Pitt transfer finds new home at IUP

Since winning its final game in August against Kutztown 34-32, it has been a long off-season for IUP football.

There were issues with player departures, injuries and adjustments on the coaching side, but at the end of the day, it is those changes that have IUP in the spotlight.

Off-season changes are to be expected. When you have players going every year to the draft, graduating, or getting injured, being flexible and having multiple threats is key. One of the big changes during the off-season was the addition of Dan Matha to the IUP football roster.

Matha is an offensive lineman who transferred to IUP from the University of Pittsburgh after playing three seasons of limited game time.

A 2007 McDowell High School graduate, Matha has proven himself as a talented player.

According to Scout.com, Matha was one of the top 20 offensive linemen and one of the top overall prospects in Pennsylvania.

Matha dealt with shoulder injuries at Pitt and a hip injury during the summer, but that did not stop him from practicing and training with the team.

His off-season injuries, gave Matha no doubts about his playing ability come game time September 4.

"No, I've been ready to play," said Matha. "There's nothing that's going to hold me back from that. I have been waiting too long, and I just want to play"

His talent will be a positive addition to an already talented offensive line and knowing how well the offensive line is meshing together, Matha believes it is only a matter of time until it is seen on the field.

The Crimson Hawks finished the 2009 season with a 6-5 record and they are expected to improve this season. Pre-season hype has not swayed Matha.

"You can't look too much into the pre-season polls," he said. "It's nice, but we would rather prove how good we are. We'll prove how good we are on the field."

Athleticism is not the only skill Matha hopes to bring to the Crimson Hawks.

"I hope to be able to bring leadership.  I would like to bring my experience on the field to help out with the new guys, while at the same time continue to learn and improve myself."