Interview: 4-Star 2022 Louisiana ATH Jacoby Mathews Preparing to Sling the Pigskin

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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As a skill position player during the 2019 season, there was seemingly nothing standing in the way of success for Jacoby Mathews. The Ponchatoula High School standout was magical in all three phases of the game as impact player setting up intrigue for the four-star’s recruiting process going forward.

One cannot blame a collegiate offensive coordinator for falling in love with Mathew’s skills as a receiver a year ago. The 6-2, 190-pound, target played part time on offense, but still secured 26 passes for 626 yards taking 10 to the house. Going the other way, playing safety or corner, whatever was needed depending on the team’s matchup, Mathews put an end to 98 plays with 12 passes broken up while picking off five.

As the Louisiana talent tore apart 5A opposition, a tidal wave of offers started to roll in, 19 to be exact thus far. After earning first team All-District honors on offense and defense as a sophomore, Mathews is switching things up in 2020 lining up under center in the Green Wave’s offense.

In an RNG exclusive interview, Mathews takes a break from his summer workouts as a DB and QB to update us on his growth over the offseason with insight on his recruiting process.

Interview

Jacoby, I don’t know any other way to describe it but you got some of that magic on the field that is hard to come by at any level. That knack you have for making a big play, where does that come from with you?

“It comes from wanting to win, and doing anything to help my team win.”

Great answer. You earned the athlete label last season playing in all three phases of the game, where all did you line up?

“I lined up as a return specialist, receiver, free safety, and this year I will play quarterback.”

We will circle back around to you playing quarterback in a minute. Keep with last season, the ability to be shifty and elusive in space sets you apart from others, and your speed is deceptive. How fast are you?

“I ran a 4.54 in the 40.”

How did your game as a receiver improve a year ago?

“It improved a lot. I did not start as a receiver but if the game was even my coach would put me in; a one pass and score thing.”

That is the magic I was talking about. On defense, playing safety and corner, how do you feel your game was taken to another level?

“Being tested more against the bigger and better receivers on our schedule, I won every competition in my one-on-one matchups against receivers at corner. I was not targeted as much at safety.”

Where all will we see the magic on the field from you in 2020?

“At quarterback, and I will still playing safety and corner.”

Are you excited about playing quarterback this season?

“Yes, sir. All my life I have played quarterback. I was TJ’s (Finley) backup last season. For me to start as a freshman I played receiver, then I started playing safety. I feel good about going to quarter this year.”

This offseason, what have you been working on as an offensive player?

“Touch on my passes and putting balls into windows. I have focused on certain routes this offseason.”

How about as a defender?

“I have been working on moving more fluidly, opening up my hips, and, being 6-2, working better in small spaces.”

Let’s cover ground on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“Oklahoma and Florida, a lot, and Clemson.”

How many offers have come your way?

“Nineteen.”

Mathews’ Offer Sheet (19): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas, LSU, Memphis, Miami, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Utah, and Virginia

Which programs were the last few to offer?

“Kansas, Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Nebraska.”

Do you have any planned you may take this summer or fall?

“Yes, sir. I plan on visiting Florida State, Mississippi State, Texas, LSU, Auburn, and Georgia.”

Be it this summer or this fall, what goals have you set for yourself in the coming weeks or months?

“For each of my last two seasons I want to throw for 30 touchdowns, run for 10 touchdowns, reach over 2,000 yards, and finish as No. 1 recruit in the nation.”

Last question. With your move back to quarterback, are you wanting to play quarterback in college or are you wanting to play as a defensive back?

“I am willing to be recruited as both. Right now, I am not sure what is best for me. We will see over the next two years what is best for me.”

Great approach to the process. Jacoby, it was great spending time with you today. Wishing you and the Green Wave success this summer preparing for the 2020 season.

“Thank you, sir.”

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Photo credit: Ponchatoula HS/Mathews family; Jacoby Mathews (2019)