Video Interview with Class of 2017 Saguaro Arizona 2,000-yard rusher Stone Matthews

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Sabercats pounded their way to another state championship in 2015 going 12-2 to taking home a third consecutive piece of hardware for the trophy case. The list of outstanding seasons for Saguaro High School’s individual players is long but one player certainly jumps out on his own, Class of 2017 running back Stone Matthews.

Matthews pounded away at opposing Arizona defenses carrying the rock 280 times for 2,155 yards with 24 scores topping the 100-yard rushing mark in 11 of 14 games. Showing his versatility, the 5’8, 180 pound, athlete caught nine passes for 110 yards with two additional scores coming off a screen and a wheel route. In all, Matthews posted 2,265 all-purpose yards from the line of scrimmage during his junior season posting a one for the ages kind of year.

Naysayers might be quick to dismiss the stat line because of the vast amount of talent Matthews had blocking in front of him, a college grade line in many respects. But those quick to dismiss are missing out on the talented all-purpose back. A great line can get a running back 3-, 4-, or 5-yards a carry but Matthews was unstoppable and relentless averaging 20 carries a game.

Despite the amazing stat line, great speed, grittiness, and all the other adjectives that combine to make a next level prospect, college coaches have been slow to come around on Matthews. The slight is laughable considering Class of 2016 running back Sean McGrew had a similar kind of seasons for California powerhouse St. John Bosco. McGrew was considered a 4-star recruit, signed with the Washington Huskies, had offers from BYU, Cal, Colorado, Colorado State, UCLA, and Washington State, and even from Arizona and Arizona State all while coming in at 5’7”, 166 pounds.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I got a few minutes of time with Matthews at the Nike Opening regional in Los Angeles going over his junior season, upcoming camp schedule, and received a recruiting news update.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Stone Matthews at the Nike Opening regional in Los Angeles.