Spring practices open more recruiting doors for 2025 three-star WR Ryan Matulevich
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The state of Florida is arguably THE place to go for college football recruiting. The Sunshine State is a yearly top contributor to next level programs across the country, and Venice High School is one of the main pipelines feeding successful collegiate squads. Spring practices have wrapped for the Indians with the team looking to make another state championship game run in 2024 led by senior receiver Ryan Matulevich. The winning ways and production on the field has next level scouts watching the three-star wide out.
Regardless of the grade classification or quarterback delivering the rock, Matulevich (6-0, 180) has been a playmaker on the field since breaking the varsity roster with Cardinal Mooney as a freshman. The Class of 2025 prospect closed his junior campaign as one of the Indians top players covering 652 yards off 40 receptions with six touchdowns scored.
Matulevich was asked what college coaches tell him they like about his game, “Mostly my explosiveness and route running. My separation shows on film; that is a key characteristic. College coaches are starting to key in on that.”
We know what they are seeing, but what are they missing in his skill set per Matulevich?
“My speed, I feel that is underrated,” Matulevich said “I have good top end speed; I am showing that this 7-on-7 season. Hopefully we can start putting it on tape in real games.”
Working with different trainers, including coach Denzel Nickerson, Matulevich covered his grind this offseason.
“I have been focusing on refining my releases, the top of my route, and growing that ability to separate,” Matulevich stated.
With the Indians having open spring practices for college coaches, more recruiting attention came Matulevich’s way.
“I thought I had good practices for college coaches,” Matulevich shared. “Ivy League programs are picking up on me with my grades and from our practices. Our practices opened other recruiting avenues.”
Tuesday night, Venice squared off against Naples in their spring game. After a slow start the offense started clicking.
“I didn’t have the game I wanted,” Matulevich said. “I had some early miscues with my quarterback but in the second half we put together some good drives. It turned out really well in the second half.”
Team practices with the Indians are on hold until the summer, but the 7-on-7 season with Legends continues.
“We had a rough few first tournaments but by OT7 we had our roster together and had some good practices,” Matulevich shared. “We made it to the semifinals losing by one point.”
The play on the field and in 7-on-7 tournaments have brought 13 scholarship opportunities Matulevich’s way. An update on which teams are consistently lighting up his phone was provided.
“App (Appalachian) State, Coastal (Carolina), (Texas) A&M, and UCF, those are the schools talking to me the most, staying in contact, and building a relationship,” Matulevich stated. “Columbia and Harvard were there this spring. I had good practices for them; they are interested. Hopefully that keeps building.”
The constant contact by D-I programs got the three-star on campuses this offseason.
“I have been to Coastal, UCF, App State, and A&M,” Matulevich said. “I am planning on going to Wake Forest on June 12.”
The return trip to Orlando to see the Knights did not disappoint.
“It was really good,” Matulevich shared. “I have been talking with their coordinator for a while; he came to our practice. The Bounce House was awesome. That was my last visit before they put in the rule that you can’t take pictures anymore on visits.”
The summer trip to Winston-Salem could net another scholarship opportunity.
“I had a good camp there last year, I have had good interest with them since,” Matulevich stated. “I have been staying in contact with them. They haven’t offered yet, but I hope it is coming soon.”
In addition to visiting the Demon Deacons, a trip to New York to see the Lions is in the works.
Beyond the Interview
During Matulevich’s freshman season with the Cougars, he secured a team-high 41 passes for 559 yards with eight touchdowns posted. As a sophomore with Venice, Matulevich hauled in 50 passes for 673 yards with five touchdowns scored.