Personal Statement

Notable Highlights

Freshmen – MVP Defense

Sophomore – Lt. Jeffrey Calero Defensive Leadership Award

Junior – Bob Stenger Memorial Scholarship Award – Awarded to a Sophomore Player for unselfish dedication and off-season dedication to training at St Francis Prep High School.

Coach’s Evaluation

Evaluated by Jerry Flora

April 17, 2026

National Recruiter

Veteran Football Coach – 33 Years

Head Football Coach College/HS – 13 Years

@jr_gennaro5567

Final Grade – C – 7.2 to 7.8 = Potential D2 Prospect

Athletic Ability / Body Type 

Matthew possesses excellent foot quickness and agility, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the challenging Catholic School Football League. This ability enables him to achieve solid depth on pass drops while maintaining proper balance and body control. At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Matthew has an ideal body type. Linebackers like him, who excel in pass coverage, have become increasingly valuable to coaches. (7.8)

Against the Inside Run

Matthews demonstrates excellent reading, recognition, and closing ability when reacting to inside run plays between the tackles. He effectively uses his hands and body to shed blockers within the box. His style of play is aggressive and physical upon contact. When faced with inevitable contact, he employs quick, strong hands to defeat downfield blocks most of the time.  (7.1)

Against Outside Run/Pursuit/Range/Tackling

His run reads are quite solid, allowing him to gain leverage on outside run plays. Matthew has a good overall range on perimeter runs. He consistently takes effective pursuit angles to the ball and demonstrates good acceleration, making plays from the backside as well. Additionally, when he maintains proper technique, he can easily change direction to adjust to a ball carrier who cuts back during the play. (7.5)

Run/Pass Recognition, Instincts, and Smarts

Matthews demonstrates excellent vision, overall instincts, and awareness in run-pass situations. He remains disciplined, not biting on play-action fakes or taking false steps on misdirection plays. There are multiple instances where he reads inside runs effectively while maintaining outside leverage as the flat defender, forcing the quarterback to throw the ball away. Additionally, Matthews excels in covering the flat and can neutralize the RPO (run-pass option) game without being deceived by the quarterback. (8.0)

Pure Rush Ability

There are a few instances in which he is required to play the role of a rush defender. However, when the opportunity arises to focus on pass conditions and force the quarterback out of the pocket, he demonstrates strong proficiency in doing so. At times, he can come off the edge effectively, making challenging plays while using solid technique. He is highly skilled at slipping past and avoiding larger blockers to reach the quarterback. (7.1)

Pass Coverage – Zone and Man to Man

In limited opportunities, he demonstrates solid overall coverage ability. He has a good range, allowing him to quickly turn and close in on the ball as a zone coverage player. Matthew effortlessly covers the flat and hook-to-curl areas. He achieves good depth in his drops and maintains his focus on the quarterback. He closes in quickly and possesses the ball skills necessary to break up passes at any moment. (7.5)

Scheme Versatility/Competitiveness/Toughness

Matthew has the versatility to be productive as a linebacker. He is a highly competitive player who brings great passion, force, and intensity to every snap. He does not shy away from contact during inside runs and demonstrates the toughness to play downhill and physically as a run defender. (8.0)

Strong Points

His ability to make crucial tackles in tight situations, whether in the box or sideline to sideline, is impressive. He effectively uses his intelligence and linebacker skills, reading run-pass option plays while staying composed enough to make the necessary play. He demonstrates good leverage during pass drops and maintains excellent vision to avoid being forced in the wrong direction on bootlegs or misdirection plays. Additionally, he uses his hands effectively to shed blockers and maintains proper leverage when defending against outside runs and bootlegs. His effective use of leverage and body control allows him to wrap up tackles successfully in open-field situations. His pass drops are solid, especially after diagnosing a run, and he consistently shows no hesitation in knocking down passes or securing interceptions.

**Things You Need to Work On for the Next Level**

At times, you tackle too high and are caught trying to catch rather than engaging. You need to focus on aiming lower, especially when facing bigger players. There is insufficient film to evaluate your man-to-man coverage and to see how you would fit into a college defense. At 5’10” and 190 pounds, you are in between playing outside and inside. You can develop into either role depending on your progress.

Overall Score = (8.85)

The grading system is based on research using GM Jr.’s 2012 Grading Scale. Each category is graded on a scale of 1 to 10.

Example of the NFL Grading System for Combine Participants

AA – 9.2. to 10 = Potential FBS Prospect-Power 5 Prospect
A – 8.6 to 9.1 = Potential Low FBS Prospect
B – 7.9 to 8.5 = Potential FCS Prospect
C – 7.2 to 7.8 = Potential D2 Prospect
D – 6.5 to 7.1 = Potential NAIA Prospect
E – 5.8 to 6.4 = Potential D3 Prospect
F – 5.1 to 5.7 = Potential Junior College/Post Graduate
Under 5.0 = Potential Junior College

Camps & Showcases

2026

Next Gen Camp – March

BE THE ONE New Rochelle – May 3

Western Connecticut University – May

Fordham University – June 27

2025

Exact Sports – Purchase College – December

Invitations & School Visits

2026

Alvernia Junior Day – June 22

Endicott – April 25

Marist – April 19

WNE – April 19

AIC – April 18

St Anselm Virtual – March 3

Wesleyan University Virtual Junior Day Invite – February 11th