Rising Star: QB Nate Matchett, Brame Middle School (Alexandria, Louisiana)

Standing at 5’7″ and 120 pounds, Nate Matchett is a quarterback out of Brame Middle School in Alexandria, Louisiana and will be going to Alexander Senior High School. In our Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game this past December, Nate lead Team Central to victory while accumulating 126 passing yards on eight completions with a touchdown. Nate is a leader for his team, often setting up others and communicative. Furthermore, Nate is a caring and compassionate player, making sure the locker room is clean once each game and practice is over. This past week, I had the pleasant opportunity to speak with Nate.

Q: Why do you play the game of football?

“I love it. I’ve always been around it all my life. My dad and my uncles played college football, my dad even coached [in college and] in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. [There’s football in my DNA.]”

Q: Where do you see football going in your life?

“Probably all my life… I just want to play as long as I can. And when I’m done, I won’t get away from it. Maybe coach afterwards.”

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through playing football?

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t get down on myself when times are hard. I just need to keep going and never give up.”

Q: What does football mean to you?

“It gives me a chance to show people who I am, and a chance to lead people.”

Q: What challenges have you overcome?

“Trying to grow my confidence. I used to have low confidence at the beginning of the season. A sixth grader playing with eighth graders… Throughout the season, I gained my confidence by making bonds with my receivers and my teammates. [I overcame that by] showing them that they can trust me and letting them know that I wouldn’t let them down.

Q: How do you balance sports with your other responsibilities in life?

“Try to make time. Whenever I have an off-day, I take a little break so that way I don’t get burned out and just to be a normal kid sometimes.”

Q: Do you have a favorite football memory?

“[This one game], I had 4 passing touchdowns and over 150 passing yards. I like to show the fans who I really am.”

Q: How do you stay trained and in football-shape during the off-season?

“I workout and play baseball. I really try to stay active.”

Q: How are you looking to improve?

“Definitely my arm strength and my speed. And I always want to improve my ability as a quarterback and leadership.”

Q: On the other hand, what do you think is your biggest strength?

“My ability to keep my eyes down field.”

Q: What are some goals you’ve set for yourself?

“When I’m a freshman [in high school], I want to be the hardest worker on and off the field. I want to do great in the classroom, and play my football. And whenever there’s a lot of pressure, to just stay calm.”

Q: Do you try to model your game after any players, pro or collegiate?

“Definitely Joe Burrow. Whenever there is a lot of pressure, he just stays calm and never quits. He always bounces back.”

Q: Do you consider football to be more physically challenging, mentally challenging, or both?

“For me, both. As a quarterback, you have to keep your mind right and be a good leader, but also you have got to take a hit sometimes. You just have to bounce right back up and keep going.”

Q: What is an interesting fact about you that the readers should know about you?

“I like to fish, hunt, and play Madden. Playing Madden gives me a fun chance to read defenses.”

Please follow and like us:
error67
fb-share-icon0
Tweet 17
fb-share-icon20