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The Colorado State Rams picked up a big commitment on Wednesday, landing three-star running back Isaiah Matthews out of Enterprise High School (Redding, CA):
BREAKING: Enterprise 3-star RB Izzy Matthews committed to Colorado State. Story coming. #norcalscores @JHopkins247 pic.twitter.com/1My8kt5GzE
— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes_RS) January 15, 2015
Matthews was supposed to take his official visit to Colorado State Friday but committed early. Will have story up soon #norcalscores
— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes_RS) January 15, 2015
Landing Matthews is great news for Colorado State, who has seen talented tailbacks leave early for the NFL Draft for two consecutive years (Dee Hart, Kapri Bibbs). Bringing a talented freshman in gives new head coach Mike Bobo plenty of time to develop and utilize their abilities, something Bobo proved to be very skilled at during his time as Georgia's offensive coordinator.
Recruiting databases are split on Matthews. 247sports and Rivals have him listed as a three-star, Scout has him as a two-star, and ESPN has him entirely unranked. He held offers from Air Force, Colorado, San Jose State, and Wyoming before committing to the Rams. During his two-year varsity career at Enterprise High School, Matthews racked up 3,626 yards and 54 rushing touchdowns.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Matthews brings a big, physical presence to the Rams' backfield. He runs tough and proves difficult to bring down, often picking up plenty of yards after initial contact. His vision in the open field also stands out, and it more than makes up for whatever speed deficiency he'll have against college competition.
Matthews won't be pulling off ankle-shattering jukes or anything of that nature, but he's plenty talented enough to shift and bend his way to a few extra yards. This also prevents defenders from squaring him up and landing big hits, which will serve his body and playing style well at the next level.
There isn't a ton of evidence to suggest the kind of effect he'll have in the passing game, which probably isn't a good thing, but Bobo will have plenty of time to develop him.
Overall, I like this pickup for Colorado State. He's the type of running back that will fit well in Mike Bobo's system and he will be given plenty of time to grow.
Now, here's Isaiah 'Izzy' Matthews getting all excited about suiting up in green and gold:
Ram Nation here I come! Thank you to everybody who's been here for the ride, love you all! #CSU #Committed
— Izzy Matthews (@IsaiahMatthews) January 15, 2015
Take a look at his higlights