Josh Heupel shares how five-star Mike Matthews is fitting in with Tennessee

Mike Matthews is already on campus in Knoxville, helping prepare Tennessee‘s current players for the Citrus Bowl against Iowa.

The incoming five-star wide receiver is gaining invaluable experience practicing alongside seasoned college football players. Vols head coach Josh Heupel joined On3’s Andy Staples to reveal what it’s like for early enrollee’s like Matthews to jump straight into the deep end during bowl preparation.

“It’s almost like another spring ball,” Heupel told Staples. “By the time that we leave here, break for Christmas break and then get back to Orlando — those guys have been one on ones. They’ve had an opportunity to go out there and compete with some of our guys. I’ve seen them make plays.

You find out you know what their physical attributes are as much as anything — but you also find out some things just fundamentally that we’ve got to help them grow before we get back out there in in March for spring ball.”

Matthews’ reputation precedes him as 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 — and is ready-made for the SEC spotlight.

His record-setting high school career consisted of 25 touchdown receptions to go with 2,545 receiving yards on 135 receptions. In 2022 alone, he compiled 48 receptions for 1,030 yards and 9 touchdowns. While his scouting report tells us that he needs to work on his route-running abilities — his pure athleticism and knack to make difficult catches is enough to tab his as a top receiver in the 2024 class.

In theory, Matthews will be out wide with 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava throwing him the football, likely as the Vols No. 1 receiving option. Heupel’s fast-tempo offense could be predicated on how these two playmakers connect in the coming seasons.

That doesn’t mean Matthews will make-or-break the Vols’ season. It’s unsure how much he’ll play as a true freshman. Top wideouts Squirrel White and Dont’e Thornton Jr. both have the option to return to Tennessee in 2024, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The two have combined for nearly 1,000 receiving yards together this season and as veterans of Heupel’s wide receiving corps, will be the ones Matthews looks toward for guidance. If they return, that is — as the transfer portal and NFL Draft are on the table for both Volunteers.