Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Matthew Downing: Football means the world to me. It doesn’t define who I am as a person but it’s a large part of my life. I love this game and I plan on being around it for a long time.
Joe Gaiter: How was your season this year?
Matthew Downing: We had the greatest season in school history. We went 11-2 and lost in the quarterfinals. It was a tough loss that we wish we could have back, but it was a great Senior Season.
Joe Gaiter: What colleges wanted you to commit with them?
Matthew Downing: Samford, Southern Illinois, and Montana State offered me scholarships. Alabama and South Carolina pushed at me as a PWO.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you commit to The University of Georgia?
Matthew Downing: I thought that Georgia was the best place for me. It provides a great family atmosphere with the best coaches in the country. We will be competing for a national championship every year. I couldn’t ask for more.
Joe Gaiter: What was your family reaction once you told them your decision?
Matthew Downing: My family was very excited. They also thought it was the best situation for me as a player and a person.
Joe Gaiter: What do you feel you could bring to the athletic program at UGA?
Matthew Downing: I feel like I can bring great leadership, hard work, a will to do anything to win, and elite level of play. I think I can bring a lot to the UGA football program.
Joe Gaiter: What position will you play there?
Matthew Downing: I will play quarterback.
Joe Gaiter: What is something that you want your future teammates and coaching staff to know about you?
Matthew Downing: I want my future teammates and coaches to know that I will do whatever it takes to win. Whatever I have to do to help us win a national championship, I’ll do it. Also, I’ll be the best teammate I can possibly be.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Matthew Downing: I see myself competing for a national championship and playing at a very high level in the next 5 years.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Matthew Downing: I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because without him nothing of this would be possible. I’d like to thank my parents for their sacrifices for me to get to this point. I’d like to thank my teammates, coaches, friends, teachers, and anyone else who helped mold me into the player and person I am today.
Matthew Downing:
Twitter: @M_Down07
Instagram: mdown1ng
