Interview: Oaks Christian 2023 ATH Matt Erhart Set for a Breakthrough Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The skills as a freshman were developed on both sides of the ball against his peer group, junior varsity competition, and with varsity action. That experience gained during the 2019 season will payoff during Matt Erhart’s sophomore campaign with Oaks Christian. Playing receiver and linebacker in the Lions’ scheme, Erhart (6-0, 185) was a play-making machine giving fans a sneak-peak of coming attractions. Once the 2020 high school football schedule kicks off in January, Erhart will get his chance to showcase his talents against elite California competition. Those skills are already attracting a next level crowd from UNLV, UC-Davis, and Oregon State.
In an initial RNG interview, Erhart catches us up on his play last season, offseason workouts, and 2020 goals.
Interview
Matt, you certainly earned the athlete label last season on the field with Oaks Christian. Where all did you line up throughout the 2019 season?
In 2019, I was all over the place playing offense, defense, early varsity action, and got some time in on special teams. I was trying to get as much experience as I could. My primary positions were outside linebacker and receiver.
On offense, defense, and special teams, you got to showcase that speed. How fast are you?
Right now, I have not run a 40 in a while. Guessing, I am around a 4.6 or 4.5.
At receiver, you were burning guys on a go or fly route, what were some of the other routes you were running?
Post-corners, posts, slants, out routes, anywhere they could put the ball in my hands. I was happy with that.
Stats are not typically kept for freshman and/or JV ball. Do you know about where you were with your stats on both sides of the ball?
No. I know against Helix I did really well. I kept burning the corner, he did not know where I was going. There were times when I was asked by my coach to step up to the plate and I did.
About how many touchdowns and receptions do you think you had last season?
I think I had around four or five touchdowns with a couple of receptions in each game.
When the season ended, what were the offensive strengths to your game?
As a receiver, I was learning a lot last season. In practice, my coach is a great receivers’ coach and a great head coach, he was working with me on my footwork, which improved, my routes, which improved a lot, and my hands. Everything about being a receiver has improved with me, and keeps improving.
The closing speed on defense stands out. What scheme were you guys running last season and how did your overall skills improve within the defense a year ago?
Last season we were running a 4-3 and some 4-2-5. My closing speed is good, and I keep working on that. On defense at outside linebacker, reading my keys helped me a lot. Reading my keys helped me relax and allowed me to be more physical.
At which level did you play most of the 2019 season, junior varsity or freshman ball?
Last season was mostly JV for me. That was a tremendous experience. I am excited to play varsity this year. JV, that was a fun time putting my skills out there and owning everyone on the field. That was fun.
You got varsity snaps in as a freshman last season, what was that like for you getting that taste of top of the line California football?
It was awesome. I was very excited to play against Chaminade, my brother (Michael Erhart – Oregon State) played there. When I got on the field as a freshman, I was nervous. But after the first play I was good to go. That was a fun time for sure.
Last season you did so much, what roles are you taking on at the varsity level in 2020?
This season I am playing receiver, linebacker, outside linebacker, strong safety, kick returner, and some at running back.
Impressive. What have you focused on with technique work this summer on offense?
This summer, for offense I have been working on my speed, footwork – doing ladders, cone drills, and lifting. Overall, I am improving. I’ve been doing beach workouts, getting my conditioning in, and improving my skills on the field. This summer I have been working with my position coach and with my brother; he has taught me a lot I did not know. Improving my IQ has helped too.
What about for defense?
I have been working a lot on man coverage, reading my keys, and learning new things. Overall, I am excited to play defense this year. With the COVID-19, it has delayed the season, but we’ve been working getting ready. I am ready to be as physical as possible and make plays this year.
What is the practice schedule going forward for the Lions?
We are practicing twice a week using social distancing guidelines coming in as pod groups coming in off positions. Oaks is on it. It is controlled; overall it has been great. Oaks is running a great program for sure.
Again, with so much that you will be doing on the field, what goals have you set for your sophomore season?
I am ready to make a huge impact on offense and defense. The goal is to win Marmonte (League). The goal for me being is being versatile for my team. I am ready for the season to get started.
Matt, I enjoyed learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time and keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Erhart family; Matt Erhart (summer 2020)