2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 7 Days Part II (D.J. Matthews)

 Written by Zach Greene (@Zgreene650)

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown continues! The season is only a WEEK away; fans, coaches, players, and our staff cannot wait to see this team on the field.  This rising football program will open its 2021 season at Iowa to take on the #16 ranked Hawkeyes next Saturday. Both teams have been putting in a ton of work to prepare for the season and are excited to take the field in front of a FULL-STADIUM. With students back at school, the buzz around campus has been fantastic to see. That said, today, we are profiling Graduate Transfer D.J. Matthews Jr.  

D.J. Matthews Jr. - @2nineee

Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.

Position: WR/RS

Year: Graduate Transfer

Height/Weight: 5-11/160

Matthews comes to the rising program as a Graduate Transfer from Florida State. During his time at Florida State Matthews played in three seasons returning punts and catching touchdowns. In total, he returned 56 punts for over 580 yards, one of those for a punt return touchdown. To go along with his returning, he caught 84 passes for 809 yards. This past season, Matthews did not see any action on the field.

Coming out of Trinity Christian Academy, Matthews was a highly ranked prospect. He was the No.9 receiver in the nation and No.51 overall, earning interest from many schools, including Tennessee, Alabama, and Auburn, but choose Florida State. https://247sports.com/Player/DJ-Matthews-Jr-36789/.  At Trinity Christian, he led his team to four straight state championships and ended his high school career with 26 touchdowns. 

This season will be Matthews first in the program. He enrolled early in the spring of 2021 after earning his degree at Florida State. For the vet, we can expect a lot of action from him on the field, whether that is returning kickoffs, lining up in the slot, or the backfield. He can do it all. His elite speed and shifty ability will pair nicely with an already very experienced offensive. Overall, Matthews coming to the rising program might just be what they need to take them over the top. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQKpFV3qJL8.