Micah Matthews of Bridgewater, VA committed to USC baseball coach Mark Kingston as a 13-year-old outfielder in November of 2020. That seemed like a smart move for him at the time because his athletic focus was on the diamond. But in the following three years, Matthews developed into a major college prospect as a wide receiver. Now, football is part of his college plan along with baseball.
Matthews visited USC for the Furman game and talked with receivers coach Justin Stepp and others. There has been interest from the football staff but no offer. As a result, Tuesday Matthews announced he was decommitting from the USC baseball program and reopening his recruiting for both football and baseball.
“I just feel like there’s been a lot of different opportunities I’ve been given. I just need a little bit more space to think,” Matthews said. “Also, some schools weren’t pulling the trigger, they didn’t want to offer because of the commitment, and that brought up questions about do I even want to play football. So, I just feel like decommitting would be a good business decision.”
Matthews will continue to consider the Gamecocks as an option and is hopeful of a football offer from them. He also plans to keep the communication lines open with Kingston and Monte Lee.
“Nothing but love and support from those guys and I’ll always hold those guys high in my respect,” Matthews said. “Those are great coaches and I love what they are doing. It’s unfortunate the way things have gone. It’s definitely not how I wanted things to go, but things are changing now, especially with two sports becoming a big topic in my life.”
Matthews visited Penn State for a football game the first weekend of the month and was at North Carolina last weekend. Later in the season he plans to take in games at West Virginia on October 21st and Virginia Tech on November 18th. He might get back to Penn State and a return visit to USC is not out of the question. More visits to new suitors will be scheduled as the offers come in.
“Penn State has been showing pretty solid interest,” Matthews said. “Tennessee has been in contact somewhat. Oregon text me for baseball. Nothing crazy so far. It’s been the same schools, ODU, Coastal Carolina, ECU, just keeping the conversation going with those coaches and those colleges. I just got my highlight tape out and they’ll definitely be more (contacts) in the near future.”
Last season Matthews caught 63 passes for 974 yards and 10 touchdowns.
