Bio Blast: Meet Rivals300 Michigan tight end signee Matt Ludwig

Rivals300 Billings (Mont.) West High tight end Matt Ludwig officially signed with Michigan Wednesday. 

Here is a detailed look at everything you need to know about the versatile, hard-nosed pass catcher nicknamed “Moose.” 

The Skinny

Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 240 pounds
Senior Stats: 50 catches for 736 yards— averaging 14.7 yards per catch— 10 receiving touchdowns, 29 carries for 137 yards and 7 more scores, 35 total tackles (14.5 for loss), 4 sacks, 21 quarterback hurries, 5 passes defended and 1 fumble recovered for a touchdown.
Industry Ranking: No. 200 overall, No. 9 tight end, No. 1 in Montana
Interesting Facts: Navy All-American, runs an 11.12 100-meter dash. 

Recruitment

Michigan appeared to lead wire-to-wire for Ludwig, who committed to the Wolverines May 20 before taking any official visits. Texas Tech, Georgia and Notre Dame all pushed hard for “Moose,” but his connection with tight ends coach Steve Casula won out in the end. Ludwig was arguably the program’s top tight end target, and a large contingent of staff members, including Sherrone Moore, flew out to Billings to watch him play basketball. Casula made a spring visit to see Ludwig as well and, shortly after that meeting, the Rivals300 tight end pledged to the Wolverines. 

He Said It

“I just love [Casula] to death,” Ludwig said. “He does all the right things, and he pushes his players to another level. And I just love being there and seeing every part of it, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

They Said It

“We all know how good he is, how explosive an athlete he is, how, honestly, he’s a lot better than most of the kids we have around here. And he’s a generational talent, but I think the best thing is he’s such an unselfish kid. Whether he gets the ball 5 times a game, 0 or 15, all he wants to do is win, and that’s his number one goal— to hopefully be in that last game of the year.” — Billings West head coach Rob Stanton.

Scouting Report

“When you turn on the film, he’s the best athlete on the field at all times. He has a very well-rounded skill set and can do a little bit of everything. When you’re projecting him as a tight end long term, you’re looking at a guy who is dangerous after the catch. I think he’s going to be one who is going to pick up a lot of yardage, fight through contact, break tackles and just be a physical player. I could see him turning into a strong blocker as well with just continued development there.” — Rivals director of scouting and rankings Charles Power.