| A native of Santa Ana, California, Matthew | | | | Expecting that his return for senior season |
| Leinart was born in May 1983. No stranger to | | | | may have hindered his draft position, Matthew |
| the sport of football, Leinart was the | | | | Leinart expects to be drafted after fellow |
| quarterback of his Mater Dei High School in | | | | teammate Reggie Bush. There is some |
| Santa Ana. Later attending the University of | | | | speculation at which team, who is in need of |
| Southern California, he quickly joined the | | | | a quarterback, will choose Leinart in the |
| Trojans football team, whom he led to two | | | | draft. |
| national championship titles. During his | | | | |
| junior year at the University, Leinart was | | | | As a potential NFL star is rising, Leinart |
| named the recipient of the coveted Heisman | | | | will forever cherish his college days and the |
| Trophy. That same year, he was shined about | | | | many achievements that were made. A Heisman |
| again as being presented with the inaugural | | | | Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, Rose Bowl MVP, |
| Manning Award for college quarterbacks. In | | | | AP All-American First Team, Player of the |
| 2005, Leinart was once again nominated for a | | | | Year and the AP Player of the Year are a few |
| possible Heisman Trophy. The trophy, however, | | | | of the many awards that Matthew Leinart |
| went to teammate Reggie Bush. | | | | received for his 2004 season. The following |
| | | | year, in 2005, Leinart was in the spotlight |
| With his early success, Matthew Leinart | | | | once again as the Orange Bowl MVP, recipient |
| immediately began planning for his entry into | | | | of the Unitas Award, All-American Offensive |
| the National Football League. In anticipation | | | | Player, Sporting News Sportsman of the Year |
| of his future move to the world of | | | | award and others. |
| professional sports, Leinart signed with | | | | |
| Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and hired an | | | | Both college and NFL football fans will |
| agent in January 2006. Considered one of the | | | | anxiously await to see which team will |
| top prospects in the 2006 NFL draft, Leinart | | | | ultimately select Matthew Leinart. Entering |
| is a left-handed quarterback with an accurate | | | | the draft as a quarterback will instantly |
| arm, field experience and great leadership | | | | secure his spot in the limelight with the |
| skills. | | | | national team that secures the deal. This |
| | | | college senior has devoted his time to both |
| With the 2006 NFL draft approaching, Leinart | | | | academics and sports, which will certainly |
| is currently wrapping up his senior year at | | | | reflect on both playing skills and leadership |
| the University of Southern California. | | | | ability. |