Devy Digest: Freshman Friday - Mike Matthews

Matthews, a three-sport (football, basketball, track) and two-way star on the football field, comes to Tennessee as a highly touted recruit. Andy breakdowns the incoming freshman!

Tennessee Volunteers
Position: Wide Receiver
Mike Matthews
6’1” 186 lbs
Draft Eligible: 2027

Who is Mike Matthews?

Matthews was a five-star in the composites who attended Parkview High in Lilburn, Georgia. Matthews was a three-year starter and concluded his High School career with 135 receptions for 2,545 yards and 25 touchdowns. Matthews was a threat to take it to the house with every reception and was a standout athlete on the field. Matthews was a two-way player who also spent time at safety and away from football; Matthews was a contributor on the basketball team as a wing forward and competed in track and field. Before committing to the Volunteers, the multi-sport athlete held 34 offers and narrowed his list to Clemson, Georgia, USC, and Tennessee. 

Matthews, an early enrollee, wasted no time in making his presence felt during bowl practices. This early start gave him a significant advantage when spring camp opened, and he didn't disappoint. He shone throughout the fifteen practices, culminating in a standout performance in the spring game, where he made a memorable touchdown grab. His commitment to his high school prom cut his game time short, explaining the relatively light spring game stats. However, his performance was enough to leave a lasting impression. 

Matthews is a tremendous athlete and is effortless in the routes that he runs. The routes are limited and contained to short area manufactured touches, go routes, and in between, he has slants and outs. Matthews does well with what he was asked to run. He won’t be a route-running savant, but he uses his athletic traits to win with those routes and understands how to win versus his defender. He fits right into what the Vols want to run; they want to create space and get vertical. Matthews can develop crossers and other routes where he can make one move and get upfield. Matthews finds ways to win with these routes. Matthews has a good release package and gets full speed within strides. As he grows as a player and understands tempo, he could be a Troy Franklin type of route runner. Matthews makes acrobatic catches with ease and tracks the ball well. Matthews should be used as a vertical option and paired with quarterback Nico Iamaleava; we could see a formidable duo in the next couple of years. Matthews has the long speed to run under any deep throw without being able to overthrow him; Matthews is an exciting prospect with room to grow.

Pathway to Success