Five-Star WR Mike Matthews commits to Tennessee

Hayes Fawcett updated head shotby:Hayes Fawcett07/19/23

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Tennessee Volunteers Land Elite 5-star Wr Mike Matthews Over Uga, Clemson & Usc Football

Five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews of Lilburn (GA) Parkview High announced his commitment to Tennessee Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-2, 185 pounder chose the Volunteers over Georgia, Clemson, and USC.

Matthews Scouting Summary

“Two-way playmaker with elite ball skills who has blossomed into one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 cycle. Measured at 6-foot-0.5, 185 pounds with a 6-foot-6 wing-span prior to his junior season. Lines up at both receiver and safety for Parkview High. Pairs that length with advanced coordination and hands to result in a considerable catch radius. Catches the ball away from his body and has shown the ability to win in contested situations on Friday nights and in 7-on-7 settings. A bouncy athlete who doubles as a standout basketball player in high school and on the AAU circuit. Still developing as a route-runner, but is showing progress as a junior. One of the top overall prospects from the state of Georgia regardless of class.”

He ranks as the No. 14 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 4 wide receiver and the No. 3 player in the state of Georgia.

The Peach State wide receiver joins coach Josh Heupel and the Vols’ top 15 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger, four-star athlete Boo Carter, and others.

Matthews currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $276K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Personal Life (via On3)

“Mike Matthews earned all-region, all-county and all-state honors in 2022 after catching 48 passes for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also starred on defense with 23 tackles and two interceptions. Matthews is also a successful basketball player and juggles both football and basketball at the high school level. Matthews prides himself on his work ethic. “I want people to know you can always count on me,” Matthews said. “I want to be one of those guys. To be known for that rather than just being one of those five-star guys. I don’t really take breaks, even during the week. After practice, I’m always working and making extra effort. I’m about the effort and extra work.”