Editor's Note: Kpreps.com takes a look at Tyler Matthews, the state's top recruit from 2011. Look for more signing day profiles in the coming weeks.
Tyler Matthews was recruited by several Big 12 teams, and the McPherson High graduate found a great fit at Texas Christian University (TCU). Matthews, rated the No. 1 recruit in Kansas by ESPN, committed to Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs in February 2011, graduated from MHS in December and enrolled at TCU last month. He officially signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
"I visited several Big 12 schools, but felt like TCU was the best fit for me," Matthews said. "I like the area, the coaches, the offense they run and the guys who are part of the team. Plus the academics are great here."
A 6-3, 200-pound quarterback, Matthews was a two-time Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division II Offensive MVP while leading the Bullpups to a pair of Class 5A playoff appearances. He completed 68 percent of his passes in two seasons at McPherson, threw for 5,505 yards and 54 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. As a senior, he threw for 2,847 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 63 percent of his passes. Matthews was named to the Topeka Capitol-Journal and Wichita Eagle All-State Top 11 teams as well as the Kpreps Class 5A All-State squad.
During his junior season, Matthews got used to playing in front of college coaches while leading the Bullpups to a 9-2 record.
"Any time you get a big time school to come watch you play, it's exciting and you want to play your best," he said. "It was a good time."
According to ESPN's recruiting profile, Matthews ran a 4.95 40-yard dash and recorded a 24-inch vertical jump. The ESPNU scouting report said his strengths include accuracy, arm strength, delivery and reads. "This kid is a really sharp, precise passer with fundamentally sound technique and very productive results. He has good size and already possesses above average bulk. Plays in a multiple set both under center and out of the shotgun and is extremely efficient both in his methods and productivity," the report reads.
Matthews will be able to participate in TCU's spring practices and begin learning from current Frog quarterback Casey Pachall.
"Being here early and going through our program in the spring is definitely going to help," TCU coach Gary Patterson said. "I don't think you have to redshirt now when you get two cycles in the weight room, go through spring ball and get a full summer. Kids grow up and they're already a semester ahead towards graduation."
According to a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Matthews, the sixth-rated pro-style quarterback in the nation, would likely be a candidate to redshirt as Pachall did his freshman year in 2009. Pachall, a junior, and Matt Brown, a sophomore, likely have the position covered the next two years, giving Matthews two years to learn, as Pachall did under Andy Dalton.
"He can make every throw," Patterson said of Matthews. "The key is doing it at the college level."
The owner of TCU Frog Fan Report, http://frogfanreport.com, calls Matthews a big-time pickup, saying, "Matthews produces a quick release and a big arm. Can throw the deep ball with accuracy and spot the ball perfectly in tight places."
Matthews was also recruited by Kansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
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