2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Mattingly, WR, Morgan State University

• Name: Matthew Mattingly
• Position: WR
• College: Morgan State University (transfer from Morehead State)
• Height: 6’1 1/2″
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Twitter: @1kingmattingly

1.How was your experience at Morehead State and what are your expectations for Morgan State?

I had a great time at Morehead, a great opportunity they gave me and I’m forever grateful. I expect Morgan State to be a competitive environment that will bring the best out of me every day and become my home.

2.What is your favorite stadium that you have played in?

Illinois State’s stadium was electric. The fans were rowdy from the kickoff to the end of the game. They had the bios of a couple of players and if you made a mistake they were going in all game. Those are the best places to play in my opinion.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I have the mindset that the only person who can guard me is God. I’m going to put it all on the line for my team every play and do whatever it takes to help the team win the game.

4.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

”Have Faith” because I have had to trust everything was going to work out multiple times even if I didn’t know-how. 

NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

5.What is your favorite workout?

I love stadium runs as I’ve found it a great way to strengthen your lower body and build stamina.

6.What do you hope to accomplish if you make it into the NFL?

I want to make a team and become one of the best receivers in the league. I know the work it takes and I’ll be ready to show up when my number is called.

7.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

Making it out of JuCo because of the challenges a lot of JuCo kids face behind the scenes is a reason a lot of them end up not making it out. I was close a couple of times but I was blessed to be one of them to figure it out.

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I love the pressure of being counted on by my teammates to do my job right. Most other sports are individual, football is all 11 do their job, or else it doesn’t work. It’s like putting together a puzzle on every play.

9.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Last year scoring my first touchdown because I basically held on with one hand, then two weeks later having the game-winning pancake block for a touchdown for homecoming.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team will get someone who pays attention to the small details, is smart, and extremely determined to never let the ball touch the ground when it is thrown my way. They will get someone who will come in knowing how to act like a pro in addition to playing like one.

11.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I like to stay loose and have fun but I got a natural chip on my shoulder ready to go to war with anybody.

12.Rank focus,footwork and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why?

Focus, skill then footwork. If you can’t focus on your job and do it correctly you won’t see the field or gain your team’s trust. I think skill is more important than footwork because you can always improve your footwork but you have all these players who look nice on the ladder or in drills but when the pads come on it becomes a different story.