Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR:  After missing the past two seasons because of injury, senior Matt Orzech returns to football at full strength, looking to add depth along the Cougar front as an experienced tight end … Quite athletic with good mobility … Could also play a key role on special teams.

2017:  Started the first two games at tight end before going down with a season-ending injury … Did not have any receptions.

2016: Missed the entire season with an injury.

2015 (Junior): Appeared in all 10 games for the Cougars as a reserve tight end and blocking specialist ... Handled long snapping duties … Recorded one tackle.

2014 (sophomore): Played in all 11 games as a reserve tight end ... Helped block on a front line that led the way to the Cougars' 269.3 rushing yards per game with just 18 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries allowed all season … Registered a tackle on special teams.

2013 (freshman): Played in 11 games as a long snapper ... Started at tight end against Dixie State... Recorded two tackles.

HIGH SCHOOL:  Played three season of varsity football at Paloma Valley High in Menifee, Calif. … Played tight end and defensive end for head coach Bert Esposito … As a 2012 senior, helped lead the Wildcats to a 9-4 record and the third round of the CIF playoffs … Played in all 13 games, tallying six receptions for 97 yards, and a TD, to go along with 55 tackles (18 solo) and nine quarterback sacks … Also lettered two years in baseball as a pitcher and first baseman … As a senior batted .354 with five doubles for the 19-6 Wildcats.

PERSONAL:  Born April 12, 1995, in San Diego, Calif., to Matt and Jayme Orzech … Has one brother (Michael) and a sister (Mikenna) … His father played football at Iowa State … Majoring in graphic design.