Texas A&M rising senior Mike Matthews, Jake Matthews' younger brother, is one of the NCAA's best offensive linemen. Although he's busy playing center for the Aggies and preparing for what should be a long NFL career, he pays a lot of attention to the Falcons — and not just because of family.
Speaking at SEC Media Day in Hoover, Ala., Matthews said his favorite pro center is Atlanta's Joe Hawley, a fourth round pick in 2010.
"He's a similar style center as me, a little undersized, like 6-2, 290-kind of guy, same as me," said Matthews, who was recently named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. "But what he doesn't have in size he makes up for in technique."
Matthews is widely considered one of the best NFL prospects at his position. While he lacks the size of his Hall of Fame dad, Bruce Matthews, and his older sibling, the 21-year-old compensates with his sound fundamentals and work ethic — much like the Falcons' top center.
