal woman: Someone who'll "try anything once."
THE YOLKSTER
ZACH COHEN, 29
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
"I absolutely in no way consider myself an average Joe," says the New Yorker, a roughhouser who in the first hour cracked an egg on Marc Marcuse's head. "He had a fit like he was an 11-year-old girl," scoffs Cohen. As to romance, "I don't look for love. If it's there, great." Best physical features: "I like being tall [6'2'] and I have a nice butt." Philosophy: "I'm not cocky. I'm confident."
THE MOTOR MOUTH
MARC MARCUSE, 32
SOFTWARE MANAGER
"I don't have a problem getting girls," says the 5'4" L.A. resident, who still savors the time he slow-danced with a 6'4" date. Best quality: "I speak my mind. My big mouth has gotten me amazing opportunities, including the show—but it's also ruffled feathers." First kiss: Kindergarten. "I had an early start."
MELANA SCANTLIN, 25
HALF-TIME EMCEE FOR THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
"I wasn't disgusted, "Scantlin says of being introduced to the so-so Joes after producers led her to expect another Ryan Sutter. "I was brought up to love everybody, as cliché as that may sound." And when she kisses some of the men, "It's very real."
ADAM MESH, 28
WALL STREET TRADER
In his spare time the New Yorker is writing a novel, a romantic comedy mostly based on his own life.
CRAIG CAMPBELL, 26
CIGAR-LOUNGE MANAGER
Once proposed to a girl on top of the Empire State Building; she said no. Lives in La Habra, Calif.
DAVID LOPEZ, 25
BOUNCER
High school class clown. Melana told the Canyon Country, Calif., resident that his eyes were beautiful.
JERRY FERRARA, 28
AD EXECUTIVE
The New Yorker calls himself a "good-looking guy...bright...great career." Sailed around the world.
JAY GREENBERG, 34
FILM ASSISTANT
Recently threw an Average Joe party at Average Joe's Sports Pub in his hometown, Indianapolis.
big daddy
JOE FABIANI, 37
INVESTMENT BANKER
"I've got a few extra pounds, but that's okay," says Fabiani, who lives in Dallas. "It's about the person inside." He breaks the ice with women by using humor (or, in Melana's case, by accidentally spilling a mixed drink on himself). "Once they start laughing, it's usually easier to start talking." He already has one very significant person in his life: his 8-year-old daughter from his former marriage. "It's a package deal. You don't love my daughter, then you can't love me." Romantic date: "Something with water—a picnic by the lake." Workout: "I walk back and forth to the bar."
HE'S GOT HAPPY FEET
BRAD HOLCMAN, 26
TV STUDIO ASSISTANT
Meeting Melana, the L.A. resident made his move: He showed off the tap-dancing techniques he has practiced since 10. "And I've got a lot of personality that goes with it." Wishes he could be: Justin Timberlake. "He's just the coolest." First-date destination: "The toy store. I have a kid personality."
"A" for effort
TAREQ KABIR, 22
COMPUTER SCIENCE PROF
"I think it's admirable to be a nerd," says the Zimbabwe-born Kabir, a lecturer at Hunter College in New York City. Still, he wishes he'd hit Melana with a smoother line than "Do you like broccoli?" (She said yes, but she doesn't like peas.) Hey, it was a joke. "I didn't psychoanalyze the significance of broccoli versus peas in the hierarchy of green food." Worst quality: "My sense of humor, obviously." Ideal woman: Nancy O'Dell of Access Hollywood. "I'm a prisoner of her charm."
DENNIS LUCIANI, 36
ACCOUNTANT
Established himself as the show's Mr. Nice Guy when he offered to wash Marc Marcuse's egg-stained shirt. ("No one was as golden," says Marc.) But the L.A. resident, who twice failed to get on Survivor, sees himself as "the eternal nerd trying to fit into a jock world"—and struggling with the dating scene. He's a virgin, "waiting for the right person." First kiss: At 19, after taking a girl to see Ghost. How he charms the ladies: Dancing and spinning hula hoops. "This white boy has got some good moves in him."
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