2012 (Freshman): Played in nine games along the offensive line and special teams making two starts at right tackle ... Made his first collegiate start against nationally-ranked Appalachian State, also starting at Alabama.
Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year letter winner and two-year starter at Millbrook High where he played both offensive and defensive line ... Earned All-CAP-8 conference accolades as a senior ... Was additionally named to the All-OT Football second team offense as selected and released on HighSchoolOT.com ... Listed as a Top 100 player at the ScoutingCarolina.com and made the All-Combine team at the Charlotte Nike SPARQ combine ... Also played basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Matthew Allen James DeGraffinreed ... Is the son of Paul M. and Carmelitta M. DeGraffinreed ... Has an older sister, Hannah, who plays basketball at USC-Aiken ... He had two uncles play collegiate football - one at Miami (Ohio) and another at Ashland College, while one of his cousins played at Wittenberg College.
