Transfer Wide Receiver DJ Matthews Carving Out His Own Spot on Offense

DJ Matthews hauls in a pass during spring practice Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

When DJ Matthews announced his intentions to transfer from Florida State to Indiana, the Hoosiers knew they were getting an elite athlete and punt returner and potentially a replacement for Whop Philyor. Philyor was an outstanding player for the Hoosiers and will try to take the next step to the NFL this season, but IU offensive coordinator doesn’t like calling Philyor replaceable.

“I do not like to make player comparisons.” Sheridan explained. “Whop was an exceptional player for us and contributed greatly to our success here. We wish him the very best and thankful for his contributions. D.J. is looking to create that role for himself just like the rest of the players on this team. We try not to make comparisons and I think they are different players. They are not the same person. D.J. has had a great attitude about trying to learn what we do here and trying to improve and get better each and every day. We just want D.J. to be D.J. We are not going to try and make him be somebody he is not. We just want him to be the very best version of D.J. and we are looking forward to that.”

Matthews didn’t choose to come to IU to replace Philyor either, he wanted to play for a winner. Indiana gave Matthews “another opportunity to come to a winning program, dominant uprising program, that's just something I felt like I couldn't pass up," he said. "That opportunity, playing for one of the greatest coaches in college football right now, that had a lot to do with it, and Indiana is everything that I imagined."

Matthews will have an opportunity to return punts. It is what he is known for and he has a love for special teams. In his career at Florida State Matthews put up 84 receptions for 809 yards and five touchdowns. He is also 10th all-time in Florida State football history in punt return yards with 582 on 56 returns. He also has a punt return touchdown to his name. His prowess in the return game gives IU a weapon they haven’t had since J-Shun Harris graduated in 2018.

“Punt return is something I've been doing my whole life," Matthews says. "Coach (Tom) Allen told me that I would have that opportunity in terms of that when I got here. That's something that I take extremely seriously. I take all special teams serious. I love special teams. I'm a special teams guy. That's what got me on the field when I first got to college, so that's something I take tremendously serious."

However, his role will be bigger.

“They have me playing in the slot, but things could change during the season or in game planning. I'm here to play my role." Matthews said.

Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle is excited to work with Matthews as well. “DJ is great. I love that guy. He’s been phenomenal so far. We are going to keep on growing together. The kid is super quick and can jump. Has it all. I am just so thankful he is here. We are all glad to have him.” Tuttle said.

Matthews has been standing out so far this spring and while Sheridan and others don’t want to compare him to other players, it looks like the Hoosiers have their slot receiver for 2021.