Interview: 2021 DT/NG Matthew “Bam” Craig is Tearing up 8A Florida Linemen
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to college football recruiting, not all is fair in love and war within the game. No matter how fast, how big, or how talented, as much of what you can do on the gridiron is where you do it in the respect game. This bias within the game when it comes to handing out college football scholarships was not lost on Class of 2021 defensive tackle Matthew “Bam” Craig. Craig tore it up during his sophomore season, but against 2A Florida competition. To scratch out the “what if” college coaches could throw his way in regards to the level he was dominating, he made a move in the offseason and is still dictating the action in the trenches.
Highly productive defensive tackles/nose guards are hard to come by at any level. There are those quick and speedy undersized guys who create mismatch problems for centers and guards, but going toe-to-toe and pound for pound, if you got one who eats up the A and B gaps, chances are you are winning games. This was true for University Christian a year ago ending with an 8-5 record against 2A foes seeing their rising star work offenses over for 69 tackles and seven tackles for a loss in stats credited through 11 games.
If Craig can command double-teams at the 2A level as a sophomore, what can he do at the 8A level a year older, wiser, and stronger… the same damn thing. Mandarin High School’s new 6-2, 285-pound, defensive lineman is taking on double- and triple-teams but has still produced 16 stops, 11 solo, with four tackles for a loss and two sacks. The Mustangs are off to a 2-1 start with opposing teams forced to account for Craig. That same sentiment will start spreading like a wild fire along the recruiting trail once college coaches become aware.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Florida’s top under the radar talents making a big impact out of the Jacksonville area.
Interview
Matt, you are a highly active defensive tackle for the Mustangs making plays all over the line. When you are ready to get nasty in there, what is that mindset once the mouth piece is in?
“My mindset is to stay focused. The person going against you is not a friend, he is trying to stop you from getting a check.”
What defensive scheme are you guys running at Mandarin?
“It changes from game to game. We are either in a 3- or 4-man front.”
Where all are you lining up?
“I am lining up as a 3-tech and at nose guard.”
What did you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior year?
“I worked on my hands, hand fighting, and my get off. I also worked on my strength and speed.”
Did you max out over the offseason?
“I have not maxed out since the summer. My last max on bench was 305 and for squat I got 505.”
Nice. What are the strengths to your game in the trenches?
“I am faster than the guys I am going against. Because I am faster, it has been easier to get behind the line and make plays. My strength has helped too. I am doing a good job of staying low.”
How are offenses scheming against you trying to take you out of plays?
“When we played Atlantic Coast in our first game, they knew about me. They double-teamed me the entire game. I have been double- and even triple-teamed this season. The teams are running to the other side of me.”
Florida 8A football is not a stroll in the park. What are some of the big games still left on the schedule for you guys?
“We get St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 4. I believe they are the No. 6 team in the country; that will be fun. We still have Sandalwood (Oct. 18) to play. We just played Bartram Trail, that was fun.”
When the season is through, what goals will you have accomplished?
“My goal is to be better than I was last year. I came to 8A to compete against college level guys. I am doing that now. My goal is to compete and be the best that I can be for my team. My goal is always to be better than the people I am going against.”
With the great start to your junior season, are you picking up recruiting interest?
“Yes. Judson, Davidson, and Virginia Tech are showing interest.”
Did you take any visits over the offseason?
“I did with the camps I attended.”
Which camps did you go to this summer?
“I camped at Florida, JU (Jacksonville), Appalachian State, Valdosta State, and Wake Forest.”
Of all the camps, which was your best camp performance?
“I would say App State and Wake Forest.”
What did you do well to standout at those camps?
“I beat every guy with speed. We were not allowed to bull rush, so I used my spin move or my speed rush off the edge to win reps.”
Matt, it was great learning more about you and your game today, thanks for your time. I am excited to see how the rest of the season goes for you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mandarin High School; Matthew Craig