Name: Matty Armendariz
School: Colorado School of Mines 
Position: C/OG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 305

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

After my junior season, I had won the Rimington Award for DII as well as becoming a consensus All-American, and being named to the First Team All Conference and All Region Team. In addition Mines made it to the DII semifinals for the first time in program history. Going into my senior season, my biggest goal was to help my team win the National Championship, which we made it to but unfortunately did not win. In addition, I wanted there to be no doubt that I was the best center in the country and sought out to be a Consensus First Team All-American and to win the Rimington Trophy. I accomplished both of these goals and became the first and only 2 time winner of the Rimington Trophy at the DII level. In addition I was a finalists for the Upshaw Award and came in 3rd for the voting for the award, which I did not originally set out to but it was really cool (and was the only center that was a finalist)!

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I think that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a leader, gritty, and a great teammate and friend to everyone on the team which helps me bring out the most in my teammates.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

I am very methodical when it comes to watching film which I think sets me apart from a lot of other offensive linemen. Sunday through Monday, I watch film on the strictly the personnel to find any tendencies that I can exploit on any of the DL or LB that I will be playing against. Tuesday through Friday, I have multiple meetings with my OL coach to discuss all the possible fronts, blitzes, or twists that I might see during the game and break down film together. On my own I will also look at practive very maticulously for any improvements, and then go through blitz and run cutups until I know all the possible looks like the back of my hand.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

My dedication, intelligence/football IQ, and quickness for my size is what I think separates me from other pro prospects at my position. I have accomplished all the goals that I have set for myself while obtaining a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and having to balance football, extra film and meetings with my coach, and a harder course load than probably any other offensive lineman in the country. I have started over 40 games straight at Mines and am able to apply the knowledge and situations that I have been in to call out blitzes to the OL before they occur as well as being able to react and tell the rest of the offensive linemen what to do if we run into a team that does something that we have not prepared for during the week. In addition, I think it would be extremely hard to find another 305 lb center that has the same quickness as I do.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I just finished up a few weeks of training at Xceleration Sports Performance Labs in Austin Texas to work on some combine/pro-day specific drills, and will continually be working with them remotely. I have just moved back up to Denver to work at Six Zero Academy with NFL vet Matt McChesney to work on OL work, Strength and Conditioning, Pro-Day prep, and studying up on film to make the transition from College to the NFL much smoother. I am also currently trying to find a All-American game/bowl to attend to show my skills against a higher caliber of competition.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I have an unrivaled determination and competitive nature in me which has helped me get the position that I am at. I feel like I am a teammate that everyone can rely on and trust on and off the field and I also push all of my friends and teammates to elevate their game as well as elevate my own in the process.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

If any organization gives me a change I know that I have the ability to surpass any expectations of the player that they think I am, or can be. I have a lot more football in me and a will work my ass off to better any organization and team that is willing to give me a chance to continue living out my dream.