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The Wildcats had just lost Austin King to graduation, and the NU Coaches were on the prowl for a new center. In Pearland, Texas they recruited and got a commitment from Trevor Rees, who started at center his freshman year. But there were stories around that Walker didn't think Rees was "intensive" enough - he appeared to the coaches to be pretty "laid back" - so as insurance, they also accepted a commit from a second Center/O-Lineman down in Florida, Austin Matthews. Matthews also had all of the credentials; First team All-conference, county, city and had played all 3 positions on the Orange Park HS offensive line. His dad played for the University of MIami, and growing up Austin always wanted to be his dad when he was playing football. So far the reports on Matthews have been mixed, he's had to work his way through all the other linemen on the 2 deep, and he finally made it to the 2nd Unit last April, backing up at right guard. Matthews played as the #2 right guard and took a few snaps at center. But last week, his ability to center the ball in a spread offense jumped back to the top of his resume and the Northwestern coaches have told him that the center job is his to lose in Camp Kenosha. Lined up behind him will probably be Adam Crum, the #2 on the 2 deep in the spring, then in no particular order, Joe Tripodi and Vince Clarke. At 6-5 Matthews could be considered a little tall for a center, but at 285 should have the size to handle any rush over the middle. Kenosha watchers will have to train the binoculars on the center of the O-Line and see just how he handles the defensive rush from Barry Cofield and the rest of the Cats in the middle.
CoachRoy74 on AIM
