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A native of Santa Ana, California, Matthew Leinart was born in May 1983. No stranger to the sport of football, Leinart was the quarterback of his Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Later attending the University of Southern California, he quickly joined the Trojans football team, whom he led to two national championship titles. During his junior year at the University, Leinart was named the recipient of the coveted Heisman Trophy. That same year, he was shined about again as being presented with the inaugural Manning Award for college quarterbacks. In 2005, Leinart was once again nominated for a possible Heisman Trophy. The trophy, however, went to teammate Reggie Bush.

With his early success, Matthew Leinart immediately began planning for his entry into the National Football League. In anticipation of his future move to the world of professional sports, Leinart signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and hired an agent in January 2006. Considered one of the top prospects in the 2006 NFL draft, Leinart is a left-handed quarterback with an accurate arm, field experience and great leadership skills.

With the 2006 NFL draft approaching, Leinart is currently wrapping up his senior year at the University of Southern California. Expecting that his return for senior season may have hindered his draft position, Matthew Leinart expects to be drafted after fellow teammate Reggie Bush. There is some speculation at which team, who is in need of a quarterback, will choose Leinart in the draft.

As a potential NFL star is rising, Leinart will forever cherish his college days and the many achievements that were made. A Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, Rose Bowl MVP, AP All-American First Team, ESPN.com Player of the Year and the AP Player of the Year are a few of the many awards that Matthew Leinart received for his 2004 season. The following year, in 2005, Leinart was in the spotlight once again as the Orange Bowl MVP, recipient of the Unitas Award, All-American Offensive Player, Sporting News Sportsman of the Year award and others.

Both college and NFL football fans will anxiously await to see which team will ultimately select Matthew Leinart. Entering the draft as a quarterback will instantly secure his spot in the limelight with the national team that secures the deal. This college senior has devoted his time to both academics and sports, which will certainly reflect on both playing skills and leadership ability.