Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/109499
Tom Lemming Of Prep Football Report: "He's an underrated ballplayer. I love this kid. They could play him at either [tight end of defensive line]. I think in the long run he could be a steady defensive lineman or a very good tight end." Recruitment: Became Notre Dame's second commit on March 7, 2012 … Visited Michigan and held offers from Northwestern, Cincinnati, Indiana and Illinois, among others … Primarily recruited by defensive line coach Mike Elston … Attended Notre Dame's junior day on March 3, four days before committing … Also visited campus March 24, June 14, Sept. 22 (Michigan game), Oct. 13 (Stanford game) and Oct. 20 (BYU game), and made an official visit on Dec. 7. Why He Chose Notre Dame: "Manti Te'o gave a speech about how he wanted a chance to be in the national championship game [during Matuska's visit to campus], and it just shows the passion they have for their school. That kind of spoke out to both my parents and me that kids that are only 20 or 21 years old are so passionate about the school. They want success for themselves, but also the whole entire school. Being around those guys will be a really great experience." Jason Sapp's Scouting Report: Plays low with power and shows good running ability for his size … Likes contact and keeps a wide base while blocking the defender to maintain leverage and control of the block … Has a great frame to build on, is scrappy in the trenches and is a versatile enough option that is talented as a tight end as well … Is similar to linebacker-tight end convert Troy Niklas. 2013 Projection: Matuska will likely take a year to grow into his new position on the defensive line, while he waits behind a deep list of talented players.