Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews, Jr. has been having quite the season so far with 59 completions over the span of the first three games. He has also totalled 8 touchdowns and only one interception while leading the Trojans to a 2-1 start. All of this success has led him to being named the CIAA Quarterback of the Week twice in this very short period of time.
What was the moment you realized you wanted to play quarterback at the college level?
I always took pride in the responsibility that came with playing the position since I was 4 years old. As the quarterback, you’re automatically looked at as the leader on the team. I liked being the one my teammates could count on. After years of being in that position, I felt as though I was excelling on the field and wanted to take my talents as far as possible, first to college football and, God willing, one day to the NFL.
Where do you feel you’ve grown the most since joining the team?
I’ve grown the most as a leader. When I first came in, I was mainly focused on just doing my job. I quickly realized that as the quarterback, I have to be able to hold others accountable, bring energy, and connect with my teammates.
How do you handle the pressure of leading an offense when the game is on the line? I honestly don’t feel pressure when playing football. It’s the same game I’ve been playing all my life, so I just try to think of it as that, and execute the game plan our coaches put together.
As you are playing more minutes than the previous year, how has the adjustment been in the new role?
The adjustment has been about stepping into a bigger role with more responsibilities. It means I have to be more consistent, constantly watching film on my opponent and myself, and knowing the playbook like the back of my hand. I feel as though the adjustment would have been much more difficult if I wasn’t well prepared. My dad was my coach in high school, so we prepared for games like it was college and that’s helped a lot when it comes to making the adjustment.
What do you hope people remember about you when your time here is over, both as a player and a person? Off the field I want to be remembered as a good person, a person that is respectful to people and not your “typical football player.” Whether that be from just saying please and thank you in the cafeteria or holding a door for someone, and that comes from the way my parents raised me. On the field, I want to be known as someone whose work ethic and care for the game you can never question. “First one in, last one out” type of guy. The teammate that always had his brother’s back no matter what. And lastly, I want to be remembered as a leader.
What pre-game ritual or routine do you never skip?
When I first get on the field, I walk around the whole field with my headphones on with no music playing, just taking in the moment and thanking God for another opportunity to showcase my abilities that He has given me. I end up at midfield on the logo, say a quick prayer and then I start stretching and warming up.
How do you hype yourself up or calm yourself down before kickoff? Before the game I’m usually very excited and anxious to play. I just take deep breaths and say one more prayer before I take the field to calm myself down.
When you picture your perfect day off, what are you doing?
On my perfect day off, I’m probably hanging out with my teammates, relaxing, watching film. Some days off we do go get extra work just so we’re not rusty when we get back on the field, but I do think it’s important to give my body a rest sometimes.
