This weekend, American football is getting Jaelyne Matthews, one of New Jersey’s best players and a four-star offensive tackle. It’s the culmination of a recruiting process that began nearly three years ago between Matthews and the Big Ten program.
The first offer for Matthews, a member of the class of 2025, came from Rutgers after his freshman season at North Toms River (Toms River, New Jersey). Since then, Matthews has become one of the most sought-after players in the country.
In his rankings, Matthews is the No. 93 player in the country, according to ESPN. At the On3 Industry Ratings, he is one of the 25 best strikers in the country. He was selected to play in the Under Armor All-American Game next January.
The visit to Rutgers this weekend, Matthews said, is to deepen his relationship with the team.
“To see if I really am the number one recruit and prospect,” Matthews told Rutgers Wire.
“Because being scouted by your hometown team is a big deal and a lot of people think Jaelyne won’t go to Rutgers, but they definitely have a fair chance.”
(Credit to Matthews for using the underrated third person reference in the quote).
Part of the Rutgers coaching staff, and potentially a large part of the Matthews equation, is the offensive line coach Pat Flaherty.
In his second year at Rutgers, Flaherty’s track record is impressive. With more than two decades of NFL experience as an offensive line coach, Flaherty has one of the strongest resumes in Power Five football of any position coach.
In his first year back at Rutgers, Flaherty turned a bottom-three offensive line into a strong unit. Former player Hollin Pierce, after one season under Flaherty, is now considered one of the top 100 players in college football.
Flaherty
Matthews said his relationship with Flaherty is “great,” as is the rest of coach Greg Schiano’s staff.
“He calls me every day. He called me (on Thursday) and asked me to send him pictures of the prom,” Matthews said.
“He along with coach Susan (special assistant to the head coach JoeSusan) and coach Schiano really make me feel like part of the family.”
Matthews doesn’t have a set commitment date, but has said that sometime this summer he will choose from the five finalists GeorgiaMiami, Ole Miss, Rutgers and Tennessee.
