Some of you who regularly filled a seat at Carter-Finley Stadium last season, might have noticed a 'Mountain of a Man' on the sidelines wearing the #79. You might have been thinking to yourself: "That kid looks like he could play right now." Truth be told, Redshirt Freshmen R.J. Mattes probably could have contributed last season on his raw talent and ability alone. But after redshirting last season, R.J. turned himself into something to be reckoned with in '09. Mattes arrived at NC State standing 6'6 and weighing 260 pounds. He laughed at the 'Freshmen 15' and started his own trend with the 'Freshmen 45.' Yes that is correct, after one year of NC State Football strength and conditioning and a regimented diet, Mattes currently steps on the scale at 313 pounds. Don't think for a second that R.J.'s size takes away from his athleticism. He was one of the most athletic 'big men' in the 2008 class, running a 5.08 40 Yard dash. In 2007 Mattes put together a year to remember when he was named a Super Prep All-American, selected First Team All-State and became the first player from Jay M. Robinson High School to play in the Shrine Bowl. In landing this consensus 4 Star Offensive Linemen, Coach O'Brien showed his commitment to win the recruiting battle in the state of North Carolina and to win the battle in the trenches. Scout rated Mattes as the #11 Offensive Tackle in his class, while Rivals and ESPN both ranked him #21. R.J. was the #4 player in the State of North Carolina, and he was in good company with two other Pack commits: Terrell Manning (#1) and Brandon Barnes (#5).R.J. Mattes has great athleticism and has very quick feet for his size. He can get out on the run and act as a lead blocker for a Runningback, almost like he is a Fullback, and bulldoze a Linebacker or a Defensive Back. You can tell that Mattes played a little on the other side of the ball in high school, because he isn't satisfied just pushing his man. He's looking to lay a blow whenever the opportunity presents itself. R.J. is quick with his hands and has a strong push off the line of scrimmage. Mattes also shows great pass protection ability. He uses his agility, quickness and balance to avoid turning his hips to quickly when a Defensive End rushes him.
Mattes chose to run with the Pack over offers from Miami(FL), Clemson, South Carolina, UNC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Duke and Louisville.
R.J. looks to make an immediate impact in '09. Currently he sits 2nd on the Depth Chart behind Senior Jeraill McCuller, but expect Mattes to battle him for the starting spot.
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5 Responses to "Taking Off The Redshirt: R.J. Mattes"I remember the recruiting process that year. I was very impressed with TOB that year. He recruited some studs that year and showed everyone that he could recruit against the best and against anyone in the state. Everyone thought RJ was a lock for UNC. Brandon Barnes had offers from some of the top programs including the real USC. Terrell Manning was in that class as well and was considered to be the top prospect in the state. That was definitely a very good recruiting class for us. I feel we will get some top notch talent in 2010. Go Pack!!
He is a big boy to be running that fast.
RJ is a great example of TOB and Co. molding their guys into prototypical position heights and weights. They recruit according to heart, character, coachability, frame and intelligence. These guys aren't solely judged on video. They are all brought in to 'camp' and evaluated by all relevant coaches for their aptitude and adaptability to game situations and their abilities to follow and translate direction and to make quick, correct decisions while under duress. Their Hogh School coaches and administrations are interviewed for their impressions of any particular recruit. This staff knows what they want, and they know how to find out whether or not a guy like RJ possesses those qualities before they are ever offered a scholarship.
The peripheral effects of these evaluations go beyond the ability to obtain a quality roster. They serve to increase the value of a scholarship offer from NC State University. Recruits know, from the start, that this coaching staff 'hires' and 'promotes' players based on performance in the Classroom, the Community and on the Field of Battle.
RJ, if you are reading this, we are proud to have you in Raleigh. You are in great company, and although I'm sure you aren't going to need much of it, good luck. And, thanks for enlisting!
Go State!
Very happy to have RJ on board. As I recall his recruitment came down to State, Clemson, UVA, and UNC with most thinking he was a lock to Clemson. Coach TOB and Horton sold him on they develop guys for the pros. Barnes was definitely a national level recruit and Manning was probably the one that many thought UNC was strong for simply because of his highschool. That was a strong class as was 2009 and I believe 2010 will be as well.
If he was at UNC, he would have been clocked at 4.133 in the 40 yd.
All kidding aside....HOLY CRAP. He is going to be a baller.
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