Matt Leininger

Position:
Defensive Lineman6
Height:
6-3
Weight:
269
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Napoleon, Ohio
High School:
Liberty Center

2003: Played in 14 games and started 12 times ... recorded four tackles in the Motor City Bowl versus Northwestern ... had 63 tackles and eight QB hurries this year ... had four tackles vs. Miami in the MAC Championship ... made seven tackles vs. Toledo ... had six tackles at Ball State ... four stops, including a sack vs. NIU ... nine tackles and PBU at EMU ... five tackles vs. CMU ... seven tackles at OSU ... five stops and three hurries at Purdue.

2002: Played in 12 games, starting in seven ... made first career-start against Ohio ... recorded 37 tackles on the year (15 solo) ... totaled four TFLs on the year ... had seven tackles against Ohio ... had one tackle and fumble recovery vs. EMU ... recorded six tackles at South Florida and five tackles vs. Kent State ... had eight stops at NIU.

High School: A 2002 graduate of Liberty Center H.S. ... a first-team All-State, All-District, and All-NWOAL pick ... had 54 tackles in leading the Tigers to a 12-1 record and a Northwest Ohio Athletic League title ... was the District Lineman of the Year ... played in both the North/South All-Star game and Big 33 All-Star game ... helped squad to a 48-5 record as a prep ... team won four league championships and three district titles ... coached by Rex Lingruen ... also lettered in baseball and wrestling.

Personal: Full name is Matthew David Leininger ... son of John and Dawn Bender ... undecided major ... born Aug. 6, 1984.

Year     GP   Solo   Ast   Total   TFL/Yds   Sacks/Yds
2002     12    15    22     37      4/12       1/9
2003     14    18    45     63      1.5/3       0

Tot.     26    33    63     96     5.5/15      1/9