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Tennessee WR Mike Matthews looking for a bigger impact in Year 2

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•about 16 hours•

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Tennessee football wideout Mike Matthews. Credit: Volquest
Tennessee football wideout Mike Matthews. Credit: Volquest

Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews had a loud quiet freshman season. The five-star wide receiver battled injury, limited playing time and a loud December as he explored the transfer portal. 

“It was definitely a tough situation that I had to go through. But in life, you always have to go through challenges,” Matthews said. “And those challenges build you for the next moment. So I’m just looking forward to the future and planning on making a big impact.

“I backed away from everything and talked to my family a lot. That was the best thing I could do. But it was definitely tough just thinking about doing that. My family and the coaching staff and all my teammates helped me make my decision (to stay at Tennessee).”

With his loud year behind him, Matthews is much more relaxed this spring focused on his game and his relationship with quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The two hung out in California in January working out. 

“It was great. Every trip to Cali (California) is going to be great regardless,” Matthews said. “To be out there to build the connection and get some workouts with him. Building that relationship before the season really helps with the chemistry that you have.” 

Added Iamaleava, “Yeah, it’s been great, man. Shoot, I think it definitely strengthened our bond, just him coming over to my house and Cali – just seeing what it’s like in California. It just strengthened our bond. Mike has got a lot of potential and I can’t wait to see him go out there and execute.”

To execute better, Matthews had focused on the little things with his route running. Tuesday on the practice field after a rep, Matthews immediately turned to receivers coach Kelsey Pope to detail his footwork in the route. 

“(My route-running) wasn’t to the standard of Tennessee,” Matthews said. “But I want (Iamaleava) to perceive me as a guy that he knows he can go to. In any situation, I want him to think that he’s got someone out there that thinks like him and can make plays.”

Matthews, Iamaleava and the Vol offense will get a chance to see where they are Monday night as the Vols hold their first scrimmage of the spring. 

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