National Scouting Combine Player Spotlight: Alveno Matthews

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Name: Alveno D. Matthews
School: Ferrum College
BSN Profile: Profile Link

Q: How did you get started playing football?   

As a child I had the chance to play any sport I wanted to so one day I was playing in a T-ball (baseball) game and I would just run over the first basemen. So my dad was like we need to put some pads on him and that how I got started with football.

Q: What separates you from all the other athletes trying to become a professional?   

I feel that being able to learn and adapt very quickly will separate me from the others. I also feel like my work ethic will help me stand out and I feel like my dedication and effort separates me from the others. If you talk to any of my coaches, they will tell you that I’m a hard worker and I lead by example. I refuse to be out hustled to the ball. I have that dog in me, that loves to impose my will on another man for 60 minutes. That’s what separates me from the others.

Q: Tell us about your college choice, career and what the recruiting process was like.  

I chose Ferrum College because my mom was really ill at the time and I really didn’t make the scores on my SAT and ACT to go division 1. I don’t regret my decision because by being from Franklin County and being able to play football in my own back yard basically has been a blessing. Why, because I was getting to do what I love to do in front of the people I love and they didn’t have to travel far unless it was an away game. I was being a role model for those young men in high school that are struggling trying to figure out what they want to do next with their sports career or academic goals.

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?  

I feel like my biggest accomplishment was receiving the Big Green award that is voted upon the coaching staff. It means a lot for me to see that my coaches thought that I deserved that award.

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?  

How to be a man and when you are down on the score board keep fighting don’t throw in the towel if you keep fight you will wear the other team down. That goes along with life you just can’t give up when times get rough you must keep fighting. You have to have that will to keep pushing through the bad times just to get to that level of success that you want for yourself in life.

Q: What is/was your biggest challenge and how do/did you manage it?

I biggest challenge was when my mom and dad separated. My mom ended up leaving with my brothers and sister and didn’t tell us where they were going I had to find out over the phone on the way to a wrestling tournament in high school. But that brought me and my dad closer he ended up coaching a youth basketball team that year and I was on it and we went 8-2 that year. Being on that basketball team was like our therapy and brought us closer. We all get hit with things in life but the clock never stops because you go through something.

Q: What is your biggest strength or X factor that you bring to a professional team? 

My biggest strength is hustling play I like to consider myself as a hustle player and the effort I give can’t no one match that. If given the opportunity, I will show my skill set of being fast and explosive off the ball.

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?  

My dad is my hero he has done so much for me and has allowed me to chase a dream that I have longed for sense I’ve been a kid. He has always supported me in everything I have ever done. He has been my rock and my shoulder to lean on when I am going through my own problems, I can call on him for advice. My dad has been the best father; I wish every young man had a dad like mine.

Q: What are your goals with football? If football does not work out, then what? 

My goals with football is to continue playing the sport I love and give back to my community. If football doesn’t work out my life doesn’t end because my football career has ended. I will go into the military and severe my country that’s me giving back to my community. Life moves on without the game of football.

Q: How did you prepare for the National Scouting Combine and what are your expectations?

I have been training very hard, I am also a wrestler at Ferrum College so that has helped out a lot. I am looking to showcase my talent and catch someone’s eye.

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

The ultimate achievement is to play ball at the next level not for the money but because I love it just getting paid is a bonus. I love the game and when you have the love for something so much you want to continue doing it because you feel like have something still left in the tank.

Q: If you have to compare yourself to a current pro player, who would it be and why?

James Harrison because of his work ethic he is always pushing himself hard and he as stamped his name in my book as a great football player. I feel like I haven’t accomplished all my goals and he has for instance he has a Super Bowl ring; he has overcome obstacles with being cut several times from the Steelers but he kept chasing his dreams of being a pro athlete. I feel like that’s what I can develop into with hard work and the right coaches.

 

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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