FSU football: 5 blue-chip players from 2017 that need to shine in 2020
By Kelvin Hunt
DJ Matthews
DJ Matthews enters his final year with FSU football as one of the most frustrating players in the class.
He was the No. 51 ranked player overall, No. 8 wide receiver and No. 9 ranked player in Florida coming out of high school.
Florida State Seminoles Football
The blue-chip recruit came to FSU football being hyped as the next Kenny Shaw with the ability to be electric in the punt return game. Matthews has shone flashes at times but has not lived up to his ranking.
He saw his numbers regress in his junior year with just 36 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
That’s with Keyshawn Helton missing half the season with an injury.
His punt return average decreased from 11 yards per return to just 6.58. He allowed way too many punts to hit the ground costing the Noles tons of hidden yardage.
He’s also had some issues off the field, not being allowed to travel with the team to play in the Virginia game last season is one example.
Matthews needs a strong senior season if he wants to have any shot at playing at the next level. He’s talented but needs to focus on being consistent mentally to bring it on every play.