It’s been a long road for former Central defensive back Devonte’ Mathews, who was a part of the 2019 graduating class.
Out of high school, he was a two-star recruit by 247Sports and signed with West Georgia. While with the Wolves, he redshirted his freshman year, the team didn’t compete in 2020 due to COVID-19 and he played his first collegiate snaps in 2021 and 2022.
After four years with the program, he transferred to Nicholls State, and for his final year of eligibility, he landed at Western Kentucky this season — where he’s making a tremendous impact early in the season.
Mathews was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after his clutch performance in Western Kentucky’s 26-21 win over Toledo.
Mathews finished with four tackles and two interceptions as the Hilltoppers improved to 3-1 this season, and both of Mathews’ interceptions came in the final moments.
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His first pick was a diving grab made in the endzone with 53 seconds left, and with his team up by five, all the offense needed to do was run out the clock. But a fumble on the first play of Western Kentucky’s ensuing drive gave Toledo the football again and out came the Hilltoppers’ defense backed up inside their own 25.
Then, with 18 seconds to play, Mathews jumped a Toledo fly route – picking up his second interception in the final minute of the game and finally securing a Western Kentucky win.
“We was in a zero man coverage. I was in the post and just read the quarterbacks eyes and just go make a play,” Mathews said in a Western Kentucky press conference after the game.
Here’s a roundup of some other former Friday night star who stood out this week:
Auburn High
Towns McGough, Auburn University: McGough went 2-for-2 on his extra points in Auburn’s 24-14 loss to Arkansas.
Opelika
Jaylen Stinson, Duke: Stinson tallied one tackle in Duke’s win against Middle Tennessee State.
Roman Gagliano, Middle Tennessee State: Gagliano had two carries for five yards as Middle Tennessee State fell to Duke.
Lanett
Trikweze Bridges, Florida: Bridges was a star defensively for the Gators with 10 tackles, one pass deflection and one forced fumble in Florida’s road win against Mississippi State.
Kristian Story, Kentucky: Kristian Story picked up three tackles as Kentucky defeated Ohio 41-6.
Caden Story, Clemson: Caden Story notched his first tackle of the season as Clemson clobbered North Carolina State 59-35.
Central-Phenix City
Jiquan Sanks, Cincinnati: Sanks tallied one tackle as Cincinnati shut out Houston 34-0.
Cam Coleman, Auburn University: Coleman had two receptions for 15 yards in the Tigers’ loss to Arkansas.
Jackson Meeks, Syracuse: Meeks had three catches for 40 yards and picked up his first touchdown of the season in Syracuse’s 26-24 loss to Stanford. Meeks was also credited with two tackles.
WKU defensive back Devonte’ Mathews (14) celebrates a penalty called on Toledo during an NCAA football game between WKU and Toledo on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Bowling Green, Ky. WKU came back to beat Toledo 26-21.
James Kenney/The Associated Press
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Publish date : 2024-09-24 23:30:00
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