MATAVAO THE BIGGEST PLAYER ON BALTIMORE RAVENS PRE-SEASON ROSTER

May 15, 2002

Matavao

Former Northern State University lineman Newel Matavao is the biggest player on the Baltimore Ravens official pre-season roster at www.baltimoreravens.com.

Matavao is listed at 6-foot-5, 355 pounds on the site, which has the mug shot you see here.

Matavao made immediate impact in his first season with the Wolves in 2001, starting every game until a rib injury sidelined him for the last two contests. He signed a free agent contract and attended a Ravens mini-camp in late April and will try to make his NFL dream come true this summer.

MATAVAO SIGNS FREE AGENT CONTRACT WITH BALTIMORE RAVENS

April 24, 2002

Matavao

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State University offensive lineman Newel Matavao has signed a free agent contract with the National Football League's Baltimore Ravens.

Matavao will attend a mini-camp this weekend in Baltimore before returning to Aberdeen to finish classes. He flies out Thursday and will be back Sunday night.

After transferring from Ricks Junior College (Rexburg, Idaho) to Northern for the 2001 season, Matavao made immediate impact, starting every game at left tackle for NSU until a rib injury sidelined him for the last two contests.

Having a chance to play in the NFL is part of a life-long dream for the 6-foot-8, 360-pound Matavao.

Matavao in action during 2001 season.

"It's always been a dream for me to play at the top level in football," Matavao said. "I know I can't stop and have to keep improving. (This opportunity) goes to show that hard work pays off."

Northern State University is an NCAA Division II school in Aberdeen, S.D. The Wolves compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and are coached by Ken Heupel, father to 2000 Oklahoma Sooners undefeated national champion quarterback Josh Heupel. Northern, which began football in 1903, ranks 10th among all NCAA II football programs in victories and 11th in winning percentage.

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