’28 OG doubles at DT but could be among the finer ‘pulling guards’ in his class
Matthew Montgomery reminds me of Anthony Johns. Don’t know whether you remember Johns, but he formerly played at LCA and is now an OL for the Eastern Kentucky “Colonels.” Johns was a technician. What he lacked in stature he made up for in nasty, power, strength, and technique. That is why Johns ranked among the best guards to have played in the KHSAA in the previous 10-years. Can we say Montgomery is another Johns with certainty? No, how would that even be possible? Still, we can’t help but notice the physical and technical similarities.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Lexington, KY: We told you preseason Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) had the best line in the KHSAA at any level of competition. Hayes Preston committed to Air Force, Jake Darby committed to West Point, Trefor Thomas committed to Navy, Kerwin Brooks committed to Gardner-Webb, and Hunter Adams hasn’t committed (as far as we presently know) but is still in play at EKU and UK as of the date of writing this article.
With all five guys upfront committing or in play at the Division I level, one wouldn’t think there would be room to develop any ’28 talent. Not true, apparently. Matthew Montgomery (’28, OG/DT, 6’0,” 230) got run in 13-games for the Eagles.
Of course, Montgomery is far from just an ordinary freshman. How many freshmen in the commonwealth, at 2A or any other level of competition, bench press 275 while squatting four (4) plates (405-pounds)? Well we have covered this a while, and it isn’t too many.
Coach Lyons compares Montgomery to a former Eagle standout in Anthony Johns. Johns was a ’22 graduate who recruiters claimed was “too short, lacking height and length.” Johns has since proven he doesn’t lack in any way possible. Johns is doing a fine job in college for EKU.
So here we are wondering whether history will repeat itself. Can Montgomery prove himself tall enough, long enough, possessing enough length? Let us just say this; this kid can play. If given a chance, Montgomery can show he belongs, like Anthony Johns before him.
Montgomery can show he belongs…
Friday Night Fletch
Montgomery played in 13-games as a freshman and he played some defense to go along with his responsibilities along the offensive front. Montgomery logged five tackles while substantially assisting an offensive line which cleared the path for 3,816-rushing yards and 64-rushing TDs. That’s moving some meat!
Montgomery has the “total package.” In addition to his 6’0,” 230-pounds, in addition to his 275-pound bench press and 405-pound squat, Montgomery carries a 4.0 GPA. This makes Montgomery “recruitable” from the FCS/Ivy League level, to the mid-major/service academy level, to the Power 4 level depending on how well his frame finishes.
We have it on reliable authority Montgomery’s father is 6’3.” If he gets dad’s height, with his present skill set improving as he ages, we may get to watch this kid ply his wares in the SEC.
So, headed into year two of a playing career which saw Montgomery log significant playing time behind a bevy of D-1 commitments upfront, how big of a year should we expect? Let us just put it this way, if this kid isn’t in serious contention for the Big Ass Fans Small School All-State Football team next season, we may stand on our heads.
Then again, what do we know?
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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