Matt Corral gives perfect answer when asked what he knows about Sam Darnold
Throwing for 8,287 yards and 57 touchdowns over four seasons at Ole Miss, quarterback Matt Corral put together a standout career with the Rebels and transformed himself into a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
As he was selected No. 94 overall by the Carolina Panthers last weekend, Corral – a former On3 Consensus four-star recruit out of the Class of 2018 – is now set to make the move to North Carolina and suit up for the Panthers in 2022. While Carolina already has Sam Darnold as its starting quarterback, Corral will certainly have a chance to compete for the backup spot.
While Corral spent the past couple of seasons serving as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, it’ll be an adjustment for him to play as a backup – but he’s looking forward to learning from Darnold while playing behind him.
“Actually, I used to watch him,” Corral said of Darnold. “I went to the Rose Bowl when Penn State played USC, and I remember I was sitting – my buddy’s mom worked for State Farm and she used to get tickets in that suite, and we were right out their locker room. … I remember Sam Darnold cutting up Penn State’s defense.
“I definitely think he’s a great player, and I’m excited to learn from him.”
Darnold, who’s entering his second season with the Panthers in 2022, threw for 2,527 yards and nine touchdowns with 13 interceptions last year while Carolina went just 5-12 overall.
Corral explains what separated him from other quarterbacks in 2022 NFL Draft
Meeting with the media after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers, Matt Corral explained what separated him from the other quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
“I always start this answer with my leadership,” Corral said. “But not saying that I don’t think my strength is my arm talent and my ability to escape the pocket and extend the play. … I definitely feel like my strengths are that, but what’s most important to me is my leadership and my ability to create a camaraderie that it bends, but it doesn’t break.
“I feel like I’ve shown that the past two years of my college career, and it’s something I pride myself on. I’m very excited, honestly, to do it all over again.”