2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matt Driver, K/P, Queen’s University

Name: Matt Driver
Position: Kicker/Punter
College: Queen’s University
Height: 6”7
Weight: 225 lbs
Twitter: @MattDriver17
Instagram: @mattdriverr

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect at my position is my unique combination of size, athleticism, versatility, and dedication to improving every day. At 6’7″ and 225 pounds, I bring a strong physical presence as a specialist while maintaining the athleticism needed to perform at a high level.

My journey to football is a little different than most. I spent my entire life playing soccer and competed at Queen’s University before transitioning to football in 2023. Despite having less than three years of football experience, I have developed into one of the top specialist prospects in Canada. I believe the fact that I have progressed so quickly shows both my athletic ability and my commitment to my craft.

I am also a versatile specialist. In addition to punting, I can handle field goals and kickoffs, giving teams flexibility and value. My soccer background has helped me develop strong ball-striking skills, consistency, and body control that translate well to football.

What separates me the most is my work ethic. I am extremely dedicated, detail-oriented, and always looking for ways to improve. Since making the transition from soccer, I have spent countless hours developing my technique, getting stronger in the weight room, and learning everything I can about the position. I love what I do, and when I set a goal for myself, I do everything possible to achieve it.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

One of the biggest moments of adversity I have faced came after my first year at Queen’s University. Soccer had been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I was recruited to Queen’s to continue playing at the university level. During my first year, I was able to compete in multiple games and was excited about continuing to develop as a player.

Going into my second year, after the end of training camp, I was cut from the team. It was a difficult experience because I had spent my entire life playing soccer, and suddenly I had to figure out what my next step would be.

Instead of stepping away from athletics, I decided to challenge myself in a new way and attended an open tryout for the Queen’s football team. I had never played football before, but I committed myself to learning the position, improving every day, and making the most of the opportunity.

That experience helped me become a more resilient and driven athlete. It taught me how to adapt, handle setbacks, and continue working toward my goals even when things do not go as planned. Looking back, being cut from the soccer team was a turning point that pushed me to grow and ultimately led me to where I am today.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Outside of football, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I still love playing soccer, as it has always been a big part of my life. I also enjoy fishing and being on the water. I spend a lot of my free time in the gym, and I enjoy other sports and activities like pickleball, golf, basketball and swimming. I also love to cook and try new things in the kitchen.

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

I see myself playing a role as a reliable and versatile specialist who can contribute to multiple areas. My goal is to be someone a team can trust in important situations, whether that is punting, field goals, kickoffs, or providing consistency in the kicking game.

I believe my athletic background, size, and experience transitioning from soccer gives me a unique skill set that allows me to bring value beyond just one role.

At the next level, I want to earn the trust of my team by being dependable, prepared, and someone who can make a positive impact whenever my number is called.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be supporting research to find cures and better treatments for difficult diseases. I believe investing in medical research has the potential to improve and save countless lives by helping people and families facing challenges that are often out of their control.

This cause is also meaningful to me because after my football career, I hope to pursue a career in physiotherapy or sports medicine. I have always been interested in helping people recover, improve their quality of life, and return to doing the things they love. 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I handle coaching and criticism by using it as a tool to improve. I believe the best athletes are the ones who are willing to listen, make adjustments, and constantly look for ways to get better.

I also appreciate being coached hard because I know that the small details are what separate good players from great players, especially at the specialist position. Whether it is a technical adjustment, a correction in my approach, or something I can improve mentally, I take the feedback seriously and work to apply it.

I do not take criticism personally. I see it as an opportunity to improve, and I take pride in being a coachable player who is always looking for ways to become more consistent.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

The most underrated teammate at Queen’s University is Jacob Baldwin. He is a third-year linebacker who really made a name for himself last season and is continuing to build on that success. He is a standout player on our defence and someone I believe will continue to make a big impact moving forward.

Beyond his abilities on the field, Jacob is a great teammate and an incredible athlete. He brings a strong work ethic and competitiveness, and I believe he is someone to watch in the future.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them? 

If I could have dinner with three people, I would choose Kobe Bryant, Adam Sandler, and AJ Cole

I would choose Kobe Bryant because of his mindset and approach to becoming the best. I would like to hear about his work ethic, how he handled challenges, and the mentality that allowed him to consistently push himself at the highest level.

I would choose Adam Sandler because I have always enjoyed his movies and the way he has built such a successful career while staying true to himself. I would be interested in hearing about his journey, the lessons he has learned, and how he has maintained his personality throughout his success.

I would choose AJ Cole because of his dedication and success in the NFL. I would like to learn how he stays consistent under pressure and what it takes to become one of the best at his position.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

If I were benched tomorrow, it would most likely be because I was not performing at the standard I hold myself to or because I needed to improve a specific part of my game. I understand that competition is part of sports, and the best athletes are always looking for ways to get better.

I would take it as an opportunity to learn, listen to feedback from coaches, and put in the work to earn my role back. I believe in holding myself accountable and constantly finding ways to improve.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My typical pre-game routine is focused on getting my body prepared and making sure I feel confident heading into the game. I start with my own mobility routine, which includes foam rolling, band work, lacrosse ball work, and lots of stretching to get ready to perform.

Before every game, myself and the other kicker, Tyler Mullan, grab a soccer ball and kick it around together, usually playing two-touch. Since we both grew up playing soccer, it is something we enjoy, and it helps us stay relaxed and warm before the game.

After that, we go into the team warm-up, and once that is finished, I spend time punting and kicking to prepare for different game situations. I focus on different hashes, angles, and ball locations to make the reps as realistic as possible. My goal is to be over-prepared so that when the game starts, I feel comfortable, confident, and ready for whatever situation comes my way.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favourite snack food is popcorn.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel I fit best in a scheme that allows me to use my versatility as a specialist. I am comfortable handling different situations, whether that is directional punts, creating hang time, or placing the ball where the team needs it. I believe I can adapt to any system and provide consistency.

What is your degree in? 

Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

The first thing I would buy with my first NFL check would be something meaningful for my family. They have supported me throughout my entire journey and have always been there for me through the highs and lows. Being able to give back and show my appreciation for everything they have done would mean a lot to me. They have invested so much time and support into helping me get to where I am today, and that would be something I would want to recognize. After that, I would make sure I am smart with my money and continue investing in myself and my future.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

A mistake I have made in a game was mishitting a punt and not getting the ball to the area I wanted. The punt ended up going the wrong direction, which resulted in a no-yards call. This is something I have experienced multiple times, and it has taught me the importance of staying composed, trusting my technique, and moving on to the next play.

After making a mistake like that, I focus on getting back to the basics. I do not let one rep affect the next one. I reset, focus on my approach, my contact, and executing the kick the way I know I can. By simplifying things and trusting my preparation, I am able to regain confidence and put my team in the best position moving forward.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. 1942 Flows – Meek Mill
2. Under Ground Kings – Drake
3. Bad State of Mind – Treaty Oak Revival