Career Summary
Matt Putnam came to BYU as a regional defensive MVP from Box Elder High School in Utah. He played in 45 games and lettered all four seasons as a Cougar. A valuable contributor on the defensive line, Putnam recorded 70 career tackles, 13 pass breakups, 5.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. Putnam helped BYU to a No. 8 national ranking in red zone defense in 2011. See the season summary tabs below and the stats tabs for more details.
Professional
Received minicamp invitation from the Green Bay Packers in 2012
Personal
- Parents are Greg and Becky Putnam
- Served a church mission in McAllen, Texas (Spanish speaking)
- One of seven children
- Has older brothers who played football at Air Force and Utah State
- Married to wife Jill
- Also recruited by Utah State, Oregon, Stanford, Colorado and Utah
Before BYU
- A two-time all-state and all-area selection
- Named the Region-4 Defensive Most Valuable Player
- Recognized as the Box Elder HS team MVP
- A four-year letterwinner
- Helped BEHS to an 18-4 record in his final two seasons
- Named a preseason All-American by StudentSports Magazine
- Earned Deseret News first-team All-State honors
- Earned three letters in basketball and baseball
- Led Box Elder HS to the state championship game as a junior
- Credited with 20 tackles, 23 hurries, 10 sacks, two blocked kicks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries
- Returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown during the season