Who is Scott Matlock? Scott Matlock is a name that resonates with perseverance and talent in the world of football. Born on June 28, 2000, in Homedale, Idaho, Matlock's journey to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. Despite losing both parents at a young age, he found a new family with the Maroses, who adopted him and supported his athletic dreams. Matlock shone at Homedale High School, excelling in football, basketball, and golf. His college career at Boise State University further showcased his skills, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Key Takeaways:
- From overcoming personal tragedies to excelling in multiple sports, Scott Matlock's journey to the NFL is a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring others to never give up on their dreams.
- Scott Matlock's remarkable college career, leadership qualities, and athletic prowess have shaped him into a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing the power of hard work and dedication.
Scott Matlock: From Humble Beginnings to NFL Stardom
Scott Matlock's journey to the NFL is a story of resilience and determination. From his early life in Idaho to his current role with the Los Angeles Chargers, Matlock's path has been anything but ordinary. Let's dive into the key facts that define his remarkable journey.
-
Early Life and Family: Scott Matlock faced immense challenges early on, losing his father to cancer at age 9 and his mother to heart disease four years later. The Marose family adopted him, providing the support he needed to thrive.
-
High School Career: At Homedale High School in Idaho, Matlock excelled in football, basketball, and golf. His senior year saw him earn all-conference honors in multiple positions, showcasing his versatility.
-
College Football at Boise State: Matlock's college career at Boise State University was marked by consistency and impact. He started every game for the Broncos in his last three years, playing 1,872 total snaps.
-
College Statistics: Over his college career, Matlock recorded 115 tackles (64 solo), 11.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He also blocked three kicks, one leading to a touchdown return.
Pro Day Performance and NFL Draft
Matlock's performance at Boise State's Pro Day and his subsequent selection in the NFL Draft were pivotal moments in his career.
-
Pro Day Performance: Despite not being invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Matlock impressed at Boise State's Pro Day with 29 bench press reps, a 4.81 40-yard dash, and a 29.5-inch vertical jump.
-
Draft Selection: The Los Angeles Chargers selected Matlock in the sixth round (200th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL.
Leadership and Academic Achievements
Matlock's leadership and academic prowess have been as impressive as his athletic achievements.
-
Leadership and Work Ethic: Known for his leadership, Matlock was praised by Boise State's defensive coordinator for his on-field production and dedication to improvement.
-
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Invitee: Matlock's invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in 2022-23 highlighted his status as a top defensive lineman prospect.
-
Academic Achievements: A two-time Academic All-Mountain West selection in 2021 and 2022, Matlock balanced athletics and education effectively.
-
All-Mountain West Honors: Matlock earned All-Mountain West Second Team honors in 2021 and 2022, and an Honorable Mention in 2020 for his outstanding performance.
College Career Highlights
Matlock's college years were filled with notable achievements and consistent performance.
-
Redshirt Senior Year (2022): In his redshirt senior year, Matlock started all 13 games, leading the team in quarterback hurries and recording 49 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, and 2.5 sacks.
-
Redshirt Junior Year (2021): Matlock started all 12 games, leading the team with 8.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. He also blocked a field goal and forced a fumble.
-
Redshirt Sophomore Year (2020): Starting all seven games, Matlock made significant contributions, including blocking a PAT and a field goal that led to a 91-yard touchdown return.
-
Redshirt Freshman Year (2019): Matlock appeared in 12 games, recording two shared tackles and half a tackle-for-loss.
-
Freshman Year (2018): In his freshman year, Matlock made his collegiate debut against BYU, showing early promise.
High School Achievements and Multi-Sport Talent
Matlock's high school years were marked by versatility and recognition in multiple sports.
-
High School Inspirational Athlete: Named the 2018 Idaho Press Tribune Sports Inspirational Athlete of the Year, Matlock's perseverance and dedication were evident.
-
High School All-Conference Honors: Matlock earned all-conference honors in multiple positions during his senior year, making 22 catches for 330 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end.
-
Multi-Sport Athlete: Before focusing on football, Matlock played basketball and golf, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Tight End Experience and Leadership by Example
Matlock's experience as a tight end and his leadership qualities have been significant aspects of his career.
-
Tight End Experience: Matlock's high school and college experience as a tight end included catching two touchdown passes at Boise State, demonstrating his offensive skills.
-
Leadership by Example: Matlock's leadership extended beyond words. He was praised for his work ethic, such as cleaning up the practice field after rain to ensure safety for others.
Athletic Measurables and Draft Process
Matlock's physical attributes and the draft process were crucial in shaping his NFL journey.
-
Athletic Measurables: Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 308 pounds, Matlock's 4.98-second 40-yard dash and 29.5-inch vertical jump highlight his speed and agility.
-
Draft Process: Matlock visited five NFL teams before the draft, including the Patriots, Jets, Jaguars, Bengals, and Chargers, experiencing new cities and opportunities.
Adoption Story and Boise State Legacy
Matlock's adoption and his legacy at Boise State are integral parts of his story.
-
Adoption Story: After losing his parents, Matlock was adopted by Mike and Donna Marose, who provided a loving home and encouraged his athletic pursuits.
-
Boise State Legacy: As a three-year starter at defensive tackle, Matlock left a lasting impact on Boise State's program with his dedication and hard work.
Current Role with the Chargers
Matlock's current role with the Los Angeles Chargers marks the latest chapter in his journey.
- Current Role with the Chargers: Now a defensive lineman for the Chargers, Matlock continues to demonstrate his leadership and work ethic, proving to be a valuable asset to the team.
Scott Matlock's Inspiring Journey
Scott Matlock's path to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. Losing both parents at a young age, he found strength and support with the Marose family. Excelling in multiple sports at Homedale High School, Matlock's talent shone brightly. His college career at Boise State was marked by consistent performance, leadership, and academic achievements. Despite not getting an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, his Pro Day performance caught the eyes of scouts. The Los Angeles Chargers saw his potential, selecting him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Matlock's story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of support. As he continues his career with the Chargers, his journey will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes facing their own challenges. Scott Matlock's legacy is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.