Interview: 3-Star 2021 California QB Matt Geeting Talks Middle Tennessee State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For the Air Raid offense to work properly, the scheme needs a quarterback who can manage the game, keep the fast-paced tempo, fully understands the offense and defensive formations to audible on the fly, and has an accurate gun for an arm to make all the pieces work. On Friday, Middle Tennessee State received word privately that they found their quarterback of the future in 2021 gunslinger Matthew Geeting.
The Chino Hills (CA) standout had a breakout junior campaign in 2019 throwing for 2,520 yards with 27 touchdowns running a similar version of the Blue Raiders’ Air Raid offense catching the eye of the staff. As recruiting interest heated up for Geeting across the nation this spring, so did the behind the scenes conversations with Middle Tennessee State. An offer from the Blue Raiders went out on April 9 landing their three-star recruit just two months later.
In an RNG catch-up interview, after announcing his commitment on Saturday, Geeting takes us behind the scenes of his decision-making process and how his recruitment unfolded with the Blue Raiders’ staff in a one-on-one Q&A.
*Click link for March 16, 2020, RNG interview with Matt Geeting
Interview
Matt, congratulations on your commitment to Middle Tennessee State.
“Thank you.”
If you, will walk us through the recruiting process between you and the Blue Raiders’ staff.
“It was great. My AD/QB coach this past year was one of the first players Coach (Tony) Franklin (OC/QB) recruited out of California. Through that relationship we built a relationship. Also, Coach (Austin) Silvoy, their receivers’ coach, he played with my AD. There were a lot of relationships and connections; I built my relationship with the coaching staff over time through that.”
When doing your research on the Blue Raiders’ offense, what caught your attention?
“They run the Air Raid scheme, that is the scheme I ran last year. My AD/QB coach, was also our offensive coordinator, does a simple version of that same offense. The offense is very easy for me, and will be an easy transition for me in college, even though there is more for me to learn. The Air Raid caught my attention; it will be fun to run in college.”
How does the staff see you working within their system with your skillset?
“They have been telling me I am their quarterback of the future. They have some upperclassmen there now. After a couple of years, I hope to lead us to big wins, conference championships, whatever I can do really to make a difference.”
At what point did the interest for you in Middle Tennessee State start to lean towards a commitment, and what pushed you over the finish line?
“Over time, as I was talking to the coaches, they were helpful. Coach Franklin having coached Jared Goff (Rams) got my attention. I know I can grow the most under Coach Franklin.”
When did you verbally commit and to which coach on staff did you give the big news first?
“I did it June 12, that afternoon. I was with my family and we called Coach Silvoy; he’s our area recruiter. We told him the good news; they were pumped. We talked to head coach Rick Stockstill right after that. He said he was excited to bring me aboard.”
Right before you verbally committed, what were you feeling/what were you thinking?
“I was excited, a little scared too. This is a big decision, but after I made it I was relieved. Middle Tennessee State is where I want to be. I was really happy.”
You’ve had a few hours for this to sink in, how does it feel to have accomplished this tremendous goal you set for yourself?
“Amazing. I have been dreaming of this since I was a kid watching college football. Every Saturday there are hundreds of games, being a part of it now, one day some kid may watch me and say to himself that is my goal. I want to be where he is.”
When do you plan on visiting the campus?
“That is hard right now. I’ve been talking to them about visiting; they are not sure when it will open up. As soon as it opens up, I will be there.”
Are you going to start recruiting others to join you in the 2021 recruiting class? If so, what will you tell them about the program?
“Yes, definitely. I have been talking to Coach Silvoy about helping recruit. They have a theme this year, Dream Team 2021; they want to make it the best class ever at Middle Tennessee State. I think it can be with the Air Raid offense, the defensive coaches are great, and the program is going in the right direction. I think we can do it now.”
Matt, thanks for your time today. Thanks for sharing the details of this big moment in time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Geeting family; Matt Geeting MT commitment photo