Arizona 2017 All-Purpose Back Stone Matthews Preps for College Camp Circuit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Very few Class of 2017 football recruits has as much going for him as Saguaro’s all-purpose back Stone Matthews while seemingly having as much to prove as every other prospect in the nation.

Matthews helped the Arizona powerhouse football program to yet another state title posting a 12-2 mark in 2015. Matthews has 280 rushing highlight clips covering 2,155 yards ending with the pigskin being handed to a ref in the end zone 24 times. Another 110 yards was covered in the passing game off nine receptions with a ref receiving the ball from Matthews two more times. In all, Matthews covered 2,265 yards posting what should be at the minimum a three-star ranking but what has turned into a snub by ranking sites because the offers have not come rolling in just yet.

Biases lurk around every corner, and in all aspects, including in football and the rankings. Despite being 5’9.25”, and weighing 186 pounds, Matthews has been overlooked for no other reason than a height or size issue, which does not add up. In the 2017 class, all-purpose back Anthony McFarland, from Hyattsville (MD) is considered a four-star. McFarland, listed at 5’8”, 186 pounds, is committed to Ohio State. Michigan four-star commit O’Maury Samuels, from Los Lunas (NM), is listed at 5’11”, 190. Clearwater (FL) four-star back CJ Cotman is in the neighborhood of 30 offers listed at 5’10.5”, 173 pounds. Cedar Hill (TX) three-star back Kaegun Williams is around 10 offers, listed at 5’9”, 190 and another Maryland talent, Mohamed Ibrahim, is considered a three-star prospect coming in under Matthews’ measurements at 5’9”, 178.

The list goes on, but the point has been made. No one can argue Matthews’ on the field productivity.

Matthews is a balanced mix of speed, elusiveness, and tough running. He displays great field vision and is patient allowing the play to develop in front of him before exploding into the second level for big yards. In the passing game, he catches the ball with his hands not his body. At the next level Matthews could be utilized as a third-down back, in the slot, as a punt and kick returner, or as a change of pace back loosening up the defenders in the box allowing for more play call options by the offensive coordinator.

One offer has come in and one other school is showing significant interest. Time will tell when other colleges come around on Matthews’ talents and abilities and how those skill sets can be utilized at the next level.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Matthews before Saguaro’s spring showcase and college camp circuit to get a rundown on his offseason workouts and schedule.

Interview

Stone, I know you got your first offer last week, but before we talk about that big news catch me up on how spring ball has gone for you.

“It’s been good. We have been going at it for three weeks going over all of our basic stuff. It’s been good. A lot of scouts have been coming through, I’ve been getting a lot of exposure and reps. I’m getting excited for the season. We open up with two big games against Serra (Gardena, CA), and then Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, CO). Every day I’m getting more work in getting ready for the season.”

With spring ball coming to a close, have the coaches been utilizing you at other positions seeing what may work for the 2016 season?

“I got those yards running the rock, so they’re keeping me at running back. I should get more passes out of the backfield and they are putting me out there in the slot to catch more passes. I should have a bigger role in our air attack.”

What is your height and weight right now?

“I’m 5’9.25”, and 186 pounds.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“Yes. I ran a 4.53 not that long ago. I’m still working on getting that down to a 4.4.”

You took an unofficial visit to Montana for a Junior Day not that long ago, how did that go for you?

“That was good. My dad and I flew up there. Missoula is a great town and Montana is a great school. I’m a great fit in their offense. They don’t care about size. They go for heart over height. I go that extra mile on the field because I’m not 6-foot 4. The school likes me and I like them. Hopefully everything from there goes well.”

Do you know which camps you may attend this summer?

“I’m scheduled to go to Montana, but I’m not 100 percent on dates. After Montana, then I’m going to the U-of-A (Arizona) camp, and then a NAU (Northern Arizona) camp. I’m going to a satellite camp at Glendale Community College (AZ). Attending a Boise State is iffy depending on money. That’s all for now that is affordable for me to do.”

What camps have you been invited to attend that could be a possibility?

“I’ve been invited to San Jose State and Fresno State camps. I want to go to their camps but it all about time and money for me being able to make it. I’m hoping to go to their camps if I can.”

Tell me about your offer from Arizona Christian. How did that come about for you?

“They came by the school one day. My coach told me they liked me and they were interested in me. College football is my dream. I met the guy, their recruiter, and he got my number. We talked for a bit. I was invited to the Junior Day, I went. I liked the people there at ACU a lot.

“They gave me a call three weeks later. I was sitting around when they called. They asked about my religious beliefs, I told them I was Christian. They said “we love you and you are a phenomenal player. We think you are one of the better players in Arizona.” They said, “even if you don’t come to our school, we want to be your first offer.” I was very excited. I told my dad I got my first offer. He was excited and said he was proud of me. He was happy about that.”

That’s exciting stuff. I love hearing about that. I think any offer is a big offer and opens the door for dreams and opportunities.

“Thank you.”

As more offers are sure to come in for you, what are some of the things you are looking for with a program and school?

“I’m looking for a tight family atmosphere, that brotherhood among the players and coaches. I want to win. I like to win and that is what we do here at Saguaro. I’d like to be in a powerful offense. I do not care about the location. I could go to school here in Arizona or across the country. I’m ready to play for whoever and wherever, I’m open to all schools. I have no specific location or school in mind. I just want that opportunity to show what I got.”

Well said, Stone. How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.03 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Science. I really like biology. I’m good at science and fascinated by it. I like history a lot too.”

What do you want to major in once in college?

“Either business or fire science.”

Stone, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming college camps.

“Thank you.”

Link to Stone Matthew’s Hudl reel.

Photo credit: Matthews family; Stone Matthews at Montana.

Photo credit: eastvalleytribune.com; Stone Matthews runs over a defender.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Stone Matthews at the Nike Opening regional in LA.