Interview: Bruising 2018 Georgia DE Brock Mattison Drawing National Power 5 Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Winning ways on the high school gridiron has a knack for drawing next level attention. In 2016, Buford High School drew plenty of attention running rough over opposing Georgia 5A talent on the way to a state runner-up finish. One of the bright spots on the field for the Wolves was Class of 2018 defensive end/outside linebacker Brock Mattison.
Mattison already had the eye of college recruiters after having a breakout sophomore season with Johns Creek Northview High School. The Titans clawed their way to a 6-5 mark in 2015 with Mattison shinning tallying a posted 63 total stops, 20 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks through 11 games played. A minor toe injury in the off-season limited Mattison’s reps during the regular season but when the playoffs hit, Mattison was a key contributor to Buford’s 13-2 season before losing a tight 16-7 championship game to Rome.
A long list of teams wanting to know more about Mattison has already formed with Auburn, Georgia, Clemson, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, UCLA, Virginia, Stanford, Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State being in the mix. A closer look shows a heads-up defender with a big motor and good quickness who holds his own against some of the top players in the nation game in and game out.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Mattison to find out more about the 2018 end on the rise.
Interview
Brock, you played at Northview your sophomore season. Which position did you play there?
“Defensive end and outside linebacker.”
During your sophomore year, did you start for the Titans?
“Yes, sir. I started all the games my sophomore season. This past season I did not start until three games left, but I started in all the playoff games. Over spring break I broke my toe. I got back two weeks before the season. Now everything is good. Next year they are planning on using me a lot.”
Did you earn any post-season honors with Northview?
“I was a two-time Player of the Week and I got 6A second team All-Region.”
When did you transfer to Buford?
“I transferred before my junior season.”
Do you know your stats from your junior season?
“No, sir.”
What was the run to the Georgia 5A state title game like for you?
“It was hard work. It took a lot of time and work. Even through the playoffs when all the other teams were going home it felt good to keep on going. Playing with Coach (Jess) Simpson (head coach), he is a great coach. It was sad when he went to Georgia State, but he can’t be in high school forever. Being a state runner-up last year was good but next year we are going to win it all.”
How did your game get better in 2016?
“Comparing the last two seasons, I developed a lot more during my junior year. Buford works everything around fundamentals. If you do not have that you cannot play. Also my flexibility improved. I became more flexible, more explosive, my escapes got better. Overall I became a better person and better football player.”
Who was the toughest person you went up against last year?
“I’d say one of Carrollton’s offensive linemen. The center on their team, when I had to go inside against him, he was tough. He committed to Missouri (Class of 2017) – Case Cook (6-5, 290).”
How did playing against Case make you better?
“He made me better by knowing I need to work on that things most people don’t see. My pad level was not great. I did not know a center could read the D-line that way. He was making explosive plays. I congratulate him on that.”
What are your takeaway thoughts from your junior season?
“Moving to a new school, learning the wants of a new coaching staff, and playing behind seniors has taught me patience. I remained humble through it all and I know 2017 is my green light year.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“My speed, fundamentals, strength, and adding more mass and more weight.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room?
“We do three-rep maxes. I did 255 three times, squat 315 three times, and hand-cleaned 210 three times.”
Have you ran a 40-yard dash yet?
“Not yet. I’m waiting until the Nike Opening Regional. I got invited to that.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Northwestern pulled me out of class last semester to talk to me. LSU and Notre Dame were here two days ago. Georgia sent me an invite to a game. Auburn did too. Wake Forest came to a practice – we are in touch. North Carolina is coming to see me this spring. Arizona State is coming in the spring too. Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Clemson are showing interest too.”
Do you have any offers yet?
“I have one from Central Michigan.”
You mentioned game invites, did you take any game visits during the season?
“Yes. I went to Georgia. We were on our way to Wake Forest until we had car troubles. I went to North Carolina too.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned or any that you would like to take?
“I have Junior Days with Texas A&M, Wake Forest, and Tennessee. Those are set. There should be more coming soon.”
You mentioned camps earlier, do you know the different camps you might attend?
“The Nike Regional. I’m definitely going to some college camps. Wake Forest wants me to camp with them and North Carolina. Those are the only two that have asked me to attend so far. I’m sure I will go to more.”
Are you playing any winter or spring sports for Buford?
“No. I’m just working on my strength and conditioning.”
What do you do for fun on your downtime?
“Homework. Homework and sleep. Sometimes I get to hang out with my friends.”
Brock, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: GwinnettPrepSports.com; No. 48 Brock Mattison gets a sack.
Photo credit: Mattison family; Brock Mattison at USC.
Photo credit: Mattison family; Brock Mattison at Georgia.