University of Virginia quarterback, Matt Johns, finished his career with 4,233 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns. He was the starter for all 12 games in 2015, leading the Cavaliers to a 4-8 record. After a fierce quarterback battle in 2016, he was replaced as the starter by East Carolina transfer, Kurt Benkert. Johns was able to earn the starting job back at the end of the season and ignite the potential for an NFL career. As a 6-5 pro-style quarterback, Johns believes he can compete at the next level. August Klatt (AK): You’ve had a very successful career at the University of Virginia, finishing in the top 5 of many all-time UVA football records, how would you describe your time there and how your experience at UVA has helped prepare you for the next level? Matt Johns (MJ): UVA has been a very special place to me and a second home away from Chalfont, PA. The coaches and teammates here helped prepare me to be mentally and physically strong enough to compete at the next level. My coaches showed me how to prepare and handle a pro-style offense. AK: You redshirted your freshman year and then decided to stay a 5th year even though you had to compete for your starting job. What made you want to stay at the University of Virginia and did you ever consider trying to go to another school?
MJ: I never considered transferring. I believe that you finish what you start, and I wanted to finish my career here at UVA. AK: What was your role like as a leader on the team this past season since you were one of the older guys on the team and how will you bring those leadership skills with you to NFL? MJ: I was one of six task unit leaders on our team. Our team was split into six task units and upper-classmen were in charge of leading them. This leadership position helps create a sense of responsibility and accountability. Being able to communicate with different personalities and lead a group is very transferable to the NFL. AK: Unfortunately, you didn’t get the chance to start most of last season, how did you handle that situation and how were you able to earn back the starting job at the end of the season? MJ: I trusted the process of becoming the starter as a junior, so I stuck to my preparation. I remained positive, executed during practice, and prepared for games as if I was a starter even though I was not playing. My level of execution rose to a new level and the coaches recognized my efforts. My focus was on being the best teammate I could be for those who looked up to me as a leader on the team. AK: What would you have changed about your five years at the University of Virginia? MJ: I cannot say I would change anything. I wish we had won more games, but that is all. More wins! AK: What type of training have you been doing to prepare for Virginia’s Pro Day? MJ: I have been training with one of our strength coaches who used to train NFL athletes at IMG Academy. I have also been throwing with current NFL wide receivers and teammates aspiring to play in the NFL. I have also thrown with my high school coach a few times to better my footwork. AK: What are you trying to improve upon the most? MJ: Footwork and accuracy. AK: What is the most important thing you want to show NFL scouts about how you play and why you’d make a good NFL quarterback? MJ: I am able to make all the throws and can handle a pro-style playbook. AK: If you were to be drafted or signed as a free agent, what do you see your role being on an NFL roster? What would you add to a team? MJ: I would say my role would be a backup quarterback or practice squad player. I would add a dependable and loyal teammate who works tirelessly to better those around them. AK: I understand you are being represented by sports agent John Hernandez of Agency Athlete, how did you two meet and what convinced you to sign with him? MJ: He was very loyal during the process and was very honest about the entire process. I trusted his word. AK: John emphasizes success for his clients on and off the field, is that something that attracted you to him? MJ: This was very attractive to me. He not only cares about your NFL career, but your professional career after football. AK: Is there anything you would change about the current evaluation process where there are a limited number of players getting invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and the rest of the players participating in Pro Days? MJ: I wouldn’t change anything. This is multimillion-dollar business and the process is geared towards those who are expected to be drafted. AK: What is your plan for after your football career is over? MJ: I want to coach football and become an offensive coordinator one day! AK: Lastly, is there an NFL team you’ve always wanted to play for that you hope will draft you or pick you up? MJ: I have always grown up a Steelers fan. The Eagles would be awesome too.
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August KlattSenior at the University of Michigan studying Economics and Applied Statistics CategoriesArchives |