Jake Matthews

2009: 36 pancake blocks; graded 92 percent

2008: 23-5A First Team All-District; All-Greater Houston (Houston Chronicle)
2009: 5A All-State Honorable Mention (AP); First Team All-Greater Houston (Houston Chronicle); 23-5A First Team All-District; Ranked 90th in ESPNU Top 150; Army All-American; 4 star recruit by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.; Ranked 7th among offensive tackles nationally by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.; PARADE All-American; Second Team USA Today All-American; EA Sports First Team All-American

It's been a long, long time since the Aggies have signed a more highly-regarded offensive lineman than Jake Matthews. Since the Big 12 formed in '96, Jorrie Adams (2003), Jami Hightower (2002) and Seth McKinney (1997) are the only linemen that A&M has signed who were as heavily-recruited. McKinney is the best example, as Matthews is as polished and ready-made a player that the Aggies have signed at the position since.

At 6-5 and around 280 pounds, Jake is probably going to end up playing at a very lean 300 pounds. Matthews' strength at this point in time is as a pass blocker -- where he's as good as any o-line prospect that I've seen A&M sign. What sets Jake apart is that his pass-set technique is nearly flawless. He also boasts tremendous knee bend and quickness. As a run blocker, Matthews has shown the potential to be a mauler. Jake spent most of his senior season playing out of a two-point stance, so I don't think he's scratched the surface in terms of his ability to be a dominant run blocker.

The national top-100 lineman played tackle as a senior but has the potential to start -- and star -- at any of the five positions up front. Because he's so versatile and so polished, most insiders expect Jake to battle for (and ultimately earn) a starting job as a true freshman.

While he's much further along in his development than most high school blockers, Matthews is far from the finished the product. His upside is simply unlimited. Like his father and NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake has the potential to enjoy a lengthy and highly successful pro career. Yes, he's that talented and driven an athlete.

After a First Team All-District season as a junior, Matthews piled up too many senior accolades to mention, including First Team All-Greater Houston and Honorable Mention All-State. He was also selected for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was a Parade Magazine and USA Today All-American.

Matthews -- generally considered one of the state's top-5 recruits -- is one of the two most heavily-recruited members of this year's class. He chose A&M over USC, Texas, Oklahoma and virtually every major program in the country.

"Jake is a very intelligent player and is very athletic for an offensive lineman. He has good feet, uses his hands well, and is very technically sound. He can play many different positions on the offensive line. He can play center, tackle, or guard. I think he uses his hands and feet really well. Also, his knowledge of what is going on the field is just incredible. He sees things and picks it up quickly and reacts. The technique that he uses is some of the best I've ever had the opportunity to coach." - Fort Bend Elkins head coach Robert Crivellari.

"My favorite player in the Aggies class because of versatility. Matthews could play anywhere along the line. Matthews is just a great technician and underrated athlete. Terrific knee bend and the ability to mirror laterally." - ESPN recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton.