Ohio Football: Interview with St. Edward 2022 Star DL Matthew Oudeman
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Matthew Oudeman is hungry for an even bigger senior season after helping the Eagles to a 6-2 record and a quarterfinals appearance in 2020. The 6’2”, 275-pound, defensive lineman has tremendous strength and quickness in the trenches. He also possesses great power and good hands as he battles opposing offensive lineman.
This Class of 2022 recruit is already garnering plenty of interest as he is working hard to earn his first college offer. It will be exciting to watch Oudeman step on the field as he has set some goals for his senior season in 2021.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Matthew to talk about his junior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Matthew, what are your overall thoughts on the 2020 season?
It was awesome to get to play, but a very awkward off-season. I was glad to be blessed to get it in, but besides myself that we lost to Medina in the playoffs. I think about it every day, it will not happen again.
How would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
I grade it a “C”. Felt like I did solid, but my confidence and speed picked up during the season as I grew confidence. This year I’m going to play to destroy, like I’m unbeatable.
What are your strengths on the football field?
Power and strength. I feel like I hold my gap and move the line of scrimmage every time, I am working on hands and hips to get off blocks and react quicker to rack up tackles for a loss.
What would you say was your best game and why?
The St. Ignatius game. It was at Brown’s stadium and they are our huge rival. I always get extra adrenaline in those situations. I got in the backfield, had a sack, tackles for a loss, and destruction points.
Did you win any individual honors?
I did not. I hope to change that with my aggression and improvement this season.
What do you like most about playing on the defensive line?
On the defensive line, I love that you can dictate what an offense can do with toughness and determination. I feel the game is won in the trenches.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
325 on bench, 215 military press, 560 dead-lift, and 405 on back squat. I’m terrible at squats, but learning to get better. I can push insane weight on the leg press.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Well, I want to be Aaron Donald, and study his hips and hands… but tool-wise I look a lot at recently drafted Tommy Togiai.
What have you been working on the most this offseason?
Hips and hands, quickness and explosiveness. Endless drilling of new moves with those because that is where I was weak last year.
What area of your game have you seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
Recognizing plays, explosiveness, and getting off blocks.
Who is your favorite football team?
St. Edward Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
Wrestling.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Calculus, because I am good at it.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
Coach Greg Urbas; he epitomizes greatness coupled with humility and work ethic.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
I am, thankfully. I feel blessed as these schools are showing interest including Brown, Penn, Central Michigan, Miami of Ohio, Buffalo and Bucknell.
What is your GPA?
3.9
What are your goals for your senior season?
To win a state championship, beat Medina, be named First Team All-Ohio, end with over a 4.0 GPA, and a 1400 SAT.
Thank you for your time and good luck preparing for your senior season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; St. Edwards DL Matthew Oudeman