An Interview with Matt Wile's Head Coach

Submitted by TomVH on

Michigan's kicking woes this season forced the coaching staff to search for another scholarship kicker in the 2011 class. Rich Rodriguez had secured former Boise State commit Matt Goudis (6'0", 165 lbs) after many thought Goudis would stick with Boise. Once the old staff was fired Matt decided to take his talents to South Beach and commit to Al Golden at Miami, which left Brady Hoke searching for another solid kicker. 

Matt WileLucky enough for Hoke he had already established a relationship with uncommitted kicker Matt Wile (6'2", 215 lbs) out of San Diego, California. Wile's head coach John Morrison says that relationship wasn't too hard to build. "Matts dad is the orthopedic surgeon on the athletic staff at San Diego State where Brady (Hoke) came from. They offered Matt two years ago at SDSU," Morrison said. "You guys are getting a heck of a coach, too. We're sad to see (Brady Hoke) go. I'm a big fan of his, he'll get that thing turned around really fast, I watched him do it at SDSU after 4 or 5 guys butchered it."

"It's funny now that Coach Hoke is out at Michigan, it's almost like it was meant to be for Matt. His dad and his grandfather are both Michigan grads. About 7-8 years ago Matt traveled with his dad to Ann Arbor when SDSU played Michigan, and went out on the field at halftime to kick field goals," Morrison recalls. 

The coincidence has struck a cord with Wile, and he is scheduled to visit Ann Arbor this weekend (January 21st). Matt holds offers from Air Force, Michigan, Nebraska, and Washington as well. "He actually pushed back the visit to Nebraska to take the Michigan trip. I can't imagine he won't have a great visit, he already knows the coaching staff and he's already been on campus with his dad," said Morrison. "Coach Ferrigno (Special teams coach for Michigan) was actually out here the other night to see Matt, then he swung by the school to pick up his transcripts." The transcripts seemed like just a formality since Wile holds a 4.0 GPA.

Even though the cards seem to be in Michigan's favor, Coach Morrison doesn't believe Matt will make his decision while visiting Ann Arbor. "He told Nebraska that he won't commit on the Michigan trip. He wants to sit down with his family, take 24 hours and think about it. He's been very up front with all the schools. I would be surprised if he committed on the visit, but I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to commit after 24 hours," he said.

Wile averaged 42 yards per punt this season, kicked field goals and extra points, was captain of his team, and the kicker for the West team at the Army All American Game.

Football
TomVH
Matt Wile

Comments

MGoShoe

January 19th, 2011 at 11:59 AM ^

...Matt. You know you want to be Blue!

"It's funny now that Coach Hoke is out at Michigan, it's almost like it was meant to be for Matt. His dad and his grandfather are both Michigan grads. About 7-8 years ago Matt traveled with his dad to Ann Arbor when SDSU played Michigan, and went out on the field at halftime to kick field goals," Morrison recalls. 

Joined: 04/23/2009

MGoPoints: 20734

The Baughz

January 19th, 2011 at 12:41 PM ^

It helps him because it means he has the grades to actually get into Michigan. He is very impressive. This would be a huge get. Also, his kickoffs have great distance. Something that we havent witnessed at Michigan for a while. Itd be nice to have opponents start on the 20 or worse for a change.

Joined: 10/08/2010

MGoPoints: 31913

Blue X2

January 19th, 2011 at 12:10 PM ^

This kid sounds perfect for Michigan.  He's a leader (team captain), he is smart (4.0) and his father and grandfather are Michigan men.

It seems that things are falling into place in a positive way after 3 years of utter chaos, heartbreak, disappointment and MIchigan Coaches, DB, and Kicker hating God mayhem.

Joined: 01/17/2011

MGoPoints: 221

toomer18

January 19th, 2011 at 12:17 PM ^

He looks good.  I like the Michigan background.  We need him, and with Ray Taylor committing, things could start to pick up with recruiting.  Hopefully Coach Hoke can work some magic these last couple of weeks.

Joined: 02/25/2010

MGoPoints: 401

Not a Member

January 19th, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^

who isn't afraid to throw his whole body into a tackle and actually hold on to make the tackle.  Impressive punts and kicks on this video as well.

I'd feel a ton better about our kicking game with this kid in the mix.

Joined: 01/12/2011

MGoPoints: 347

Bodogblog

January 19th, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^

one of the largest living alumni bases in the country.  And not just alumni, when I lived in Cali there were Michigan transplants everywhere, and they were all M fans

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 26674

sandiego

January 19th, 2011 at 12:44 PM ^

"About 7-8 years ago Matt traveled with his dad to Ann Arbor when SDSU played Michigan, and went out on the field at halftime to kick field goals"

Which one of you internet stalking experts can locate the halftime video of SDSU v. Michigan from 2004? 

Joined: 12/15/2008

MGoPoints: 593

JJB2

January 19th, 2011 at 1:04 PM ^

someone even better.  He punts as well as he kicks FGs and kick offs.  He might even give Hagerup a run for his money on the punting end, or at least a great back up.  Solid tackler as well, come on down Mr. Wile.

Joined: 01/01/2011

MGoPoints: 326

jackw8542

January 19th, 2011 at 1:05 PM ^

With his dad and grandfather as alums, it seems almost inconceivable that he will not go blue, unless he really wants to be an Air Force pilot.  My daughter has known the fight song since she was old enough to talk (and definitely wants to go to Michigan in 2018), so Matt probably knows the fight song pretty well, too, and has probably heard a LOT about the benefits of a Michigan education.

Joined: 10/30/2010

MGoPoints: 4265

superstringer

January 19th, 2011 at 2:54 PM ^

Being intimately familiar with a specific college while growing up does NOT mean you want to go there; if anything, it might make you too familiar, searching for something new.

Cases in point.  A very hot chick I new in high school was daughter of two UM grads -- knew the fight song, wore UM stuff, etc.  She went to Stanford.

Then there's me.  My dad was a Domer, mom a SMC-chick.  Aunt went to SMC, other aunt to SMC, uncle to ND.  My 5 older cousins were SMC, ND, ND, ND, SMC.  Grew up knowing ND fight song, watched every ND game on TV from age 2 to age 18, etc.  And, of course, I went to UM.  Didn't even apply to ND.

So, I wouldn't assume Matt is a given to come to UM.

Joined: 02/04/2009

MGoPoints: 18176

jonny_GoBlue

January 19th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^

Very very impressive.  He would obviously be a great addition to the class.  It looks like he could also be a legitimate fill in at P if Hagerup were to get injured.

Joined: 09/05/2009

MGoPoints: 4519