Panthers Sign Wide Receiver Maceo Matthews
October 25, 2022 – Indoor Football League (IFL) – Bay Area Panthers News Release
From zero stars to All-American, wide receiver Maceo Matthews has embraced the idea of overcoming adversity to become a professional athlete.
Following a star-studded career at Division 3 Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, Matthews has signed to play for the Bay Area Panthers.
Matthews transformed himself in college following a nondescript career at Miami Northwestern High School.
“My sophomore year, I didn’t play football at all. I came back as a junior and had to play JV. I was on the varsity my 12th grade year and really didn’t do anything. I didn’t score any varsity touchdowns.”
A strong showing at a camp for D3 prospects paved the way for Matthews to get to Heidelberg. He struggled there as a freshman but stuck it out before blossoming his sophomore year.
Matthews opened eyes in the COVID-shortened junior year, catching 31 passes for 763 yards with nine touchdowns in only nine games, earning d3football.com All-America first team honors.
In his final year at Heidelberg, Matthews averaged 20 yards a catch with 10 touchdowns. He left the school as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, setting the standard for the program moving forward.
“After I came through, they said they wanted nothing but Florida players-all they wanted to recruit. “
In taking the first steps of his professional career, Matthews explained why he chose to sign with Bay Area.
“Coach Arbet with all the championships that he has,” said Matthews. “Coach Rob (Keefe) with the championships he has and Coach Wooten with the championships he’s won. There’s a lot championships with the coaching staff and I heard from each coach. They all have a lot of knowledge and that sold me as well.”
The new offensive coordinator, Wooten, expects big things from Matthews.
“He knows how to go up and get the ball plus getting yards after the catch,” said Wooten. “With that Miami mindset, he’s out to make things happen on the field. “
Matthews is confident in his ability to make the adjustments to the indoor game.
“I have to come mentally prepared,” said Matthews. “If I make mistakes, I’ll learn from that and get better from that. Once I get a feel for the game, I’ll just take off from there with the talent and skill I bring to the table.”
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