Matt Spaeth’s father, Ken Spaeth was a tight end at the University of Nebraska. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round of the 1978 NFL draft. Matt attended Albertville High School in St. Michael, Minnesota where he played football and basketball. Matt was a three-time all-conference center on the basketball team who averaged 30 points and 13 rebounds per game as a senior. He was the defensive MVP of the 1999 state championship football game. He was also conference defensive MVP. As a senior, Matt caught 22 passes for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior. On defense he totaled 203 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles on the year. He was a two-time all-county and all-conference performer. Matt accepted a scholarship to Minnesota where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. Matt switched from defensive end to tight end the following spring. He went on to start 10 games in 2003, catching 12 passes for 98 yards on the year. He was named to various all-freshman teams at the conclusion of the season. He finished third on the team in receiving as a sophomore, totaling 24 receptions for 298 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all-big ten for his play as a sophomore. As a junior, Matt caught 26 passes for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was named first team all-big ten and academic all-big ten. As a senior, Matt set career highs in receptions (47), yards (564), and touchdowns (4), despite missing two games due to separated shoulder. He was named first team all-big for the second consecutive season.

Matt Spaeth has a great deal of experience, having started at tight end for the past four seasons at Minnesota. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player and a team leader. He has good size for the tight end position. He is a good receiver with soft hands. He catches the ball with his hands rather than the “body catch”. Matt is also a great run blocker who spent his college career in a run-oriented offense. Matt’s combination of size and receiving ability makes him a dangerous weapon in the redzone. Matt lacks great speed and athleticism. He is a great short-intermediate range target but he won’t make many plays down the field. He isn’t very elusive after the catch but he will break tackles and gain additional yardage. He does need to work on running more precise routes. Matt is a tough player who played three games with a separated shoulder as a senior. He had reconstructive surgery and was forced to miss the insight bowl as a result. Matt Spaeth is a good all-around tight end who should develop into a solid starter at the professional level. He should be a first day pick in the 2007 NFL draft.