6A State Champion Recruiting Report: Matt Schmidt (Wayzata-2020)

Being apart of what one could argue was the best Wayzata Trojan team in school history is proof enough of ones football ability, but starting on a defense that relented only 78 passing yards per game and 123 rushing YPG during the 6A Minnesota state playoffs gives me more than enough confidence to call one a stud. [caption id="attachment_15956" align="alignright" width="300"] Schmidt with a big stick.[/caption] Well, let me introduce you to Wayzata's 2020 stud linebacker Matt Schmidt. The 6'2, 195 lber. just helped hang a banner in Wayzata's gym and is now looking for a college program to call home for the 2020 football season along with his twin brother and Wayzata's QB1 Tom. The leading Trojan tackler through the playoffs with 26 total tackles and two TFL's, Schmidt was all over the field for the Trojan defense in 2019 and totaled 68 tackles, eight TFLs, one interception, and one forced fumble in the regular season while playing the toughest teams week-to-week that Minnesota has to offer. An instinctual linebacker with good range and physical at the point of attack, Schmidt is looking to play football at the D1 or DII level in college. He was kind enough to give Northstar Football News some of his time to discuss how he began playing football, the magical 2019 Wayzata season, and any news he has on recruitment. Enjoy! Hudl: NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Matt. Please begin by telling our readers a little bit about yourself as well as a little bit about Wayzata's season last year in 2018. Schmidt: "My name is Matt Schmidt, I’m a linebacker for the 2020 class. I’m from and play in Wayzata, Minnesota. I started playing football in 3rd grade. Some fun facts are I’m a identical twin and I played every single defensive snap of my teams 2019 season. Playing football puts me in a zone where I can focus on being in the moment, I also love the brotherhood and friendship with the team. From last year my weight room stats were 5’11/170/5.3/bench 190/squat 275. This year I was 6’1/190/5.0/bench 225/ squat 335. In the 2018 season Wayzata ended 5-5 and I didn’t play varsity at all, the team chemistry was bad and that showed in the games." NFN: Interesting! So what was a big difference for the '19 season? What were your guys' expectations for this year and walk us through the season a little if possible. Schmidt: "What really took 2019 to be the best season ever in Wayzata history was the chemistry of the team and dedication to the team. This was a team of players who loved each other and had great senior leadership. Going in to the 2019 season we knew we were THAT team, we knew we could win state. [caption id="attachment_15955" align="alignright" width="387"] Schmidt (23) with huge hit on Tonka's RB.[/caption] We just had to believe in ourselves and show everyone the brotherhood and trust this team had every Friday night. My expectations for myself were big, I wanted to be the best player I could be, going into my first season starting varsity I wanted to get as many tackles as I could and do anything to help the team win. The offseason was good, I was in the weight room getting stronger and faster. Playing football for Wayzata was like everything I always wanted, this team was really a family and the love and brotherhood we showed to each other was one of the main reasons this team got that far. One thing I loved about the program was the players and coaches relationship, we all had fun and made each other laugh no matter if it was at practice or in the film room. My first eight games went really well it was so much fun getting out there with my boys and having a good time. Our season started off with Blaine and then Edina, Prior Lake, St. Michael, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Shakopee, and Burnsville. Playoffs went very well, I lead the team in tackles with 34. There was truly a different energy around the team during those weeks, so much fun easily the best football I’ve ever played. Playing in the state championship game was surreal moment and something I will always remember for the rest of my life, winning it was one of the happiest moments of my life. Also leading the team in tackles in the state championship with 6 was also a dream that I always had." NFN: Thanks for the insight. So what's up with recruiting? What are you looking for in a college and who have you been interested in? Schmidt: " I really would like to stay close to home, so some colleges I’m looking at for school include Mankato, NDSU, UND, UNI, Iowa State, Winona and UMD. [caption id="attachment_15959" align="alignright" width="300"] Schmidt.[/caption] I would love to play D1, D2 and believe I have the skills to do that. I have no planned any visits to schools but I have talked to a few. I went to a lot of camps over the summer: Mankato, Iowa, Iowa State, NDSU, UND, and UNI and I'm glad I did. I want to go to a college close to home (top is 7 hours away) and I always want to major in business." I hope Matt finds a home here soon, and I would keep my ears open for news of the soon-to-be Wayzata grad as only a year of starting varsity can leave a kid really hungry. Good luck to you, Matt!