Mikey Matthews wants Pac-12 championship with Utah Utes
SALT LAKE CITY (BVM) – Mikey Matthews has been busy since December. On Dec. 1, the three-star wide receiver verbally committed to Utah and then signed his letter of intent on the 21st. At the beginning of January, Matthews competed in the Under Armour All-American Game and now he’s enrolled at Utah.
“It’s pretty crazy,” Matthews said. “I’m still settling in, it’s all hitting me right now but it’s a blessing and I’m really excited to be out here.”
He’s ready to contribute any way he can to the team, whether that is as wide receiver, a returner or anything else the Utes ask him to do. Matthews is excited to contribute and get his college career started.
Matthews enters his collegiate career after showing off his talent against some of the best Class of 2023 football players in the nation at the Under Armour All-American Game. He beat five-star Miami commit Cormani McClain during practice for a touchdown. Then during the game, he connected with five-star Oklahoma quarterback commit Jackson Arnold for a touchdown.
Future #Sooners QB Jackson Arnold (@_JacksonArnold_) hits Utah WR Mikey Matthews on a back shoulder go-route for a touchdown. @TFB_Sooners pic.twitter.com/sNxbEfpmZ4
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) January 3, 2023
“It was really fun,” Matthews said. “I definitely got to evaluate my skills and see where I land according to all the players from other states…I know they’re all high school kids but these are pretty damn good high school kids.”
Utah 3⭐️ WR signee Mikey Matthews vs Miami Five-Star Plus+ CB commit Cormani McClain👀
Live Updates from Under Armour All-America Game Practice Day 2: https://t.co/Lu6Gs4vY17 pic.twitter.com/IPACvq7MmE
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) December 31, 2022
Matthews showed off his speed and route running ability as well as his steady hands. The skills that led him to three straight South Coast League MVP awards when he was at Mission Viejo. While in high school he had 177 receptions for 2,402 years and 28 touchdowns. As a senior, Matthews helped the Diablos to a 10-2 record with 61 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The three-star wide receiver had plenty of other offers including scholarships from Tennessee, Michigan, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Washington State. However, getting noticed and turning heads on a national stage is still a plus.
It was a confidence booster heading into spring with the Utes, especially with Utah’s star quarterback Cam Rising returning for one more season. The Utes are the reigning back-to-back Pac-12 champions and with Rising returning, they should be favorites to three-peat.
For Matthews, it’s a chance to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in college football and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
“It’s really nice especially because I can get knowledge from him, he can help me out, and know the playbook,” Matthews said about playing with Rising. “Hopefully, I get a starting role, get experience with him, get chemistry with him and see how it goes from there.”
“With a vet quarterback, it’s going to be a pretty fun and exciting season.”
Rising returning to the Utes is just the most recent confirmation that a Mission Viejo graduate has made the right choice. The day after he verbally committed, Utah beat USC in the Pac-12 championship. It was a nice reminder since Matthews had been recruited hard by Washington State.
He was already a silent commit to Utah when he went on an official visit to Pullman, Washington. That’s when the Cougars did their best to win Matthews over but the Utes won out.
“The way they develop players, they’re a really great development school, the coaching staff especially,” Matthews said.
Utah’s ability to build up the recruits that come to Salt Lake City, along with the culture that is in that locker room are two of the main reasons he chose the Utes. It also doesn’t hurt that Utah will enter the 2023 season as a top ranked team.
“They’re back-to-back Pac-12 champions so that speaks for itself,” Matthews said.
