University of Minnesota center Matt Leidner was named to the Associated Press 2016 All-Bowl Team after his play against Washington State in the National Funding Holiday Bowl.
Leidner, who served as Minnesota’s third-team center for the regular season, was thrust into action in the Holiday Bowl when starting center Tyler Moore was injured two days before the game. Backup center Jared Weyler had previously been ruled out with an injury.
Leidner had played in seven career games prior to the Holiday Bowl, but that was mostly during victory formation or on special teams. The former walk-on had never started a game until the Holiday Bowl.
Leidner had lost 30 pounds prior to the game to prepare for off-season foot surgery since he was not expecting to play. Instead, he delivered a dominating performance against a stout Washington State defense and helped lead Minnesota to a 17-12 victory.
Leidner, who was playing in his final game as a Gopher, still had foot surgery the next day.
