Matt Roan Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Contributing reporter talked to the Southern Utah Center about how his path took him from being a Hokie to a Thunderbird.
By Josh Buchanon
What are your current measurables such as height, weight, 40, and bench reps?
Matt: Last week at the Texas vs. the Nation game I was measured at
6′4 1/2″ and 293 pounds. Right now, I am running the 40 in the low to
mid 4.9’s. I haven’t gotten to rep out the bench yet but I have been
working really hard on it.
How did you end up at Southern Utah?
Matt: Going into my redshirt freshman year at Virginia Tech, I got
mono and that took a lot out of me. Not having my full strength was
really taking its toll on me and I was physically exhausted trying to
battle through the fatigue with the demands of playing within such a
high caliber program. I also felt at the time that I was stuck in a
shuffle of tight ends as we were loaded at the position at that time.
I just felt it was in my best interest to step away from the game, get
healthy, and try to find somewhere that I would be more comfortable.
Because I had already sat out a season getting strong again, I knew I
wanted to drop down a level and play right away because I missed the
game bad and couldn’t have sat out another year. In my time away from
football, however, a good thing did happen. I started dating a gir! l
very seriously. She was going to be going to Southern Utah herself.
After talking with the coaches and taking my visit out here, I knew
SUU was the right place for me too. Coming to SUU has turned out to
be the best decision I have ever made. I got to play a lot of
football and I ended up getting married.
Where have you been training?
Matt: Before the Texas vs. the Nation game I was working out at
school with my strength coach. From now until my pro day workouts, I
will be living in Salt Lake City and working out everyday with a
personal trainer there.
What do you want to work on most before the draft?
Matt: I just want to continue working on my speed, explosiveness, and
strength. Pretty much everything that we will be tested on by the NFL
scouts. I am also devoting a lot of time to actual football drills
too.
Who else is training with you?
Matt: I am working out with about five different guys who played at
the different Utah schools.
What do you feel are your biggest strengths on the field?
Matt: I feel my biggest strengths on the field are my versatility,
intelligence, and athleticism.
What are your biggest weaknesses on the field?
Matt: My biggest weakness right now is my strength. I need to get a
little stronger to be able to get a little more push at the point of
attack and be able to handle the bull rush a little better.
Do you have any players on your team who you feel will be solid NFL
prospects next year?
Matt: Dewayne Lewis, a DB transfer from Michigan St. He has all the
physical tools to be a great player for us next year.
Which teams have shown the most interest in you so far?
Matt: Throughout the season, over half of the teams came through and
talked to either myself or the coaches. At the Texas game, I was able
to talk with a number of different scouts from different teams as
well. I can’t really pinpoint one team that has been the most
interested.
Do you have any expectations on draft day such as a round or team?
Matt: It would be a dream come true to play for any one of the thirty
two NFL teams. As far as draft day, I just hope to have the
opportunity to be drafted. The chances are that I will be a late
round/PFA type and that’s fine with me. I know what I can do so that
will just put a bigger chip on my shoulder to prove to others that
they were wrong in not drafting me.
What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?
Matt: I would love to be able to get involved in some type of
business one day and be able to take care of my family and my parents.
Also, my ultimate goal is to be able to coach high school or college
football one day after I have played a number of years in the NFL and
be able to help kids become better people and players.