John Mateer: Heisman Candidate Ready For Red River Showdown?

By Noah Mason

The Heisman is awarded to the best player in college football across the course of a regular season, this trophy can be lifted by a player in any position group. Coincidentally, last year it was given to Travis Hunter for impressing on both sides of the ball (cornerback and wide receiver). Currently in week 6, picking a potential Heisman winner requires a lot of prognosticating.

Still, one player I would like to spotlight is John Mateer, the University of Oklahoma’s (OU) junior Quarterback. John Mateer may be in the spotlight now, as he leads the Sooners, but he has spent much of his life in the background being overlooked for one reason or another. I believe he has the potential to be OU’s eighth Heisman winner and join the deep pool of OU starting QBs in the NFL. These include: Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Caleb Williams, Spencer Rattler, and now Dillon Gabriel. Clearly, OU knows how to make a good quarterback.

Right from an early age, John Mateer was recognized for his maturity and obvious talent- even when he didn’t see it himself. At Little Elm High School, during his sophomore year, he was called into the coach’s office to be told that he was going to be the starting quarterback, and he responded with, “Who? Me.” Although he may not have been ready at that very moment, he would go on to show exactly why his high school coach had so much faith in him. He would proceed to smash school records at the top level of Texas high school football, finishing with 7,060 passing yards and 1,223 rushing yards with 88 total touchdowns across his high school tenure. Despite breaking his school’s record for passing yards as a senior, John Mateer had no Power 5 offers and even had other high school coaches help him get offers due to the torment he had inflicted on their defenses. John Mateer would eventually commit to Washington State, the most esteemed program he had received an offer from.

This was potentially the greatest decision this young man would make as something was brewing in Pullman, Washington. This is where he would meet Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who deserves an article of his own. John Mateer wasn’t the immediate star for the Cougars as that crown was worn by this year’s number one NFL draft pick Cam Ward. John Mateer attributes a lot of his development to Cam Ward, as he was incredibly impressed with his attitude and the way that he carried himself. After Ward’s departure to Miami, Mateer, following two seasons of watching, learning, and eagerly waiting, would begin to lead the Cougars’ offense, picking up right where Ward left off. In his first start, he threw for 5 touchdowns, immediately letting Wazzu fans know they were still in safe hands. John Mateer’s one starting season would be absolutely electric, throwing for 3,139 yards, rushing for 826 yards, and totaling 44 touchdowns. He announced himself to the world as a premier dual-threat quarterback, and after Cam Ward’s success, he was the most sought-after player in the transfer portal going into this season.

Mateer would decide OU was the best place to take his talents, it wouldn’t just be Mateer deciding to make the trip from Washington to Oklahoma- he would be joined by previously mentioned OC Ben Arbuckle. This combination of keeping the same scheme around Mateer has worked wonders this far for OU helping them claim big victories over MIchigan and Auburn at the start of this season. Right from the off Mateer claimed the respect of the veterans. At an early season optional training camp, where only three players showed up and Mateer ripped into them in the groupchat letting them know this wasn’t his or the OU standard. This extra work off the pitch has carried onto the field as Mateer has started this year on fire, displaying his impressive arm talent and his powerful rushing ability, helping the Sooners to an unbeaten start and dreams of a national championship ending up in Norman.

For those who haven’t seen much of Mateer’s game, he’s an aggressive downfield passer who can play well on script, but where he shines the brightest is when he has to go off script.

His pocket awareness and ability to scramble often lead to defensive linemen’s disappointment and a big play to whichever offense he is governing. One area of his game that needs improvement is his accuracy, as three turnovers already this season have led some critics to discredit claims that him to be the best quarterback in college football. Some people in Norman are already comparing him to Baker Mayfield, which is the highest compliment a Sooner fan can pay to an OU player. Personally, my pro comp would be a younger, smaller Josh Allen, lofty I know, however I believe he plays that same brand of ‘hero ball’ that Josh Allen was labelled with during his first few years. Standing at 6 ‘1 he is not quite the size of Josh however, he has that same bulldozing run that has become synonymous with Josh’s gameplay and elite arm strength to go with it. I believe Mateer has all the attributes to be a great player in the NFL.

Mateer has been sidelined for the past couple of weeks due to a hand injury. Dan Lanning suggested he would be questionable to play against Texas this weekend in the upcoming Red River Showdown, but the injury report on Thursday upgraded the quarterback to probable; if John plays in this famous sporting rivalry and plays well against a championship-level defense, I believe this will put him in great stead for a potential Heisman. According to bookies, despite leading the race at one point, due to his injury, Mateer’s likelihood of lifting the Heisman has fallen. Howeve,r I wouldn’t close the door on a fast return and a late season push from Mateer to not only lead his side to the playoffs but potentially end the season with college football’s premier award.

Noah Mason

NFL/CFB Writer

Noah is an aspiring journalist who shares some interesting takes on this great game, whether it be College or the NFL. Born and based in London, but developed a love for American Football in the States, follow Noah on Twitter @NoahMas59721174

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