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University of Minnesota Athletics
New Gopher Q&A: Jephte Matilus
8/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 3, 2011
Freshman linebacker Jephte Matilus (Delray Beach, Fla.) is up next in Gophersports.com's series of interviews with new Golden Gopher football players. Matilus was ranked as the No. 73 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN/Scouts Inc. coming out of high school, while Scout.com rated him the No. 174 prospect at that position.
Matilus received Class 6A-5A-4A All-Palm Beach County recognition twice from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He made 90 tackles, including 10 for a loss of yardage, during his senior season at Atlantic High School. Matilus is currently taking three summer classes and getting ready for the fall.
Gophersports.com: Why did you choose Minnesota?
Jephte Matilus: I chose Minnesota because I knew coming in with the new coaching staff ... the team would really get turned around. The coaching staff, everywhere they've been, they've turned around programs.
Gophersports.com: How do like being on campus so far?
Jephte Matilus: I really like being on campus. At first I didn't know where I was going. Now I kind of got the hang of it. It's nice.
Gophersports.com: How are you adjusting to the weather, and how do you plan to deal with winter?
Jephte Matilus: I haven't adjusted to the weather yet, because it's kind of on and off. One day, it will be hot, the next day it will be kind of cool and it will rain. I think I will get used to it. I haven't seen snow yet. I'm not ready for it.
Gophersports.com: What is your favorite thing about TCF Bank Stadium?
Jephte Matilus: I haven't really spent too much time there yet. I like it because I see a lot of people there. It looks pretty nice. I like the locker room a lot.
Gophersports.com: Have you always played defense?
Jephte Matilus: I always played defense, except my freshman year when I played fullback.
Gophersports.com: How did you like playing fullback?
Jephte Matilus: It was alright. But I didn't like to be the guy who gets hit. I like to give hits.
Gophersports.com: Can you describe the feeling when you force a turnover?
Jephte Matilus: The feeling is amazing when force a turnover, such as when you catch an interception and you can hear the crowd screaming. You watch the other guys walk with their heads down to the other sideline. It feels really good.
Gophersports.com: When did you know you could play Division I football?
Jephte Matilus: I didn't know until I got my first scholarship (offer). Because really, I just played football for the fun of it ... like when I'd come from school after a long day, I'd just go to practice, and just practice. Once I got my first Division I offer, I started taking sports more seriously.
Gophersports.com: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Jephte Matilus: My goal for the upcoming season is to get on the field and help the team. Really that's my only goal.
Gophersports.com: What are your long-term goals for your career as a Gopher?
Jephte Matilus: I plan on going four years and making it to the NFL. If not, after my four years, I can own my own business and be a positive role model for kids in society, go back and give back to the kids where I'm from.
Gophersports.com: What sport what you play if you weren't playing football?
Jephte Matilus: I would play baseball.
Gophersports.com: What position?
Jephte Matilus: Centerfield or shortstop.
Gophersports.com: What are some of your favorite foods or restaurants?
Jephte Matilus: My favorite food is Asian food, rice and chicken. I also love Mom's cooking.
Gophersports.com: Do you have any ideas about what you would like to major in?
Jephte Matilus: I'm studying business management and plan on minoring in communication.
Gophersports.com: Is there anything else you would like to tell Gopher fans?
Jephte Matilus: We're going to get it turned around this season. We are going to have a good season.
-Interview by Athletic Communications Student Assistant Justine Buerkle
