IUFB Class of '21 Signing Day Profile: D.J. Matthews

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Name – D.J. Matthews (Grad Transfer)

Position – Wide Receiver

H.S. 247 Composite Ranking – 4-star (97.63)

Previous School – Florida State

With the Hoosiers potentially losing a couple of veteran receivers, the Hoosiers looked toward a very busy NCAA Transfer Portal for some veteran health. IU found an explosive playmaker in D.J. Matthews that should help the ease of potentially losing Whop Philyor. Matthews is a former four-star recruit and three-year player at Florida State.

Matthews was a highly-regarded prospect from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville. He chose Florida State over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and several other major programs. As a freshman in 2017, Matthews played in three contests. His role grew as a redshirt freshman in 2018, he caught 41 passes for 380 yards including a huge game with 133 receiving yards and a touchdown against a ranked North Carolina State squad. Last season, Matthews had 36 catches for 355 yards with three touchdowns. He was a major weapon as a punt returner with an average of 10.4 yards per return, good for eighth among active FBS players.

Matthews is just 5’11” and 160 pounds, but is an elite punt returner. He should factor into the rotation next season.