Matt graduated from Deshler High School where he was outstanding in both football and baseball for the Tigers. He was selected to the 4A All-Area and All-State teams in 1987 as well as being named to the Alabama Super 12 team that same year. Additionally he was named the 4A-5A-6A Times Daily MVP, 4A State Player of the Year at running back by the  Alabama Sports Writers and was a finalist for "Mr. Football". Matt rushed for 1,564 yards during his senior campaign, scoring 21 touchdowns. he additionally kicked 44 extra points, scoring a total of 170 Points, while punting for a 41. 5 average per kick. Matt was not only an important weapon for Coach Tandy Geralds in football, but just as much so on the diamond for Coach Robert Young. As a senior he batted .375 and hit 7 home runs. After his impressive high school career he was awarded a football scholarship to Samford University where he played for two years before returning home to graduate from the University of North Alabama.