Matthew Gratzek of North Dakota State ~ 6.1/290
"Overview: Matthew is a 2006 graduate of Stephens-Argyle H.S. in Argyle, MN where he was a 3-year starter. Gratsek was his class's salutatorian and he played both lines while in H.S. His team compiled a 52-1 record that included a 41-game winning streak. Played 9-man football, and won three State Championships. He was named to the Associated Press all-state team and was the conference’s Most Valuable Lineman. Matthew was a 2-time all-conference performer and was an honorable mention all-state choice as a junior. Was also a very good shot putter, and played basketball.
Redshirted in 2006,
In 2007, he played in all 11 games including one start and tallied 30 tackles including 11 solos and 6.5 TFLs.
In 2008, he started in 10 of 11 games and was part of a defense that led the FCS in pass defense, ranked 3rd in sacks, 5th in total defense and tackles for loss. He finished with 32 tackles including 10 solos, six tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
In 2009, he was named 2nd-team all-MVC after piling up 50 tackles including 22 solos, 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Strengths: A load who demands a double-team constantly at the FCS level and still splits it at times. Smart and coachable. Plays better than he should, and is a surprisingly good athlete. Gives 100% effort while he is in the game. Very productive against the run, and will also push FCS interior linemen backwards, messing up plays and timing. Gets low and plays with leverage. A poor man's Joe Klecko.
Weaknesses: Bad body. Overachiever who may be maxed out. Must be rotated to be kept effective. Pretty much just a bull rusher, who lacks variety in his pass rush. Not a great bad weather guy.
Projection: Should be a 7th round pick, and if he were coming out of the FBS, he undoubtedly would be drafted."
Redshirted in 2006,
In 2007, he played in all 11 games including one start and tallied 30 tackles including 11 solos and 6.5 TFLs.
In 2008, he started in 10 of 11 games and was part of a defense that led the FCS in pass defense, ranked 3rd in sacks, 5th in total defense and tackles for loss. He finished with 32 tackles including 10 solos, six tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
In 2009, he was named 2nd-team all-MVC after piling up 50 tackles including 22 solos, 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Strengths: A load who demands a double-team constantly at the FCS level and still splits it at times. Smart and coachable. Plays better than he should, and is a surprisingly good athlete. Gives 100% effort while he is in the game. Very productive against the run, and will also push FCS interior linemen backwards, messing up plays and timing. Gets low and plays with leverage. A poor man's Joe Klecko.
Weaknesses: Bad body. Overachiever who may be maxed out. Must be rotated to be kept effective. Pretty much just a bull rusher, who lacks variety in his pass rush. Not a great bad weather guy.
Projection: Should be a 7th round pick, and if he were coming out of the FBS, he undoubtedly would be drafted."
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