5-star WR Mike Matthews signs with Tennessee

Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview five-star wide receiver and Tennessee commit Mike Matthews has signed with the Volunteers.

Matthews committed to Josh Heupel and Co. in July over Clemson, Georgia and USC.

“What makes Tennessee right for me are the culture, the tenacity that everyone has there, how crazy the fan base is and the offense,” Matthews told On3. “Everyone is bought into what Tennessee is doing and they have great support. Their fans have also always stood out to me.

…Tennessee’s offense may have been the biggest thing for me. They will throw the ball and allow me to show my talents and that was very important to me. Going to Tennessee will give me a great opportunity to produce on the field.”

Matthews is the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 6 wide receiver and No. 4 recruit in the state of Georgia.

Josh Heupel played a key role in landing Mike Matthews

Since coming to Tennessee, Josh Heupel’s helped the Volunteers establish one of the most explosive and high-powered offenses in all of college football. That appealed to Matthews as the Volunteers continued their recruitment of him.

Heupel played an active role in Matthews’ recruitment and that instantly made an impact on the 6-foot-0.5, 180-pound pass-catcher.

“Coach Josh Heupel was very involved with me,” said Matthews. “He’s one of the coaches I have talked the most to during my recruiting process. We talk all of the time and he treats me like family.

…I like his competitive spirit, he’s hungry to win and they showed a lot last year and the program is going up.”

Scouting Summary

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“Two-way playmaker with high-end athleticism, length and coordination who has blossomed into one of the better receiver prospects in the 2024 cycle. Measured at 6-foot-0.5, and close to 190 pounds prior to his senior season. Has a big frame and very good length for the position with a 32.75-inch arm and 9.75-inch hand. Lines up at both receiver and safety for Parkview High. Pairs that length with advanced coordination to result in a considerable catch radius. Has shown the ability to win in contested situations on Friday nights and in 7-on-7 settings.

… Makes difficult catches and adjusts to poorly thrown balls. Has the burst and speed to separate on vertical routes. A bouncy athlete who doubles as a standout basketball player in high school and on the AAU circuit. Had a number of big games against top competition as a junior. Caught 48 passes for 1,030 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022. Throws down impressive dunks on the hardwood. Still developing as a route-runner, given he was more of an athlete and safety prospect early on in his high school career. Had some concentration drops as a junior. Upside for the position is high given his overall skill package and room for continued development.”