Covering John Matthews is as difficult for reporters as it is for defensive backs. He's not big on talking about himself, is humble with his accomplishments and quick to give credit to others.
But USD's fleet-footed, sticky-handed wide receiver can't dodge the spotlight forever, especially now that he's an NFL prospect and on the verge of breaking the school's career touchdown receptions mark. Already one of the Toreros' most accomplished wide receivers, he needs two more touchdowns to surpass Adam Hannula's record of 35.
It would be just another honor on Matthews' résumé, which includes USD records for touchdowns in a season (16) and yards per catch for career (23.0) and season (23.1). He also ranks sixth in career receptions (114) and third in all-time receiving yards (2,540).
“I just hoped to be a contributor when I got here,” said the 22-year-old fifth-year senior. “I watched the guys who were here before me and aspired to follow their footsteps. I didn't set out to break any records. I just tried to work hard and put myself in position to help the team.”
The record could be his today when the Toreros (3-0, 1-0) travel to Iowa to face Drake (2-1, 0-0) in a Pioneer Football League contest.
The 6-foot, 203-pound receiver has come a long way since getting cut from the freshman football team at Regis Jesuit High in Colorado.
“I always knew I wanted to play football,” he said. “I was small for my age group. I trusted that if I worked hard, my size would catch up.”
But it wasn't his size that set him apart, it was his speed. Jim Ryan, Matthews' former high school coach who is now the linebackers coach with the Denver Broncos, remembers a quiet player who made a lot of noise on the field.
|
USD Career Touchdown Receptions
36 Adam Hannula, 2002-2005
35 John Matthews, 2005-current
32 Dylan Ching, 1996-1999
26 Nick Garton, 2002-2005
26 Wes Doyle, 2004-2007
|
|
“We could barely get a word out of him, but he amazed me how easy he would pull away from people,” Ryan said. “Great hands, smart player. It didn't look like he was running that fast, then all of a sudden people behind him would just start fading. His success doesn't surprise me at all.”
Now the NFL is noticing. Since quarterback Josh Johnson was drafted last year by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive end Eric Bakhtiari was signed to the Chargers' practice squad (although he was released a few days ago), USD finds itself filling press box seats with NFL scouts.
“Josh made USD a relevant football school in the eyes of NFL teams,” said Matthews. “I never saw one scout before Josh stepped in. You have every team watching film on Josh and Eric. That carries over. Josh made guys here realize it can be done at this level.”
If there is one thing working against him, according to head coach Ron Caragher, it's that Matthews doesn't have the prototypical 6-foot-3 frame. But his other qualities make up for it.
“He rolls up his sleeves and goes to work,” Caragher said. “You have to have quickness and speed. He has those. But he's very physically strong. In the NFL there is a lot of bump coverage and DBs in your face. He can get off the line of scrimmage. He'll have that ability.
“He looks like he's gliding. That's John. Time that glide and it's a 4.5-type 40. He can flat-out run. It's really a treat to have a receiver who can run like that and catch the ball.”
Kevin Gemmell: (619) 718-5304; kevin.gemmell@uniontrib.com
