Pennsauken's Matthews is realizing his unlimited potential

Each week the South Jersey Gridiron Gang will take a look at potential South Jersey football recruits who might have slipped under the radar of college scouts.

There are plenty of hidden gems across South Jersey who will help college football programs in the coming years.

Marcus Matthews

Pennsauken senior offensive/defensive lineman

6-foot-3, 220 pounds

Key stats (six games): six sacks, eight tackles for loss

What appeals to you about football?

I started when I was in Little League, PYAA. I've been playing with these boys since I was, I think, maybe five.I like the family. You build a family with football. You don't see this with any other sport. Everyone's connected. Everyone's pushing for each other. We talk to each other outside of school. I really love that.

When did you get the idea you could play college football?

Ever since I started playing, I was like, "This is what I want to do. This is what I want to do when I get older."

What role does schoolwork play in your football preparation?

Schoolwork is number one. I have to do schoolwork before any of this. This is secondary. I'm looking to go into pre-med, maybe become a pharmacist, but schoolwork is number one. I go home, do my homework immediately. I don't doesn't matter what else is going on. I have to do my schoolwork. I'm into math and science, so I just wanted to do something else connected to that. I want something that changes every day.

How was this offseason different for you?

This year, I was in a weight room every day. I was working with D-line coaches, going to college camps. I was trying to get my name out there, and I knew I had other things to work on.

What are the Indians capable of this season?

We're capable of doing a lot. When we all come together and we start doing our rules — like we were talking about in the film room — getting the little things right, we can go super far.

Coach Clinton Tabb says:

What sets Marcus apart? He's a really hard worker, is always on time, never misses an assignment. His GPA speaks for itself. He's got what — 3.8 or 3.9.

We kind of play him out of position. I think when he gets that opportunity at the next level and gets settled in, he'll be that great outside rusher, or maybe an outside backer because he can run. For now, he's a total team player, doing everything we ask of him.

Tom Rimback grew up reading the Burlington County Times and Courier-Post sports sections and began writing for the BCT in 1996. He has covered everything from Super Bowls and Final Fours to Tri-County Swimming but he’s happiest on a sideline interviewing South Jersey scholastic athletes for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. Follow him on twitter @Rimbacksports. Email him with story ideas at tomrimback@gmail.com and, most importantly, support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Pennsauken's Matthews is realizing his unlimited potential