Aug. 9, 2011
In the coming week, VUCommodores.com will take a closer look at players to keep an eye on during preseason practice in a series called: Five to Watch.
The first player featured is sophomore wide receiver Jordan Matthews. As a freshman, Matthews blossomed into a top playmaker by the end of the season, finishing the year with touchdown receptions in four straight games. It was the first time a Commodore had touchdowns in four straight contests since Earl Bennett in 2005. Matthews has gotten off to a strong start in camp and looks ready to pick up where he left off last season. Vanderbilt athletic communications intern Eric Single recently caught up with Matthews to discuss the upcoming season.
What part of your game did you think needed the most work this offseason?
I think I needed the most work on making my routes consistent throughout the game, first through fourth quarter, so basically over the summer I’ve just been working on sharpening up my routes, doing a lot of cone drills and that kind of stuff.
How much did you carry over the way you finished last season into your work this offseason?
I know a lot of people don’t like to dwell on seasons past and, but it also can be used as a motivational tactic. For me, I know a lot of people said I finished the season strong, and I would’ve liked to finish it even better. But that just lets me know that there are a lot of high expectations for me this year, so I have to come out and keep producing.
How much do you think about the expectation that you’re one of this team’s leading returning playmakers?
I think about it every day. Every time I go and work, I try and think of the expectations, I try and think about what the doubters say. I go to practice with a chip on my shoulder and I play with one, too, because at the end of the day it’s about who makes plays, and I have to go out there and make plays.
Do you see the guys in the locker room buying into Coach Franklin’s philosophy and attitude?
Of course. Coach Franklin’s brought great energy to the program since he came over from Maryland. A lot of guys are excited. From a day-to-day basis, it’s been a consistent excitement every single day we’ve come here to work, and I think that’s definitely something that Coach Franklin and his staff have brought in. We’re really excited about this upcoming season and what we can do with that excitement going in.
You’re a high-energy player and teammate yourself. Do you feel like Coach Franklin’s enthusiastic style is made for a player like you?
I feel like Coach Franklin and I have a really good relationship, and (my energy is) one thing he always says he likes about me. There are a lot of areas of the game I have to work on, probably every single one as a receiver, but one thing that I can do is always bring enthusiasm. So that’s what I’m going to try and do every single day at practice, every single game, I’m going to come with the same enthusiasm every single time.
You’re very close with redshirt freshman receiver Chris Boyd. How excited are you about the possibility of the two of you being on the field at the same time this season?
I’m excited, man. Chris is like family to me, he’s like my brother. We came in at the same time, and a lot of people kind of made it seem like a competition of who’s going to play. But at the end of the day, we’re best friends. I want to see him succeed, and I know he wants me to succeed. He’s a great receiver. I think he can be one of the best receivers in the conference once he gets a chance to show what he can do, so I’m really excited for that, and I can’t wait for him to get out on the field and show people his talents.
