Interview: Prolific Arizona RB Stone Matthews Working in Crowded Stable at Mesa JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the ink had dried on national letters of intent for the 2017 recruiting class, one of the most prolific runners in the nation remained overlooked. Not sure the best choice of action, the running back who had posted back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons against top Arizona competition decided to go the junior college route in hopes of further proving and showcasing his talents to next level scouts. In a crowded backfield at Mesa, Stone Matthews patiently awaits his opportunity to showcase his abilities against WSFL talent.

If there is one thing Matthews is good at come this point in life, besides what he can do with the football in his hands, is prove doubters wrong. After a sophomore season playing behind the amazingly talented Christian Kirk, Texas A&M’s All-American candidate in waiting, Matthews took over as the lead back for Saguaro High School. Turning in a workman’s performance in 2015, Matthews ended the year with 2,155 yards off 280 carries with 25 rushing scores. With Byron Murphy (Washington) showcasing his skills at receiver (88/1,733/21), Matthews was not asked to do much in the passing attack but still pulled in nine passes for 110 yards with two touchdowns.

Coming off a 12-2 season in 2015 capturing back-to-back state titles, Matthews was set on bringing home the Sabercats another state title – and that he did. Saguaro posted a perfect 14-0 season in 2016 with their all-state tailback rushing 225 times for 2,088 yards with 31 scores. Worth noting, even with the defense knowing Matthews was going to get the ball he still averaged 9.3 yards per carry during his senior season. Padding the stat sheet, he caught eight passes for 101 yards with another trip to the end zone.

After National Signing Day, the writing was on the wall for Matthews with Division-I programs. Mesa had recruited him hard wanting to bring his prolific running abilities and winning ways to their program. The Thunderbirds have started the 2017 season 3-2 with Terrance Roberts Jr. emerging as the lead back (80/556/5). In the opening game of the season against Phoenix College, Matthews was given nine carries picking up 45 yards with a long of 17-yards. MCC beat Phoenix 40-10 on Sept. 2 getting a second shot at them on Saturday, giving hope that Matthews may get another chance to tote the rock this season.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Matthews learning about his transition from an elite high school level of play to the junior college ranks.

Interview

Stone, how did your offseason preparations go for your freshman year of college football?

“Full of a lot of long days. I was working at the same time and getting my EMT license. After football, I want to be a firefighter. I had a full-time job and was going to school.  I would wake up in the morning to lift, work all day, and then do speed work at night. I worked out twice a day January through July, Monday through Friday. Saturday was always a light cardio day and I went to church on Sunday.”

What is your height and weight now?

“I’ve gotten bigger since last season. I’m at 5-9.5 but up to 201 pounds.”

Did you max out in the offseason in the weight room?

“I did. My bench max was 345, my squat was 565, and my clean was 295.  Since I am a shorter back, I have to make sure my strength is off the charts.”

What was fall camp like for you suiting up for the first time with a different team after three years at Saguaro?

“When I was still in high school, I was able to attend and participate in spring ball at Mesa. Even before fall camp, I was going through spring ball with the team. I was nervous at first, but I had a good time. I took to it quickly. I’m getting to play the game I love. The only thing that was different was the size and speed of all the players. And, all the guys have a better football IQ and better football savvy. I had to change my speed. After the first three or four days, I adapted. Fall camp was good. It was long. It was 100 to 112 degrees every day.”

With your speed, doing into your senior year you were clocked at a 4.5, did you run a 40-yard dash before your true freshman season?

“No, but I know that I am faster now than last year. I can feel my body physically maturing with my speed, strength, and athleticism all coming together.”

You posted back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons with Saguaro, how is all that experience translating to the field for you with Mesa?

“The experience is tremendous. I am a back you can rely on in any situation. I can tote the rock. I don’t get tired easy. I can grit through everything. That is a big plus. Being on the main stage, I don’t get stage freight. All the experience transitions over, I believe the MCC coaches can see that I can play. I’m doing the same thing in college, just not asked to do as much yet.”

What was your welcome to college football moment?

“I haven’t taken a big hit yet. I know it will happen one day. I think the biggest moment was in the spring. Going to practice, the entire defensive line was 6-foot 4-inches-plus. All the defensive lineman are big guys. I think that was more understanding this is not high school anymore. I have to run smarter than before, I’m not going to be able to run through everyone like I did in high school.”

How has your game improved from last year to this year?

“I’m a lot stronger this year. I was hard to take down last year, I still refuse to be tackled by one guy. I am more patient with my running this year. I still hit the hole hard, but I let the line set up the blocks. Last year I would gun it. Now I make sure everything sets up first.

“I am a lot more allusive this year. I used to plow through everyone but I have worked on my moves. I am more agile. I’m catching the ball better this year than I ever have. Our coaches have put me in the slot and I will catch everything. My field vision has gotten better too. I have matured on all aspects of my game.”

On Saturday, Mesa travels to play Phoenix (2-3). What challenges does their defense bring to the field for you guys?

“We played them at the beginning of the year, and I did well against them. They have a good linebacker (Chase Hulbert), he is a local guy. They run a 3-3. They rarely go four-down. It’ll be a fun game.”

Which games left on the schedule are you a little more excited to play over the others?

“Glendale (Oct. 14). I think our homecoming game is next week against them. They recruited me out of high school. I’m excited to play against them. I know a lot of kids on their team.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“My grades are straight.”

Which class is your favorite this semester?

“Psychology. I find that class very interesting.”

Just to reiterate or make clear, you were a full-qualifier out of high school, correct?

“Yes, sir.”

Stone, thanks for your time today and good luck against Phoenix.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Matthews family; Stone Matthews at Mesa (2017)

Photo credit: hudl.com; Stone Matthews in action (2016)