Matthews had three unassisted tackles, including one quarterback sack for 13-yards, in UW-La Crosse's 31-28 win over UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 1.
Also nominated:
UW-Eau Claire, Chris Olson, Senior, Cornerback, Stratford, Wis.
UW-Oshkosh, Jack Breese, Senior, Free Safety, Kewaskum, Wis.
UW-Platteville, Jacob Zilbar, Freshman, Linebacker, Tampa, Fla. (Armwood)
UW-River Falls, Nate Smits, Junior, Linebacker, Hudson, Wis.
UW-Stevens Point, Cody Seibel, Sophomore, Linebacker, Kewaskum, Wis.
UW-Stout, Trevor Fiege, Senior, Linebacker, Menomonie, Wis.
UW-Whitewater, Greg Arnold, Senior, Linebacker, Big Bend, Wis. (Mukwonago)