Matt Corral reveals his thoughts as he lay injured on the field in final college game

Former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral shared his thoughts on being injured in the final game of his college football career after being drafted. Corral was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft in the third round by the Carolina Panthers, beginning his NFL career with a chance at a starting position.

In the final game of his college career, Corral suffered a high-ankle sprain that forced him out of the Sugar Bowl early — forcing him to watch from the sidelines as his teammates took on Baylor. The Rebels lost the game, 21-7, after a remarkable season that saw them win ten games and a winning season for the first time since 2015.

Matt Corral on being injured in his final college game

While speaking to the media in a virtual presser after being selected by the Panthers in the draft, Corral fielded questions about the draft process. One question veered towards the unfortunate injury he suffered in the final game of his college career, and whether or not he was immediately afraid it would affect his draft status.

“100 percent, I definitely thought it was gonna affect my draft status,” said Corral while smiling. “That was not the first thing that came in my mind but it was definitely in the top three. As soon as that injury happened I grabbed my ankle… I just felt the pain and the first reaction with my family and this whole thing about me trying to put them in a better position. Trying to give them something that they’ve never experienced before.

“And secondly was my position in the draft status and being able to actually get myself an opportunity to display my talents. Playing in the NFL, being an NFL quarterback was something that I’ve wanted to do since I was six years old. I’m feeling blessed truly. I’m at a loss for words. I couldn’t be more excited just to get back to work and actually play the game of football again. I’m itching to get back out there.”

Matt Corral may not have been able to finish the final game of his college career on the field, but the sight of him cheering on his teammates from the sideline while on crutches is a lasting image that reflects his leadership.

Corral on sliding in the NFL draft

While his injury likely didn’t factor too much into draft decisions by NFL teams, Corral and nearly every quarterback in the draft slid down draft boards from analyst projections. Corral was the fourth quarterback selected, but the third-round was lower than he might have expected going into the draft. Corral commented on the experience earlier in his virtual presser, mentioning that he just let the process develop around him.

“You know, it is definitely an emotional roller coaster for sure,” admitted Corral. “But you just gotta control what you control. And I felt like I put my best foot forward and you just gotta let go and let God take control.”