2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matt Struck, QB, Idaho State University

• Name: Matt Struck
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Idaho State University 
• Height: 6′ 3
• Weight: 221 lbs 
• Twitter:@mattstruck8

1.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

The biggest challenge faced for me throughout life presented itself right at the beginning of my college career. The unexpected path of the junior college route topped by the diagnosis of my mom’s breast cancer really forced me into maturing and establishing a strict set of goals before even setting foot on campus.  On top of accepting the reality that I could have went to a junior college closer to home although being 12 hours away at Riverside City College was hands down one of the best opportunities, one could ask to be presented with. When their intent would be to transfer to a Division 1 school. 

2.What do you hope to accomplish if you make it into the NFL?

Making it into the NFL would be a complete blessing first off. There are endless achievements one could strive for in the NFL, I would just give It everything I had in all aspects and hope to make whatever team that chooses me better by doing my part at the highest level. 

3. What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

While on the field as a quarterback it’s essential to be the most level headed person on the field regardless of the situation. Being able to settle down teammates as well as reset yourself when mistakes happen and learn from them. 

4. If you could live anywhere in the world where and why?

If I could live anyway in the world it would probably be Hawaii. Maui specifically, because I love the everyday style of life there and how pretty it is. I’ve been there a few times and it gets better every time. There are so many things to do there or you can just hang out by the beach. You can also work and have a professional side to life as well. You’re also still very close to the rest of the states so trips to see family and friends aren’t too bad.

5.What is your nickname or if you don’t have a nickname what would you say your nickname is?

Throughout my life in all sports that I played I never really had a true nickname. However, I do get addressed by my last name during sports way more than I do my first name. 

6.What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout would have to be getting some receivers and going to the field and do footwork and position-specific drills and then throwing routes after. While In the weight room my favorite lift would have to be a power clean. 

7. What do you do for fun?

Outside of sports I really enjoy doing different things outdoors such as river rafting. Although after living in California the beach and exploring the big cities with friends are probably my top choice. Then during the winter months is when I put my hours in playing (NBA)2k20. 

Check Out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

8. What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My mom’s side of the family are huge 49er fans so I have been surrounded by football and played it my whole life. It’s just who I am at this point. Also what influenced me a lot was that my mom was pretty good friends with some 49er players during the early 2000s due to mutual friends. 

9.How has your experience as a Idaho State Bengals football player been?

My time at ISU has been great. They gave me an opportunity to live my dream of playing division 1 football. Personally I have learned so much about the game and grew so much as a person. I have also met some great people along the way. The support from the community has been extraordinary as well.  

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

A team that picks me would get someone who would thank them every day by giving max effort day in and day out on and off the field to help their organization. 

11. What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite high school moment would have to be my whole senior year wrapped up into one. Changing the culture of my school’s football program by going 11-0 on our way to the semifinals where unfortunately fell short of the big game. Then while being at ISU so far, my first year sitting behind senior quarterback Tanner Gueller watching him toss a record 8 touchdowns while blowing out our rival the Idaho vandals. Then last year when we got our 51-24 win over our other rival Portland State just a few weeks after their close 7 point loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks of the SEC. 

12.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could choose one football player to hangout with it would definitely be Tom Brady. Besides the fact that he’s the best to ever do it, I feel like he’s adapted so many unique methods from dieting to training to understanding the game of football. This has resulted in his iconic career, if someone could take even a fraction of what he’s perfected they would instantly benefit greatly. Sitting down and going on the whiteboard drawing up the X’s and O’s with him would be a dream come true. Ironically he is also from the same town as I was born in and lived for the first 7 years of my life, San Mateo California.