Mattes over a half dozen scholies

Offers continue to come in for Concord (N.C.) Robinson offensive tackle R.J. Mattes. The 6-foot-7, 265-pounder is over a half dozen scholarships according to his head coach Bobby Cloninger. What makes him standout as a player?

"He's got offers from Virginia, Wake Forest, East Carolina, Duke, Clemson, North Carolina State and South Carolina," he said. "There are a lot of schools looking at him like Purdue, Ohio State, Notre Dame. This kid has a world of potential and he'll have a big decision to make, but will go through the recruiting process. He's a smart kid that comes from a good family and they'll help him with his decision."

Are there any obvious leaders for Mattes at this point?

"His dad, Ron was all-ACC when he played for Virginia," he said. "I wouldn't say he's favoring them, but they do have an inside track because he's more familiar with the school. R.J. is a very open-minded person and listens to everyone that talks to him. The door is wide open."

Cloninger went on to discuss what makes his talented lineman stick out.

"The big thing about his is his motor, it constantly runs," he said. "He plays the offensive side of the ball with a defensive mentality. It's like he turns the switch on and gets after it. He finishes blocks, has great technique and good footwork. He's also a pretty good student with a 3.5-GPA.

"I can tell you. I believe he's an excellent football player and comes from a good family history. He's been coached very well and he's going to be a good one for somebody."

Mattes earned all-conference, county and piedmont after registering 75 tackles, 12 for loss and eight sacks as a junior.