Everything Matthew Hibner said ahead of SMU vs. Penn State

SMU TE Matthew Hibner has experience in the CFP and in the cold weather. Hibner shared his thoughts about the upcoming game to the media on today.

Previewing Penn State: “Penn State has a great defense, so we know that it’s going to be a challenge, but I think that’s what makes it exciting when we’re going into their territories those times when you walk in their house and come out with a victory. So I think all of that together, just the intensity and the excitement of the game is going to be what is cool about it.”

On Penn State’s defense: “Yeah, they’re explosive. They’re really good at jumping the snap. They got big guys. They like to hit. They’re athletic. But, we’ve got some stuff in store, so we’ll see. We’ll see. It’ll be a good matchup.” 

On staying physically fit and fresh this late into the season: “Yeah, [the strength and conditioning staff] do a good job of making sure we’re intentional with the reps we’re getting. We’re not just wasting our bodies out there; Coach Woods tells the tight ends all the time your body’s responsibility. School’s starting to come to a close. Now it’s time to be really proactive about being in the training room and with recovery and all that, and getting sleep and all that. And then, mentally, it’s just keeping things fun. It’s a serious time, but the more you can enjoy what you’re doing, keep that in mind. You play football because you love football. The more you can keep that in mind, even when the season gets out and you get towards the end, the more I’m still happy to be here every day and cherish every day. Every day, I get to come out here, and practice is a good day.”

On how Matt is feeling physically this year compared to past years: “Yeah, I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well. Duke is one of the first games where it’s a good amount of snaps. And that one, I was like, all right, yeah, let me be a little bit more proactive about getting in the training or recovering more, but, you know, it’s not too bad. I think I’ve done a pretty good job of just staying on top of a little thing before they become problems. It’s just really what it’s been all about.” 

On what Matthew saw from Kevin Jennings early on in the season: “Yeah, when I first got here, really my first impression was just how raw he is. Just his ability to throw the ball on the run, you know, and ball placement, you know, he throws a really tight spiral. It was all really impressive, I think, as we progress down camp and into the season, his ability to read defenses and stay composed under high-pressure situations has only gotten better. So, I think he’s really come into his own and become a really complete player for us, which has been awesome. But yeah, when I first saw him, [I thought] ‘that guy’s raw, he makes plays.'”

On helping teammates prepare for the cold and the moment: “Yeah, I mean, I’ve given a couple of tips and tricks here and there. I know that you can put latex gloves under your gloves and all of that. Sometimes, it’s fascinating; some guys like to do that. I never got into all of that, but I think everyone here knows and understands, and anyone who asks about the cold, it’s like, once you get out there and you start playing, it feels like any other game. Maybe it’d be a little different; it was raining or something. It’s going to be what, like, partly cloudy, high 20s, whatever it is. I don’t think it’s going to be too impactful. And then just kind of the whole atmosphere of the playoffs, you know, in my opinion, it’s really just about worrying about whatever is in the facility. Like, no one’s opinion really matters. Like, all the stuff that people outside are saying really matters. It’s just what we believe in this building and the coaches and the players. Like, what we do is up to us, and it’s only up to us. So, you know, keeping everything within the field. Everything we do is going to come from us.” 

On taking on a bigger role in the offense: “Yeah, I feel like I’ve been able to really settle in. And really for me, it’s just become a personal challenge week by week of how much more can I do, how much more can I contribute? I never want to stop and say, okay, this is my limit. I just want to keep building as much as I can and see how impactful I can be for the offense and how I can help them as a unit. That’s really all it’s been about.”