Texas A&M locks in 5-star Louisiana safety Jacoby Mathews

Texas A&M capped National Signing Day by securing its biggest remaining target on the board.

Five-star Ponchatoula (La.) safety Jacoby Mathews inked with the Aggies over Florida and LSU.

The Aggies garnered some momentum after Mathews reopened his recruitment last fall and again had to gain ground in the final hours of his recruitment, according to sources close to his recruitment.

Texas A&M ultimately edged out the in-state Tigers with a full-fledged push from the entire staff.

“The whole staff is engaging with every day. It’s unreal,” Mathews told On3. “Those relationships play a big part in this. That’s what you rely on. Everyone on the staff

Mathews ready to compete for titles

Mathews backed off his LSU commitment amid the coaching change this fall. The five-star safety wants to challenge for playing time early — for a College Football Playoff contender.

Texas A&M has secured to the nation’s No. 1 class in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking. The staff viewed Mathews as a final piece to the puzzle.

“They have been telling me that forever and letting me know that I’m their top guy,” Mathews said. “I’m super comfortable with them and they made a great push.”

Mathews is a playmaker in the secondary

Over the course of the season, Mathews saw snaps at quarterback, receiver, safety and as a returner. He totaled 51 tackles, 14 pass breakups, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns also with two more via punt returns.

Mathews also turned 10 catches for 121 yards and three more scores.

The five-star safety has exceptional versatility to drop back deep or be an in-the-box defender. He’s flashed in coverage in 1-on-1 situations and can shadow bigger receivers on the outside and from the slot. Mathews is also a downhill defender at 200 pounds willing to lower his shoulder with range and speed to patrol to the sidelines.

Mathews is the nation’s No. 31 player regardless of position, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Mathews as the No. 1 safety and No. 19 overall player.