The 'Huskers relied on Slauson to step in where needed throughout his four-year career. A second-team All-Big 12 pick at right guard as a senior, he started at both tackle spots and right guard in 2007, at right tackle for all but two games in 2007 (leg injury) and in three games as a true freshman. Slauson's versatility, size and strength are exactly what NFL teams (especially those using zone-blocking schemes) look for in a late-round offensive line prospect.

Positives: Good height with strong upper- and lower-body builds. Strong anchor; typically does not get pushed into quarterback. Gets his hands inside his man's jersey quickly and resets his hands to sustain. Picks up twists from the inside. Fires out of his stance on zone run and short-yardage plays. Will hustle to help quarterback when the play breaks down. Adequate moving in space; can reach linebackers and even safeties at the third level. Strong enough to block down on the tackle but use his right arm to prevent linebackers from blitzing between guard-tackle gap.

Negatives: Agility might be tested against NFL defensive tackles. Recovery speed is lacking against quick spin moves. Must use a stronger initial punch in pass protection. Plays with high pads at times; must bend his knees to prevent losing the leverage battle. Will overextend when one-on-one against a strong tackle. Does not always pick up his first inside target when on the move.

Slauson was one of two offensive linemen to start all 12 games and his play helped Nebraska score more than 30 points in 10 of 12 games, while topping 400 yards of total offense nine times this season. The leadership of Slauson also helped the Nebraska offensive line continue to improve throughout the year despite injuries to other members of the unit. Slauson also anchored an offensive line that did an outstanding job protecting Ganz, who ranks 16th nationally in passing yards per game and 13th in total offense. Ganz also set a Nebraska record for completion percentage in a season, connecting on better than 69 percent of his attempts.

Honorable Mention All--Big 12. Slauson spent the majority of his practice time during the spring and fall camp at guard and went on to play in all 12 games. He made eight starts at three different positions, including right guard and both tackle spots. Slauson and fellow junior Mike Huff rotated as the starter at right guard for the first 10 games of the season. Slauson then started at left tackle against Kansas State, before opening the game at right tackle in the season finale at Colorado. The play of Slauson and his offensive line mates helped Nebraska rank in the top 10 in both passing offense and total offense. The Huskers posted the top three passing days in school history and junior I-back Marlon Lucky passed the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. Slauson earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and second-team all-league mention by Rivals.com.

Slauson was entrenched as the Huskers' starting right tackle during the first 11 games of the season. He suffered a leg injury that forced him to miss the final two regular-season games other than extra-point team duty. He returned to action on the line in the Cotton Bowl, but was limited.

When healthy, Slauson was one of the driving forces behind an improved and balanced Nebraska offense that ranked among the nation's leaders in both rushing and passing and finished 14th in total offense. Slauson helped clear the way for NU's four-man I-back committee to combine for more than 2,400 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns. From his right tackle spot, Slauson also helped provide sufficient protection for quarterback Zac Taylor to break most of the Huskers' single-season and career passing records and earn Big 12 Offensive Player-of-the-Year honors. Slauson was honored for his performance in 2006, as he was a second-team All-Big 12 performer according to several media outlets, including the Associated Press. He was also an honorable-mention all-conference pick by the Big 12 coaches.

Slauson was one of a school-record 13 true freshmen to see action in 2005, appearing in nine games. He was a regular on Nebraska's extra-point and field goal units throughout the year, then entered the offensive line rotation late in the season. Slauson started at right tackle against Kansas State, Colorado and Michigan after senior Seppo Evwaraye was slowed by a foot injury. The play of Slauson and the offensive line helped Nebraska post the second-best passing game in school history with 392 yards at Colorado.

Played one season at Air Force Prep School in Colorado Springs, lining up at offensive tackle. Slauson spent the 2003 season at Air Academy High in Colorado Springs after moving from Oregon before his senior season. Slauson began his high school career at Sweet Home High in Oregon, where he starred on the offensive line for Coach Rob Younger. Overall, Slauson lettered three times in football, twice in basketball and four times in track during his prep career.

The son of Rob and Nancy Slauson, Matt was born on Feb. 18, 1986. Slauson has not yet declared a major.