Freshman Matthew Bedford: Indiana was 'Best Decision For Me'

Matthew Bedford has been enjoying his time in Bloomington so far. Image: Matthew Bedford’s Twitter

Written by Nathan Comp

As early as June of 2018, Coach Allen had secured the verbal commitment from Memphis, Tennessee offensive tackle Matthew Bedford. However, on early signing day last December, Bedford’s signing was anything but secure.

Numerous SEC and ACC schools had continued to push for Bedford to flip his commitment. And in the middle of SEC/ACC country, they seemed poised to accomplish the feat.

“You always had everybody in your ear, ‘Oh, go ahead and go to South Carolina. Go ahead and go to Mississippi State, that’s SEC, that’s big time.’ But I knew what was best for me, so [Indiana] was the best decision.”

Ultimately, the relationship Bedford had established with the coaching staff was too much for others to overcome. Allen was able to celebrate the national letter of intent of his 17th recruit that December day.

“I just reverted back to what I saw on my unofficial (last June), and then after the official it reassured everything, reassured all my thoughts and everything. Looking back at the coaching staff, looking back at the feelings that I had, it made me happy.”

Now on campus as an early enrollee, Bedford has shifted his focus to the next step, the step that IU’s coaches promised him throughout his recruitment: taking his game to the next level. Each day he is focused on getting better under the strength and conditioning coaches David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea.

“I’m just trying to develop. I’m just trying to develop myself and perfect my craft into what I need to be able to do my job and do my part for this team. I want to be the best player that I can be for this team, and to be able to produce and be able to contribute to the success for this team. That’s my main goal.”

A three-star recruit measuring at 6’5” and 260 pounds, Bedford has the frame and talent to potentially even see playing time on Indiana’s offensive line this season. He even described himself as a “grown man.” But as Coach Allen has said, once you walk through the door, the stars next to your name disappear. It’s all about your commitment to developing.

“I’m enjoying the whole process. I feel myself developing, I feel myself getting faster. It’s been great.”

And for any regrets he may have over his commitment?

“Everything that they promised that they were going to deliver, they’re delivering it. So I’m enjoying it.”