Washington 2017 LB Michael Matthews Talks Recruiting after 153 Tackle Junior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are several milestones within sports that are benchmarks for a great season. If a player averages 20 points a game on the hardwood, that’s a great season. In baseball, 30 homeruns and/or 100 RBIs knocked it – great season. Within the game of football there are several season plateaus one can reach that will speak volumes about productivity, those stats include a 1,000 yard rushing and/or receiving seasons, 4,000 yards passing, and/or 100 tackles. Michael Matthews surpassed one of those plateaus during his junior season, and then some, and is now getting ready to up his game for his senior season.

Matthews turned in a season to remember coming up with 153 total tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and one pick playing for Camas High School. The rising Washington high school star was rewarded for his efforts bringing home several awards including Greater Saint Helens League Co-Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-League, and first team All-Region as a linebacker. The productivity on the field paid off for the Papermakers seeing Camas roll through the regular season undefeated posting an 11-1 season before falling 35-10 to Skyline High School (Sammamish) in the playoffs.

The 6’2”, 205 pound, talent is an instinctive player, who likes to hit, and wastes little movement snuffing out the unfortunate individual carrying the pigskin. Colleges across the board are starting to take notice of Matthews from Washington State to Boise State to Ivy League schools like Harvard and Columbia and back to Power Five Conference teams like Oregon State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Matthews in between a flurry of offseason visits getting caught up on his 2015 season, his offseason workouts, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Michael, you have been on the field non-stop over the last two seasons racking up valuable time at linebacker. What are some of the things you do well as a linebacker at this point in your career?

“I think now, with football being such a spread out sport, that the linebacker position has changed. You have to run like a safety and fill the gaps like a linebacker. My biggest strength is my speed and being strong enough to stop the run.”

What was your best game last season, against which team, and why do you consider that your best game?

“My best game probably was against Mountain View (Vancouver – won 35-17). They ran the Wing-T. I had a 20-tackle game against Mountain View. That was a fun game for me. I played some at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and played some as a safety in our nickel package. I was all over the field making plays. It turned out well. We held the best rushing team in the league to under or right around 100 yards rushing.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“My goal is always to make a deep run into the playoffs with a state championship at the end of the year.”

How will your role change this year compared to 2016?

“I played a little bit of special teams last year and might play some there this year. I will play some on offense this year at running back, tight end, and maybe some at quarterback in the Wildcat (offense).”

What are you working on in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season?

“My predominate thing is having a strong core base. If I can put on 10 pounds and come in at 215 while keeping my speed, that would be ideal. If I can play at a fast 215 that would be better.”

Have you posted a time in the 40-yard dash lately?

“I have not ran a 40. I might go to the Nike Opening regional camp in Seattle in May. I’ll run one then if I go.”

Which schools are showing interest in your right now?

“All the Ivy Leagues schools. More with my recruiting will start happening once I get my SAT score back. Harvard and Columbia have told me that if I get a good score I will have an offer. I’m waiting to get that score back. Boise State has been sending me stuff and invited me to visit for their Junior Day. Montana has been talking me. Eastern Washington might be the closest to offering right now. Wazzu (Washington State) just started talking to me on Sunday.”

*Michael has unofficial visits set up with Oregon State on April 21 and Washington State on April 30.

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I don’t know which ones I will attend yet. I’m planning on going to OSU (Oregon State), Montana, and Eastern Washington. I’m trying to go back east to at least one Ivy League camp. If I can only attend one Ivy League camp it will be Harvard for now.”

When you have talked to all of the various college coaches, what type of feedback have you received from them about your skill set?

“The No. 1 thing I have heard from all the coaches is that I have good feet. They like my initial read steps and how I move to the ball.”

Which position or positions are some of the schools looking at you for their rosters?

“Some of the coaches have told me that I will be a nickel/safety/linebacker hybrid in their system. Eastern Washington said they would take me as a middle linebacker and see how my body develops. If I gain 20 pounds then they will keep me there. If I am lighter, they will move me to the outside. It all depends on how my body develops.”

When your time comes to verbally commit to a school, what are some of the things that will influence which college you choose?

“Some of the main things are the relationship I have with my position coach, I want to feel comfortable with the coach. Another is a home atmosphere, the location of the school, and the level of football will play a role. My playing time will contribute into my decision along with what level I will be playing at in college.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“My GPA is 3.7.”

Have you started thinking about what you want to major in once in college?

“I’m leaning towards business finance. I understand everyone always changes their major once they get to college so I guess I will end up changing mine too.”

You have plenty of time to decide and declare your major. Are you playing any spring sports for Camas?

“Baseball. I lettered in track during my freshman season and wanted to see if I could letter in baseball too. I play outfield and pinch run for the team.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Probably the football atmosphere. All my best friends have come through playing football. Playing football in the fall is an experience I will never forget. Friday nights, friends and family cheering, and building relationships, the friendships you make last you a lifetime. I will never forget any part of it.”

Michael, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your upcoming visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Kris Cavin; No. 12 Michael Matthews gets another tackle.

Photo credit: Kris Cavin; No. 12 Michael Matthews on the field.

Photo credit: Matthews family; Michael Matthews at Harvard.