2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthan Hatchie, C, Tennessee-Martin

• Name: Matthan Hatchie
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 310
• Position: C
• College: University of Tennessee at Martin
• Twitter: matthan_hatchie
• Instagram: hatchie_808

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am majoring in Civil Engineering. I did an internship in Oregon with LMC Construction. During my time at UT-Martin, I have volunteered with community service projects. I enjoyed my opportunity during rodeo week.

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
I’m a hardworking person that leads by example. My teammates respect my character, culture and what I have to say. I also don’t let my emotions get the better of me during games, staying even-keeled.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
Being a center, I see myself in a leadership position. I have what it takes to communicate effectively to my QB and the rest of the OL. I stay calm at my position, keeping my team on the right path. Center best suits my skill set although I have started at guard and can be good at that position if called to do so.

Our team stresses the run game, utilizing a lot of outside zone and some power plays. We are very technique oriented, focusing on having correct footwork, but also being nasty players at the point of attack. Our dominance in the run game opens up for play action passes so we can stretch the field.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Jacksonville State had some great players on their defensive line, some big guys that were tough to move and guys that had great speed at the edge.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Our former QB Keon Howard impressed me the most. He was a transfer from Tulane and was the hardest working guy I ever met. He took control of our team and was a great vocal leader.

John Ford is the vocal, motivational leader of our defense. He’s a smart player that gives maximum effort. He’s also a very good guy off the field.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Having to go through the Juco system was a big struggle. A lot of people that go that route either had bad grades or didn’t put up enough film. I never had any looks in high school, and the Juco route seemed like my best option. It was very tough to go through, giving many players their last chance to prove themselves. I had to play in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes playing in 126-degree weather, negative 30-degree weather, heatwaves, tornadoes, and dust storms. One of the football programs that I was in shut down, and I had to pack up and move to Kansas. All in all, overcoming those obstacles helped me build character and motivate me to strive for more on the field, in the weight room, and my classes.

I finally got a call from my OL coach telling me that another program wanted to meet with me. Coach Kevin Bannon wanted to get to know me as a player and person. He liked my film, and after a good conversation, I was offered a chance to play at UT-Martin. Coming here has been one of the best decisions in my life so far.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. I grew up playing multiple sports, yet I’ve loved playing baseball ever since little league. I was a pretty good pitcher and infielder.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement was winning the OVC Championship for the 2021 season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
That last play of our Championship game is one that I’ll remember. I just remember looking up in a daze and watching the clock tick down. All of my teammates were running, jumping and celebrating. I took that moment to soak it all in, knowing that we had just won.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athletes to watch are Danny Shelton and Vita Vea. I know that might sound awkward, but my brother played with them in college, and I’ve had a chance to really get to know them. My brother Micah played for the Steelers. So, I guess you could say that was my favorite team. I’ve had a chance to meet Ryan Jensen, Quinn Meinerz and Olin Kruetz, all of whom I hope to be like some day.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Josh Tatofi who’s a Hawaiian artist. “Utu bang bang” is a song by Ka’ikena Scanlan that I like to listen to before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My Mom’s sweet and sour ribs with cornbread and rice.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart are some of my favorite actors. I really enjoy the Marvel Movies. One of my favorite TV shows growing up was Avatar: The Last Airbender.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I really enjoy watching anime. I also play the Ukulele.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My family is why I play and also who motivates me the most. Everyone in my family has played football, my brother of course going the furthest, making it to the pros. I strive to go beyond his mark and play football for as long as I can.