WATCH: Tennessee commit Mike Matthews breaks multiple tackles after catch
Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews has been committed to Tennessee for less than a month, but he’s already making a case for playing time as a true freshman in Knoxville next season.
On Wednesday night in Parkview’s season-opener, Matthews made the first highlight of his senior season in athletic fashion. After reeling in a catch against Marietta (Ga.) Kell, the wideout bobbed and weaved his way down field, breaking a flurry of tackles along the way, nearly reaching the red zone.
Matthews is the No. 14 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 4 WR and No. 3 player from Georgia. He committed to Tennessee over Clemson, Georgia and USC.
“What makes Tennessee right for me are the culture, the tenacity that everyone has there, how crazy the fan base is and the offense,” Matthews told On3. “Everyone is bought into what Tennessee is doing and they have great support. Their fans have also always stood out to me.
The 6-foot-0.5, 180-pounder highlights the Volunteers’ class, which ranks No. 8 in the nation and No. 5 in the SEC, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Tennessee has 19 pledges in the class, 12 of whom flank Matthews as four-star recruits.
Matthews has an On3 NIL Valuation of $364K. 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.
Mike Matthews scouting summary
“Two-way playmaker with high-end athleticism, length and coordination who has blossomed into one of the better receiver prospects in the 2024 cycle. Measured at 6-foot-0.5, and close to 190 pounds prior to his senior season. Has a big frame and very good length for the position with a 32.75-inch arm and 9.75-inch hand. Tested as a top athlete in the combine setting at Under Armour’s Atlanta camp, running an electronically-timed sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash. Lines up at both receiver and safety for Parkview High. Pairs that length with advanced coordination to result in a considerable catch radius. Has shown the ability to win in contested situations on Friday nights and in 7-on-7 settings. Makes difficult catches and adjusts to poorly thrown balls. Has the burst and speed to separate on vertical routes. A bouncy athlete who doubles as a standout basketball player in high school and on the AAU circuit. Had a number of big games against top competition as a junior. Caught 48 passes for 1,030 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022. Throws down impressive dunks on the hardwood. Still developing as a route-runner, given he was more of an athlete and safety prospect early on in his high school career. Had some concentration drops as a junior. Upside for the position is high given his overall skill package and room for continued development.”