Matthews enjoying Shrine Bowl

SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Rivals100 defensive end Cliff Matthews has enjoyed an excellent week of work during preparations for the 70th Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound South Carolina commit took some time to give Rivals.com his thoughts on his performance so far and who some of the other prospects are that have stood out to him this week.

Matthews, the nation's third-ranked weakside defensive end prospect, has had a good time at the event.

"This week has been fun," Matthews said. "I'm having a good time and getting to know a lot of the players here."

Matthews talked about which defensive players have impressed him the most during his week of work.

"(Georgia linebacker commit) Charles White has been impressive," he said.

Matthews has to square off against the South Carolina offense each day in practice and there is one player that has impressed him the most on that side of the ball for the Sandlapper squad.

"Willy Korn," Matthews said. "Enough said."

Matthews also mentioned Rivals250 running back and fellow South Carolina commit Brian Maddox.

"He's a hard hitter and a really good power runner," Matthews said.

This won't be the only all-star game for Matthews this year. He will take his pass rushing ability to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in January. Kickoff for the game is 5 p.m. Jan. 4 at Lockhart Stadium and the contest will be televised live by ESPNU.

Rivals.com is the official selection partner of the event.

Matthews and his South Carolina Shrine Bowl teammates will continue preparations for Saturday's 1 p.m. game against the North Carolina squad at a 9:30 a.m. practice Wednesday at the Dorman High practice fields.