“How about the lineage? His dad is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His uncle Clay (Matthews) had a long career. His cousin Clay plays for the Packers. His other cousin Casey plays for the Eagles. This kid is special. He’s a technician, and I believe they are going to play him at right tackle in Season 1. His pass pro is so simple…he’s not a grabber. He’s going to help Atlanta on day one.” — Mike Mayock, NFL Network
TRANSACTION
The Falcons selected Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews with the 6th pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
2013 (SENIOR)
Replaced 2013 Jaguars first-round draft selection Luke Joeckel at right tackle and started all 13 games for the Aggies. Protected the blind-side of All-American QB Johnny Manziel, who threw for more than 4,000 yards and scored 46 touchdowns in 2013. Matthews was the team captain of the 9-4 Aggies.
2012 (JUNIOR)
First-team All-American by the Football Writers of America Association … earned first-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches and the Associated Press … also earned second-team All-America honors from Walter Camp and third-team honors from the AP … part of the Aggie offense that outscored opponents nearly 2-to-1, led the SEC in rushing, passing, scoring and total offense and ranked third nationally in total offense and scoring offense … blocked for freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel in a record-breaking season that earned him the Heisman Trophy … served as the team’s deep snapper.
2011 (SOPHOMORE)
Cornerstone of the Aggies’ offensive front that allowed just nine sacks in 13 games and set school records for total, passing and scoring offense … offense front paved the way for an offense that averaged 490.2 yards of total offense, 291.1 passing yards and 39.1 points per game … helped the Aggies rush for 199.2 yard per game, which ranked No. 24 nationally.
2010 (FRESHMAN)
Named to ESPN.com’s All-Big 12 Freshman team and was an honorable mention All-Big 12 pick … moved into the starting lineup when starting offensive tackle Brian Thomas moved inside after an injury to Evan Eike … started the final seven games of the season at offensive tackle and played in a total of 10 games … with Matthews in the starting lineup, the Aggies allowed just 14 sacks in the final seven games after allowing 23 in the first six games of 2010.
HIGH SCHOOL
Coached by Robert Crivellari at Elkins High School in Missouri City … consensus All-American (Parade, USA Today, SuperPrep, Rivals.com) … first-team all-district and all-greater Houston honoree … chose Texas A&M over offers from Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC and Stanford.
PERSONAL
Jacob Matthews is the son of Carrie and Bruce Matthews of Sugar Land, Texas … born February 11, 1992 … university studies major in the Mays Business School … father, Bruce, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2007 after an illustrious 19-year career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans … older brother, Kevin, was a two-year starter at center for the Aggies (2008-09) and younger brother Mike is a current Aggie. Jake is verified on Twitter at: jake_matthews75