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Four-star receiver D.J. Matthews is no stranger to winning championships. At Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Catholic, Matthews has won a title each of his four years on the team.
Standing in at 5’11 160 lbs., the highly touted wide-out is ranked the No. 51 overall prospect in the nation and No. 8 among receivers according to 247 Sports Composite rankings. In the state of Florida, Matthews is ranked No. 9 overall.
Florida State beat out 25 other teams that gave the elite prospect a scholarship, including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma, Louisville, LSU and Louisville. Matthews has been committed to the ‘Noles for more than two years, announcing his pledge in July of 2014.
He made two unofficial visits before this season, has attended camp in Tallahassee over the past three summers and attended Junior Day in 2016 and 2015. Florida State hosted his official visit on January 20th of this year. Defensive tackles and assistant head coach Odell Haggins and co-offensive coordinator Lawrence Dawsey led the recruiting efforts.
Matthews, who spent time at quarterback in his senior year, made 34 receptions for 630 yards and seven touchdowns. The Army All-American is currently one of two receivers committed to FSU in the 2017 class with three-star Tamorrion Terry the other.
With the departure of four receivers from the 2016 roster, Florida State only returns Nyquwan Murray, Keith Gavin, George Campbell, Auden Tate and Da’Vante Phillips among scholarship receivers.
A high school coach on our staff broke down the electric receiver:
D.J. Matthews is the human joystick. If you are interested in checking out an all around fun highlight tape then turn his on. Chances are you’ll be reminded of your favorite playstation football game. Matthews is more quick than fast and could make a defender miss inside a phone booth. He can change direction and stop on a dime. His ability to come in and out of cuts is as elite as there is. Matthews has some Steve Smith Jr to his game because he plays with an edge and will fight for 50-50 balls. He uses his elite vertical jumping ability to high point those balls. Matthews does not have elite speed but his elite acceleration allows him to get separation on routes. He has the ability to put his foot in the dirt and make any player miss, while also showcasing great hands.