Northern Illinois University Athletics

All-MAC Candidate Career: Owns nine starts at LG and 665 overall snaps in 17 appearances (2003-04). Joe Novak: 'Matt is a tough, hard-nosed kid who can play all three offensive line spots. He was our No. 1 right tackle last summer before being sidelined by academics. He[apos]s a fifth-year senior with starting experience.' 2005: Sat out season due to academics. 2004: Earned second varsity letter with 73 overall snaps as back-up to Second-Team All-MAC selection Ben Lueck. Produced a 'plus' on 50 of 73 plays, recorded 77 percent blocking grade for the year, and made three knockdown blocks. Went season-high 23 snaps vs. No. 22 (AP) Maryland (9-4-04). Made travel roster four times. 2003: Called 'find of the spring' by Novak. Awarded first letter with nine starts at LG and 592 overall snaps in 12 games. Ranked No. 2 in team knockdown blocks (58) behind East-West Shrine Game participant Todd Ghilani (67). Graded a 'plus' on 436 of 592 plays. Played career-high 65 snaps vs. Iowa State (9-27-03). 2002: Red-shirted as true frosh walk-on. Reported to August drills as No. 3 center. Prep: Made Special Mention Champaign News-Gazette All-State on 14-0 Class 6A state championship squad as a senior (2001). Ex-prep teammate of Northern Illinois FS Mark Reiter. Named First-Team Catholic League All-Metro Blue Division, Honorable Mention Daily Southtown All-Area, Special Mention Chicago Sun-Times All-Area and Top 100 Prospect (2002), Chicago Tribune preseason loop Player to Watch and Special Mention All-State, Special Mention Champaign News-Gazette All-State on 14-0 Class 6A state kingpin as a senior for coach Matt Senffner (2001). Lettered in football (3), wrestling (3), and track (1). Personal: Ex-prep teammate of Northern Illinois FS Mark Reiter (1999-2001). Chart: Posted 15 reps with 225 pounds, 290-pound power clean, 310-pound bench press, and 410-pound back squat in off-season conditioning program (2006). Personal: Celebrated 21st birthday with Silicon Valley Football Classic victory. Birthdate (Age): 12-30-83 (22). Major: Pre-Sociology.