Matthew Sheets '24 Recruiting Profile

Like everyone else, the past couple of years have been filled with many challenges. At the start of my high school freshman year there were various “what ifs” floating around. What if covid doesn’t go away? What if football is canceled? What if we never go back to regular schooling again? It was confusing and honestly scary. I chose to face these “what ifs” with confidence. Turns out we did go back to traditional school. Indeed we were permitted to play football. However, my coaches chose to tackle small facilities and social distancing by excluding Freshman from the weightlifting program. Covid lingered into my Sophomore year resulting in continued exclusion from the lifting facilities. Despite my enthusiasm to work hard and become an impact player this was a major setback in my strength development. As the season unfolded I pushed myself to improve skills and speed in pass blocking, pulling, and reach blocks. Injuries began to impact our defensive and offensive lines, providing me an opportunity to step up. Despite big nerves I won a varsity starting position at left tackle, becoming statistically one of the best lineman on the team in just my Sophomore year. 

The next challenge I had to face came leading into my Junior year when I learned I would have my third new head coach. I knew going into the year I had to step up and be a leader. One of the ways I did that was by starting on both sides of the ball all season long. This led to excelling in my conference and becoming a player that teams had to gameplan for. Leading into my Senior year I am facing yet another challenge, With an entirely new offensive coaching staff I am learning my fourth playbook within my high school career. I continue to be energetic and enthusiastic in facing adversity. But one thing is different. As a captain I am leading by encouraging and challenging my teammates to push themselves to be great men of maximum effort and highest character. 

Life outside of football is also important. I was born in Florida where I spent my early elementary years. Before starting middle school my blended families relocated to Ohio. I am the middle of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. After having taken a few years away from scouting I recently rejoined Boy Scouts of America. I enjoy the outdoors, such as camping, canoeing, hiking and backpacking. I reached this decision in an effort to spend more time with my little brother and sister, who enjoy these hobbies as well. I will be leaving for college in a few short months and I know that my time to hang out with them is limited. I find happiness in spending time with my family and friends doing various activities from nature, sports, music and comedy.