Offseason workouts for members of the Canon-McMillan High School football team are never easy but senior-to-be Jeravin Matthews just went through one of the toughest of his life.
An underrecruited, unheralded athlete brimming with speed and potential, Matthews managed to catch the eye of a few Division I programs after a highlight package compiled by head coach Guy Montecalvo hit the circuit.
Ohio University thought enough of Matthews' talent to list him as its top target at defensive back and slot receiver. Army offered an appointment and other schools soon followed.
Northwestern University, a member of the Big Ten Conference, also offered but head coach Pat Fitzgerald wanted to see more than a highlight package.
Fitzgerald wanted to see Matthews workout. So, he traveled to Canonsburg to take in a Big Macs weightlifting session.
Talk about pressure.
But, after an impressive series of bench presses and squats, Fitzgerald left impressed and Matthews felt flattered.
"That made me feel great," Matthews said. "I never felt that a coach like that would come to see me workout and lift weights."
Matthews visited the Northwestern campus and quickly realized the suburban Chicago campus was where he wanted to continue his playing career.
After returning, the Canon-McMillan speedster commited to Northwestern.
"It's a chance to play college football at the highest level and the academics are great," Matthews said. "I'm trying to get an education and Northwestern was the place that felt right."
Matthews (5-11, 165 pounds) battled injuries throughout his junior year and rushed for 245 yards on 46 carries in the Big Macs' double-slot offense. During track season, Matthews appeared headed to one of the best seasons in Canon-McMillan history but he suffered a serious hamstring injury and contracted mononucleosis.
"Northwestern was very pleased he commited early because they feel that after word about him gets out a lot of other schools would be after him," Montecalvo said. "What's hurt him is he's had some injuries."
Injuries probably kept Matthews from building a reputation that other WPIAL players like Trinity's Andrew Sweat and Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor earned. But Matthews said he's recovered completely and focused on helping Canon-McMillan improve on last year's 1-9 season.
"(When healthy), I'm capable of anything I put my mind to," Matthews said. "Right now, I'm looking to be a leader."
Matthews is also the third player from Washington County to commit to a Big Ten school since June. Sweat previously committed to Ohio State and Trinity teammate Michael Yancich is headed to Penn State.
All three have blazing speed but few are faster than Matthews.
"Jeravin has uncanny strength but he's also the fastest kid I've ever coached in the 40-yard dash," Montecalvo said.