Indiana Football: Interview with South Central Star LB Matt Mulligan
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Matt Mulligan has been a name stay on the South Central defense for the last three seasons racking up 214 total tackles during his sophomore and junior campaigns. The 6-0, 220-pound, tackle machine has tremendous tackling ability, strength, and physicality while also playing with aggression and good leadership. After showcasing his skills at numerous camps this summer, this Class of 2022 recruit is receiving recruiting interest from different schools. It will be exciting to watch Mulligan lead this defense one more time in 2021 during his senior season.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Matt to talk about his junior season and his preparations for his senior season at South Central.
Interview
Matt, how would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
I think I had a pretty good season. I led my team in tackles and worked really hard to improve in every game. But I definitely feel like there were plenty of things that I need to work on and improve.
What would you say was your best game and why?
That’s a tough one. I played really well against Culver and had 21 total tackles with 11 solos and we won a tight game. But I think the game that I enjoyed the most was the Winamac game. This was our sectional game. I had 15 total tackles with seven solos and a sack. We almost beat the team that would ultimately lose in semi-state.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I think my strengths are playing a hard-nosed, downfield, attacking style on defense. I REALLY enjoy contact and trying to run through my opponent. I am always trying to separate a player from the ball. I am sure to stay aggressive no matter what. I also think I am a pretty good leader on the field.
Did you receive any individual honors?
I was our 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 LaPorte County All-Area Team, and 2020 All-Conference second team.
How do your skills fit into your team’s defensive scheme?
I am our team’s defensive captain. I call all the defensive plays and make sure all my teammates know what’s going on. My teammates really feed off of the physicality that I play with. I always do the best I can to help my team and get the most out of my teammates.
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
My favorite thing about playing linebacker is hitting people. I can’t wait to get the pads on this year.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max bench is 275. My max squat is 375 and my max power clean is 225.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
My fastest 40 time was 4.8 last year.
What is one area of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
I think my most improved area over the past year is in my ability to read and react and my footwork. It seems like my linebacker instincts are getting better every year.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I used to play basketball but decided to focus on my football-specific workouts year-round.
Have you attended any camps this summer?
I have attended a ton of camps so far this summer. I have been to Junior Day(s), Top 200, CCSC showcases, Indiana Showcase, Marian University and I will be attending several more college-specific camps in July.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
I have been talking to several schools. There has been some Division I interest through my high school coach. I have talked to several Division II schools and I am getting a lot of interest from several NAIA schools. It is an exciting but nerve-wracking time because I just want to find the right place for me.
Do you have any college offers?
I do not have any offers as of yet. All I can do is be humble, continue to work hard, and trust that God will put me in the right situation.
What are you working on the most this offseason?
I am working really hard to improve my speed and quickness. I am also working to do a better job of taking on blocks with my hands.
What game on the 2021 schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
I am really excited for our first game of the year against Triton. They have beaten us in close games in each of the last two years and I really want to get some revenge on them.
What is your GPA?
My GPA is 3.4.
What are your goals for your senior season?
I have a couple of goals this year. I really believe that we have a great team and can win sectionals this year. I would also like to improve the number of turnovers that I force.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; South Central LB Matt Mulligan