Florida 2024 OC Matthew Peavley locked with Air Force
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A consistent presence in the offensive trenches for Venice High School (Fla.) over the last couple of years has been Matthew Peavley (6-3, 300). The Indians are working on a third run to the Florida state championship game with their grizzled senior leading the charge at center. RNG checks in with the Air Force commit as Venice clicks on all cylinders riding a five-game win streak.
After earning All-State honors a year ago, Peavley was asked about his blocking grades after the Indians tough schedule that includes games against Armwood, Cocoa, Northwestern, and Manatee.
“I’ve graded out at 85 to 90 percent this season,” Peavley said. “I’m getting multiple pancakes. This season I’ve allowed just two pressures and one sack. I have been doing my thing.”
A weight room warrior with a bench max at 440, squat max at 560, and a power clean at 270, that strength is coming through against the big uglies on defense.
“I feel like I am doing a lot better one on one displacing someone that is right in front of me,” Peavley stated. “I am moving them out of the way. We’ve been running more right behind me this season.”
Peavley continued, “Definitely a strength for me is pulling, getting momentum, and clearing out. Once I get my hands on you, there is nothing they can do. My pass protection, I have been on islands all year. Everything is sliding away from me.”
On July 12, Peavley committed to the Falcons after visiting Colorado Springs.
“It was awesome,” Peavley shared. “The location doesn’t get much better. Coach (Steed) Lobo (Lobotzke – OL) was really nice; I have a connection with him.”
The rapport with coach Lobo and the Falcons’ staff was updated.
“It hasn’t changed,” Peavley stated. “I get mail from them almost every day and coach Lobo sends out texts. I am hearing from them more than I am not.”
A Nov. 18 trip to Falcon Stadium is in the works.
“I am thinking about getting up there for the UNLV game, and I will go up in January for my official,” Peavley said.
Asked what is important for him to learn during his official with the Falcons, Peavley replied, “I really want to see how the cadets live outside of football and learn about all the other stuff that comes along with going to a service academy.”
Heading into the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy game, Peavley gave his thoughts on Air Force’s perfect season thus far.
“I think they are No. 22 this week,” Peavley shared. “I think they are leading the country in rushing yards too. That is impressive. They can’t use the transfer portal, what they are doing there is working.”
Venice is back on the gridiron on Friday with a home game against Palmetto.
*Click the link for the May 16 RNG interview with Matthew Peavley.