Five-Star Wide Receiver Mike Matthews Commits to Tennessee: What You Need to Know
Five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews, the nation’s No. 13 prospect and No. 4 receiver in the 247Sports Composite, has committed to Tennessee. This is a significant addition for the Vols, and here’s everything you need to know about the commitment.
Matthews is the first five-star recruit in Tennessee’s 2024 class, making him a highly sought-after player. He joins four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger as the second top-100 player in the class. With Matthews’ commitment, Tennessee now has the nation’s No. 11 class.
A native of Lilburn, Georgia, Matthews had several options for his college career. He ultimately chose Tennessee over in-state Georgia, as well as Clemson and USC. He took official visits to all four schools in June, with Tennessee being his final visit.
It’s worth noting that Auburn offered Matthews a scholarship in both football and basketball, highlighting his versatility as an athlete.
What Does This Mean for Tennessee?
Tennessee had an impressive season in 2022, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The team’s success seems to have resonated with top recruits like Matthews. The fact that the Vols were able to secure his commitment despite competition from Georgia, which is located just 50 miles away from his high school, speaks volumes about the program’s appeal.
Tennessee finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record and ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll. The addition of Matthews further strengthens the team’s offensive firepower and sets a solid foundation for head coach Josh Heupel to build upon in the coming seasons.
The prospect of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit himself, throwing passes to Matthews is an exciting prospect for Tennessee fans. If the Vols want to compete with the top teams in the SEC, they need recruits like Matthews who can make an immediate impact on the field.
What They’re Saying
Joe Sturdivant, who was hired as the head coach at Parkview, Matthews’ high school alma mater, had high praise for the talented wide receiver. Sturdivant was impressed by Matthews’ skills and described him as “every bit of every rating and all the things that he’s been given.” He also commended Matthews’ ability to catch the ball in any situation, highlighting his exceptional athleticism and natural talent.
Sturdivant emphasized that Matthews can catch the ball regardless of its placement or trajectory, making him a reliable target for quarterbacks. His ability to catch passes out of sync and without breaking stride is a rare skill that sets him apart from other receivers.
Final Thoughts
Matthews’ commitment to Tennessee is a significant victory for the program. It showcases the team’s ability to attract top talent and compete with powerhouse programs like Georgia, Clemson, and USC. With Matthews joining the Vols’ 2024 class, Tennessee now has one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.
As Matthews begins his college career at Tennessee, it will be interesting to see how he develops and contributes to the team. His addition, along with previous recruit Nico Iamaleava, demonstrates Tennessee’s commitment to building a strong and competitive football program under head coach Josh Heupel.
Overall, this commitment is an exciting development for Tennessee football and a sign of great things to come for the Vols.