Ryker Matthews, an All-American lineman at American Fork High School in Utah, was recently selected as the Army All-American player of the year—one of high school football’s highest honors. It helps that Ryker is 6’6″ tall and weighs 285 lbs, but the honor focuses on his character, not his size. The Army chooses its All-American candidates by judging performance and honor on the playing field, and a commitment to excellence in daily life…
“…representing the same strengths and values demonstrated by Army soldiers including loyalty, respect, honor, and integrity.”
Ryker has been officially invited to the prestigious Army football three-day learning experience featuring NFL and NCAA coaches, as well as to participate in game-week activities, culminating in the Army All-American Bowl scheduled for January 8th, 2011 in San Antonio.
Last summer Ryker participated at the Nike camp. A storm of division candidates and hopefuls blitzed around the playing field. One reporter stated:
“Among the top offensive lineman performers was Ryker Mathews. Mathews dominated in every category the camp had to offer. He was clearly the best offensive lineman in attendance.”
In spite of his imposing size and talent on the field, Ryker presents an unpretentious smile and genuine demeanor. As one of the top linemen in the country, Ryker recently committed to play college ball for Brigham Young University. He will transfer to the university mid-year to participate in spring practice for the 2011 season. Convinced to join the Cougars partly out of his respect for Coach Weber, Ryker said, “I love everything they have to offer. I love the atmosphere, the coaches, and the school. I have met some of the players and that also helped influence my decision.”
BYU students agree to adhere to a strict honor code which prohibits smoking, drinking, sexual liaisons, and cheating. Ryker is comfortable with those standards, because he has always lived them. His mother is most proud of the choices Ryker has made to bring him to this point.