TOWSON, Md. - A starter on the defensive line the last two years, senior tackle Matt Morgan joins Frank Beltre and Romale Tucker to provide the Tiger defense with size and experience up front.

In fact, the Horseheads, N.Y. native will be giving the Tiger defense more size than ever before when he lines up at his tackle position. Through hard work in the weight room, he has gotten bigger each year and could weigh nearly 290 pounds when the season starts.

The 6-3 Morgan came to Towson as a tight end but was moved to the defensive side of the ball when Rob Ambrose became the Tigers' coach in 2009.

As a red-shirt freshman in 2009, Morgan appeared in all 11 games as a defensive end. In the season opener at Northwestern, he made the first start of his career and had three tackles. Over the course of the season, he started four times and made 14 tackles, including one sack.

In 2010, he started all 11 games at defensive end and showed steady improvement. Morgan made 27 tackles and led the team with four quarterback sacks. He helped the Tigers to their five-overtime win over Coastal Carolina by making five tackles. At Columbia, he had a career high six tackles and made two sacks. At Delaware, he added five tackles, including another sack.

Prior to the 2011 season, the sport management major switched positions and became a defensive tackle. For the third year in a row, he played in every game and started 11 times. Most importantly, he teamed up with tackle Marcus Valentine, Beltre and Tucker to give the defense a formidible front line.

While helping the Tigers win their first-ever Colonial Athletic Association championship, Morgan made 26 sacks. He was also fourth on the team with 2.5 sacks and recovered a fumble.

As the Tigers plan their defense of their CAA title, Morgan figures to play a vital role once again.