California sixth-year senior center Matthew Cindric was one of 20 players around the nation selected as a semifinalist for the 2023 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Wednesday. The award honors exemplary leadership by a college football player and Cindric is being recognized for his demonstrated record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field for the second consecutive season.

Three finalists will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 13, while the winner will be unveiled at the awards ceremony in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The winner will receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund.

Below are notes on Cindric with his extended bio available by clicking on his name.
 
Matthew Cindric, OL, 6-4, 295, R-Sr., 6th Season At Cal (Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS)
– Has participated in an extensive list of community service and leadership activities during his time at Cal including …

• Golden Buddies Football Clinic – Co-founder who donated countless hours to piloting the inaugural event held at California Memorial Stadium on July 15, 2023. The clinic allowed approximately 50 local students ages 6-13 with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in football drills and interact with about 40 Cal football players running various event stations.
• Cal Football Reading Challenge – Visited local elementary schools to read to students while encouraging them to continue reading over the summer to combat summer learning loss.
• Cal's Haas School of Business Student-Athlete Mentorship Program Student Director - Helped Cal student-athletes through the rigorous process of applying to the university's prestigious business school.
• Cal Athletics Leadership Showcase - Volunteered his time to give a Ted Talk-style speech at the Cal Athletics Leadership Showcase after being nominated by his peers, coaches and staff for demonstrating significant leadership in school, sport and life.
• Upcycle Gear Drive – Co-founder who collected and distributed gear, clothing and equipment through a targeted drive with Cal student-athletes donating 500 gently used and excess items to meet the specific needs of those in the community.
• Cal Athletes In Action President - Engaged in worship and community service activities with a group of student-athletes, while also traveling to Croatia on a community service trip.

– Graduated from Cal in May of 2022 with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Cal's Graduate School of Education with intersection of sports in education.
– Has played in 35 games and is Cal's active leader with 34 starts all over the last five seasons.
– Suffered season-ending injuries in each of the last two campaigns - in the sixth game of the 2022 season at Colorado and the 2023 season-opener at North Texas.
– Earned a spot on the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team that will be honored at the 2023 Allstate Sugar Bowl that will double as a College Football Playoff semifinal.
– 2023 Preseason All-Pac-12 second team (Phil Steele), fourth team (Athlon) and honorable mention (Pac-12 Media) selection.
– A two-time national semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy® and Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year as a 2022 junior and 2023 senior
– Also a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Trophy as a 2022 junior and a candidate for the honor in 2023