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SMU has offered 2027 five-star Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas offensive tackle Mark Matthews, he announced on Sunday.
Miami, Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, Florida, Florida State, and Tennessee are programs Matthews is high on as he closes out his sophomore year.
“The biggest thing for me will be which programs show the most love,” Matthews said when asked what it will take for a program to secure his commitment. “Showing me love and development.”
On3 national director of scouting and rankings Charles Power raved about Matthews earlier this year as he rose up the rankings.
“He stands at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds and is an elite athlete at that size. The high-end physical traits are readily apparent in person and on film, even though Matthews has only played football for two years,” Power wrote. “The movement skills and competitive temperament stood out at Under Armour’s Miami camp earlier this spring. He took over the left tackle spot for Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas as a sophomore after spending his freshman season on the defensive line.
“Matthews is early in his physical and technical development. He turned 16 last month and is one of the youngest top offensive linemen in the cycle. Despite that, he’s already showing signs of quick improvement and growth. While far from a finished product, Matthews’ ceiling is as high as any in the 2027 cycle.”
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Matthews is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 offensive tackle. On3 is even higher on Matthews, ranking him as the No. 1 tackle and No. 2 overall player in the country.
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“I’m extremely blessed and I was extremely excited and happy,” he said this spring. “I still have two more years though and want to be No. 1 in the nation. The work isn’t done.”
“High-upside offensive tackle prospect with top-notch physical and athletic tools for the position. Measured in at 6-foot-6 and around 280 pounds with plus length before his junior season. Added nearly 15 pounds to his frame early on in the offseason before his junior year. Has an ideal build for an offensive lineman with little bad weight and considerable mass in his lower body, helping to create a strong base. Tests as a strong athlete in the combine setting.
“New to football, first playing the sport as a freshman in high school. Took over the left tackle spot at South Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas as a sophomore. A twitchy mover with outstanding movement skills. Already flashes an effortless kick slide despite playing offensive line for less than one year. Projects as a high-end pass protector. Played defensive line as a freshman before becoming an offensive lineman.
“Shows impressive competitiveness in the camp setting. Has a basketball background. Will need to continue adding play strength and working on his hand placement. Younger for the cycle, turning 16 years old in April of his sophomore year.”
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