Ohio Football: Interview with 2022 St. Edward DL Matt Oudeman
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Matt Oudeman is wreaking havoc during his last season at St. Edward High School as the senior big man goes to war in the trenches at both defensive tackle and nose guard. The activity against Ohio offenses has already brought numerous college offers and is drawing more interest from big-time college programs like Vanderbilt and Akron.
Catching the eye of college scouts, the 6’2”, 275-pound, monster plays with tremendous intensity, physicality and strength while also making plays using his great size and tackling ability.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Matt to talk about his senior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Matt, how is your senior season going thus far?
It is going well. We haven’t lost yet and I’m making plays. Coach Pappas asks us, and trusts us, to do a lot of different things; it’s fun. Coach Lombardo and my position coaches, Coach Stick, Coach Rock, and Coach O’Malley, always prepare us and put us in a position to succeed.
What has been your most memorable moment through the first six games?
Definitely when Wyatt made the tackle saving the touchdown against Massillon. The combination of the crowd and effort which Wyatt exerted to track him down made that one special.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My physicality, tenacity, quickness, and strength. The coach’s game plan and film study allow us to play smart for each game.
What kind of defensive scheme does St. Edward run?
Depends on the opponent.
How do your skills fit into your team’s defensive scheme?
I am versatile. I can play straight up nose, shade, run stunts, and I can contain.
What areas of your game have you seen the improvement in since the start of the season?
Each week we are growing and getting better as a team. We’re 6-0 going into The Holy War, our big rivalry game. Personally, I think I’ve improved on quickness shedding blocks, get off, and reading plays.
You’ve started the season 6-0, is there any pressure to stay undefeated?
I don’t feel pressure to go undefeated but to execute on every play. If that happens, and we function as a group, then there’s no doubt we should be 1-0 every week.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max bench is 335, my max military press is 225, and my max dead-lift is 565.
Do you have any college offers?
Yes, Lawrence Tech, Lake Erie College, Mount Union, Allegheny and John Carroll.
What other schools are showing interest in you?
Vanderbilt, Akron, University of St. Thomas, Valparaiso, Washburn, Walsh, Lawrence Tech, Indiana Wesleyan, Clarion, Fairmont State, Bloomsburg, Mercyhurst, Mount Union, John Carroll, Allegheny and Lake Erie College.
I’ve been on unofficial visits to Valparaiso, Indiana Wesleyan, Allegheny, John Carroll and Mount Union. I have unofficial visits scheduled with Akron and Walsh in October and most of the rest, if possible, around our team’s schedule.
What are your goals for the remainder of your senior season?
Winning every game and making a run at state. Individually, doing whatever I can to help my team one game at a time.
What do you want your legacy to be when you graduate?
D1 State Champion.
What is your GPA?
3.91.
What is your SAT score?
1270.
Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; St. Edward DL Matt Oudeman