Colleges and pro scouts have taken an interest in Jake Matthews
by Andy Morales on Mar. 15, 2013, under Sports
Jake Matthews. Andy Morales Photo.
Jake Matthews has been on an incredible run this school year.
First, the linebacker for the state champion Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks was an obvious first team linebacker and now baseball is taking its turn:
With his team undefeated at 10-0, Matthews has batted 22-38 (.579) with 4 doubles, 2 triples and 5 homeruns. His 5 homeruns puts him in the top seven in the nation and third in Arizona.
His 23 RBIs also places him on the national scene….and its not going unnoticed. Here are the professional and college teams who have paid or will pay the Matthews a visit:
1: Four scouts from the Kansas City Royals (Matthews went 3-3 against Sabino with a homerun with the area scout in attendance).
2: Arkansas State made a scholarship offer after flying out to watch last week.
3: University of Arizona watched a game against Pueblo and Matthews hit a grand slam in the first inning. 3-4 with 6 RBIs. A scholarship was offered a few days ago.
4: Kansas State is coming in April to offer him a scholarship.
5: The University of Washington is also making arrangements to come and see him play in the next couple of weeks.
6: The University of Utah is going to make a visit when they come to town to face the Arizona.
7: Arizona’s football staff spent five hours with the Matthews last Sunday to talk about the possibility of playing football.
“A month ago it didn’t seem like anyone was interested,” said his father Clint Matthews.
“What a difference a month has been. Jake has been playing with a chip on his shoulder. Maybe the State Championship has given him a confidence boost. Or maybe his confidence is what helped win the State Championship and now he is bringing to the baseball field.”
NOTE: Jake earned a $1000 scholarship award from the Southern Arizona Chapter of the National Football Federation where Greg Byrne was the keynote speaker. Jake was one of ten student athletes to win the award.
