University of Houston Athletics
FB Program Feature: A Man of Few Words
10/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
By: Willi Anderson, Athletics Communications Intern
The Houston Cougars have been known for years for their prolific offense, but last season the 3rd Ward Defense showed they could handle their own. At the helm of the Cougar defense, is Derrick Mathews.
Mathews is a quiet guy, that is, until he touches the field. On the field, he is explosive. Before he joined the team, the Houston defense lacked big hits, and he has brought nothing short of those.
A Houston native from North Shore High School, Mathews first watched the Cougars as a young boy on many occasions when he and his father, Derrick Mathews Sr., attended football games at Robertson Stadium. When Mathews finally got his chance to play on John O'Quinn Field he proclaimed it as the `most exciting time of his college career.'
"Walking out and seeing the Rob packed out, that was very exciting." Mathews said. "I didn't think a stadium could light up like that. Seeing how packed the stadium could get and how exciting the fans were, it was really a great experience."
As a freshman Mathews made a huge impact for the defense. `Pup', a nickname Mathews gained from being the youngest on the line, proved he might have been young but anything less than dominant. Mathews started in all 14 games for the Cougars at outside linebacker. He was one of the top freshmen in the nation in tackles earning him a spot on the 2011 Conference USA All-Freshman Team and picked by the College Football News as a Freshman All American.
Mathews has also been there for the highs and lows. The Houston defense in 2012 allowed 36 points per a game but in 2013 saw a massive improvement allowing 21.8 points the lowest since 1998 and the third best improvement in the nation. The name 3rd Ward Defense Mathews says is a huge motivation. Using the surrounding community as inspiration, the 3rd Ward Defense brings a nitty gritty style of play to the field.
"We're in the 3rd Ward. For anyone who doesn't know the 3rd Ward, it's a rough neighborhood. Being in the 3rd Ward we try to being that rough style of play to our game. Upholding that name helps us to keep going and keep being the defense we are."
Now in his senior season Mathews has not lost any steam. On almost every major defensive preseason watch list, Mathews has shown he can continuously get better, posting three straight 100 plus tackle seasons as well as double digits tackles for loss. He also proved he can do a little of everything for the defense in 2012.
Mathews finished the year will 116 tackles, 12 of those tackles for losses with seven sacks, to go along with two forced fumbles, four pass breakups and returned a interception for a touchdown.
The anchor of the defense Mathews takes his role as a leader seriously. During his freshman year, Mathews sought guidance from teammate and mentor Marcus McGraw. Now a leader of the defense, Mathews takes away different aspects in McGraw's leadership. Unlike McGraw, Mathews is less vocal. he stated he would rather set examples by doing the right thing and being responsible. He also makes sure his teammates know he is there for them, and won't mislead them by the actions he takes. Now with Marcus McGraw apart of the football staff, Mathews has someone to reach out to when he needs guidance.
"It helps that someone you know as a mentor is just right up the stairs," Mathews said. "I can go upstairs and say `Marcus, man how did you handle this?' or with just anything I need to know, he's right upstairs and I can go up there anytime, instead of my sophomore year and junior year he wasn't here. I can see the difference."
Mathews always has a quiet demeanor about himself except when he is talking about football and his family. Mathews is all smiles when he talks about how much having his family close means to him.
"The fact that my family is just minutes away and I could just not only call them but go home when I want to and get that family love and home cooked meals means a lot," Mathews said. "For them to be able to come to my games whenever without a problem is always good."
Mathews credits his father as a part of the reason he committed to Houston. On their father-son trips to the Rob, Derrick Mathews Sr. passed along his love for the Houston Cougars to his son.
"I always wanted to be like my dad," Mathews proudly said. "He was a basketball player though - and I played basketball as well - but I fell in love with football and he has supported me 100%, I love him for that."
The humble Mathews does not take any credit for what happens on the field, he says everything is a team effort. He believes the team has been more focus, committed, and dedicated than they've ever been and is excited for their shot at a run for a conference championship.
"If you come to the office you'll see 10, 12 guys in there trying to get better, watching film," Mathews said. "Our team camaraderie is at an all time high, everyone on the team is brothers and we're fighting for each other and we'll win together."
