"I loved what the defensive coordinator (Brian Borland) and linebackers coach (Chris Simpson) said. They don't care if you're a freshman or a senior. You're going to have to earn your playing time," Otwinowski said. "That's the answer I wanted to hear. I wasn't looking for a guarantee of time."

Bulls coach Lance Leipold was happy with the addition.

"Matt's a quality young man," Leipold said. "He's a natural middle linebacker, inside linebacker type. He has great instincts. He plays downhill with great physicality. We wanted to add some size at linebacker, but again not substitute talent or speed. He's going to add a lot to the program on and off the field."