2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 1 Day (Devon Matthews)

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Written by Evan Orris

The 2021 Countdown! Only one day left until the Hoosiers travel to Iowa City to take on the #16 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Today we will profile Devon “Monster” Matthews, the Senior safety.

Devon Matthews

Senior

Jacksonville, Fla.

6’2”/ 205 Lbs

Last season, Devon Matthews was one of the many breakout stars on Indiana’s stout defense.

After collecting 40 tackles, which ranked third on the team, six pass breakups—which ranked second on the team-- one sack, two tackles for losses, and one interception, Matthews earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors. Now, he will look to lead the team in every stat category this season, while becoming the leader of the defense.

“I think I stepped up more last year, being more vocal. This year, I’m even stepping it up a notch. Taking it up another notch. Just Talking more really and communicating more.” Matthews said.

As Jamar Johnson is no longer on the team and in the NFL, Matthews will not only be one more experienced player in the secondary, but he is also the only starting safeties returning. Juwan Burgess played snaps at safety but never started. Marcelino McCrary-Ball has plenty of starting experience as he has started 38 games but missed all of last season with an ACL injury. Finally, Raheem Layne has never started a game at safety and just recently transitioned to the position.

Matthews has already taken it upon himself to help Layne learn the position. Which is just another way he has stepped into the leadership role by making sure he is on the same page as his teammates.

“After practice, we either go to his house or mine and we watch film together. So, our chemistry is definitely up there. We’re going to be good for the season.” Matthews said of the duo. 

“Monster” has come a long way from being named to the  247Sports True Freshman All-American and honorable-mention All-Big Ten, and being awarded the ESPN.com and BTN.com Big Ten All-Freshman in 2016. He will continue to make huge strides while anchoring the secondary for the Hoosiers.