Matt Colburn was supposed to sign with Louisville last Wednesday, but his scholarship offer was revoked just two days before National Signing Day. Louisville decided they needed another player in the secondary. This story made national news, and Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino's reputation continues to spiral. What was Louisville's loss turned out to be Wake Forest's gain, however, as the Deacs were able to land this talented back, while giving this young man an excellent opportunity both on the football field and in the classroom. Matt Colburn, a decorated running back out of South Carolina, announced this morning that he has signed his national letter of intent to play football at Wake Forest University. He took visits this weekend to both Wake Forest and Georgia Southern.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It's official <a href="https://twitter.com/Colburn31">@Colburn31</a> has signed to play at Wake Forest University next year! <a href="http://t.co/L9AyU8H5FN">pic.twitter.com/L9AyU8H5FN</a></p>— Foxfusion (@Dffoxfusion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dffoxfusion/status/565508918387154947">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Great day at wake #theaWAKEning pic.twitter.com/mWrfHjFZmu
— Matthew Colburn II (@Colburn31) February 8, 2015
Colburn ran for 1,705 yards and 27 touchdowns during his senior year, and as a result was named Mr. Football in the state of South Carolina. This award is given to the best player in the state, regardless of school classification. For his career at Dutch Fork High School, he accumulated 6,543 total yards and 95 touchdowns.
Matt told Bleacher Report that he was "beyond embarrassed" by the situation and the media attention which it received. Matt will now have an excellent shot at redemption. Wake Forest plays Louisville every year, and I'm certain Matt has October 30th, the date Wake Forest hosts the Cardinals, circled on his calendar.
Wake Forest got better today, but more importantly, Matt Colburn has a great opportunity and can put this difficult experience behind him. I'm proud to welcome this young man to the Wake Forest family.