Matt Bernstein was a four year starter in high school who rushed for just under 4,000 yards and scored 62 touchdowns his final two years combined. He was named state player of the year in each of his final two seasons in high school. His 504 career points scored rank third in New York state history. On defense Bernstein recorded 107 tackles and forced seven fumbles as a senior. After high school, Bernstein decided to attend the University of Wisconsin where he majored in History. He sat out the 2001 season as a redshirt and has been the teams’ starting fullback for the past four years. He was named to the academic all-big ten team in 2002. He missed just one game that season with a hyperextended knee. That was the only game he missed in his entire career at Wisconsin. Although he is primarily a lead blocker and short yardage back, Bernstein proved he can carry the load when needed against Penn State in 2004. The Badgers had three injured running backs going into that game and Bernstein took over, racking up 123 rushing yards on 27 carries in a 16-3 victory. Luckily for Bernstein and the Badgers that game was postponed until the evening to accommodate the television schedule, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to play. He takes the Jewish religion very seriously and that game fell on a holiday. He spent the morning in temple and fasted all day. Then he was able to play that evening. Going into the 2005 season, Bernstein was voted team captain by his teammates. He missed some time in camp with a shoulder injury but was still there paving the way for the Wisconsin running game in their first game of the year against Bowling Green.

At 6-2, 266, Matt Bernstein has excellent size and strength for a fullback. He is a classic lead blocking fullback who would rather pave the way for his running back than actually touch the football himself. He is a devastating run blocker who really takes pride in what he does and rarely misses a block. He is a very good short yardage and goal line back but he isn’t very elusive and he isn’t going to break many long runs carrying the football. Once he gets going he can be extremely difficult to bring down and he will break a lot of tackles. Although he didn’t catch many passes at Wisconsin, Bernstein does have the hands to be an effective receiver in an offense that will utilize the fullback in the passing game. He has proven to be an extremely durable player, only missing one game in his four years as a starter for the Badgers. He is a person of high character who has been an excellent leader both on and off the field. He has been an academic all-big ten selection and was voted team captain by his teammates prior to his senior season. Matt Bernstein is a true “throwback” player as a lead blocker and short yardage runner. He one of the best at what he does and could be the first fullback selected in the 2006 NFL draft.