Matt Hahn

[edit] Biography

In order to be a successful team in every sense of the word, most squads need to have a few hard-nosed, blue-collar, team-first, do-whatever-it-takes types that are willing to do whatever is needed to make contributions to the team’s success. Versatile running back Matt Hahn is one of those players coaches love to have on their roster. Hahn played in every game last year on offense and special teams. He earned the most extensive playing time of his career in the FedEx Orange Bowl, capably filling in for injured fullback BranDon Snow. A talented athlete from Long Island, Hahn can play tailback or fullback, and is an effective receiver and kick returner. He has good speed, instincts and hands and will look to battle Snow for playing time at fullback this season, in addition to his contributions on special teams. One of Joe Paterno’s favorite expressions is, “If you keep hustling, good things will happen.” Hahn leapt across the goal line to snare a blocked punt in last season’s 31-22 win at Michigan State. Following the block by Donnie Johnson, Hahn hustled and dove to catch the pigskin before any Spartan could, resulting in his first collegiate touchdown and a 10-0 Nittany Lion lead, igniting Penn State to the Big Ten-clinching victory. The play was selected the “Pontiac Game Changing Performance,” marking the second time during the 2005 season that Penn State won the honor. Able to play fullback, tailback and wingback, catch passes and return kicks, Hahn’s versatility and hard work should result in more opportunities this season.

2005 Sophomore Season Hahn played in every game on offense and special teams. He completed one of the biggest plays of the season when he leapt across the goal line to snare a blocked punt in the 31-22 win at Michigan State. Following the block by Donnie Johnson, Hahn hustled and dove to catch the pigskin before any Spartan could, resulting in his first collegiate touchdown and a 10-0 Nittany Lion lead, igniting Penn State to the Big Ten-clinching victory. The play was selected the “Pontiac Game Changing Performance,” marking the second time during the season that Penn State won the honor. In addition to his contributions on special teams, Hahn also rushed twice for nine yards, including a 12-yard run in the win over Minnesota. He also made two receptions for 19 yards and had two kickoff returns for 26 yards. Hahn was on the field for 191 snaps, topped by 41 in the Orange Bowl, when he replaced an injured BranDon Snow.

2004 Freshman Season Hahn did not play the initial four games of his true freshman season but provided a spark with his collegiate debut at Minnesota. He made two catches for 21 yards in that game and went on to make six receptions for 39 yards and two carries for one yard. Hahn was on the field for 141 snaps, with a season-high 40 in the win at Indiana.

High School Hahn compiled 3,920 career rushing yards under Coach Rich Reichart at St. Anthony's Catholic School. During his senior year, he broke the New York Catholic High School Football League season rushing record with 2,057 yards and his career total also was a CHSFL record. That followed a stellar junior season in which he scored 30 touchdowns and rushed for 1,368 yards. Hahn was selected New York Daily News Player-of-the-Year in 2003, and was a two-time All-Long Island, all-state and CHSFL Player-of-the-Year honoree. He led St. Anthony’s to three consecutive Catholic High School Football League titles.

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