Biography
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View photos of Steelers 2016 7th round draft pick, LB Tyler Matakevich.
Tyler Matakevich** LinebackerTemple6-1, 235Stratford, Ct.St. Joseph's High School7th Round – 246th Overall
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CAREER NOTES
A four-year letter winner (2012, '13, '14, '15) and the Temple program all-time leading tackler with 493 stops…became the first Temple defensive player to earn first-team All-America honors and the first Owl at any position since 1986 (Paul Palmer)…recipient of the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nargurski Trophy, given to the nation's most outstanding defensive player in 2015.
2015 SEASON
The only player in FBS to lead his team in tackles in every game, eclipsing the 100-tackle plateau for the fourth season, just the seventh player in NCAA history to accomplish the feat…was only one of two players be a three-time captain in Temple history…had a career-high 3.0 sacks vs. Penn State...hauled in a personal-best two interceptions and was part of a senior class that defeated Cincinnati for the first time in four tries.
2014 SEASON
Served as a team captain, leading the American Athletic Conference with 88 solo tackles…tied a school record with 16 solo tackles vs. East Carolina.
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2013 SEASON**Led the NCAA with 8.8 solo tackles per game, and his 11.4 total stops trailed one San Jose State's Keith Smith (13.3)…had 10 or more stops in seven of 12 games, surpassing the 100-tackle mark in Week 8…his 137 tackles were seventh-most in Temple record books, setting a school and conference record with 24 stops at Idaho.
2012 SEASON
One of 14 true freshmen to see game action, and one of four to earn a starting role…played in every game, one of three freshman to do so…became the first freshman in program history to record 100 tackles, finishing second on the defense with 101 tackles (67 solo), three tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble…ranked fourth in the Big East in tackles (9.2 per game).
PREP SCHOOL
Played linebacker at Milford Academy for one year, earning 2011 All-State honors.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended St. Joseph's High School…a 2011 All-State honoree at linebacker, helping the Cadets to a 10-2 record in his senior season while capturing back-to-back state championship titles…2010 Connecticut Post Male Athlete of the Year…set the school record for touchdowns in a game with five vs. Trumball as a junior…also played baseball, leading the team as a junior with a .372 batting average, 32 RBI and five homeruns.
PERSONAL
Born on Dec. 22, 1992…son of Kim and David Matakevich…majored in adult and organizational development.
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