Vols insider shuts down rumored scenario for WR Mike Matthews and Tennessee football in 2025
Earlier this month, Tennessee Vols wide receiver Mike Matthews, a former five-star recruit, decided to pass on the NCAA transfer portal and return to Knoxville for the 2025 season. Matthews, who will be a sophomore in the fall, is expected to play a key role in the Volunteers' offense in 2025. Apparently, there have been […]
Earlier this month, Tennessee Vols wide receiver Mike Matthews, a former five-star recruit, decided to pass on the NCAA transfer portal and return to Knoxville for the 2025 season.
Matthews, who will be a sophomore in the fall, is expected to play a key role in the Volunteers' offense in 2025.
Apparently, there have been some rumors flying around that he could also play on the defensive side of the ball.
On Tuesday, VolQuest's Austin Price joined 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will for his weekly chat and he was asked by host Ramon Foster about the rumblings surrounding Matthews.
Matthews played on both sides of the ball in high school and according to 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, the former five-star recruit was once viewed as a defensive back at the next level.
Price, however, doesn't see Matthews playing on the defensive side of the ball at Tennessee.
"I do think he was a really good defensive player in high school," said Price. "I do not see him playing defense here (at Tennessee). I don't think it's a Boo (Carter) situation where Boo is wanting to play both sides. I think Mike's wanting to play offense only."
Vols rising sophomore defensive back Boo Carter, who was referenced by Price during his chat with 104.5 The Zone on Tuesday, is expected to see some snaps on offense in 2025. It's unclear, however, how many snaps Carter will receive on offense (as VolQuest's Brent Hubbs recently noted during an interview with 104.5 The Zone, that will likely depend on how well Carter picks up the offense).
I don't think there's any doubt that Matthews, who is an elite athlete, could make a big impact on defense for the Vols. But focusing on offense and mastering the wide receiver position is a smarter approach for Matthews to take. He has incredible upside as a wide receiver and that's where his future is in the NFL. Trying to play both could hamper his development, which is the last thing that Tennessee needs with Matthews expected to be a huge part of the Vols' offensive attack in 2025.
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