PROVO — It was somewhat easy to meet the comments that BYU offensive line coach Garett Tujague made last week about Ryker Mathews with a large dose of skepticism. Tujague proclaimed that the injury-embattled lineman was back and playing as well as he ever has since arriving at BYU despite showing nothing during the spring or fall.
However, Mathews’ play against Central Florida proved Tujague's comments right on point.
Mathews received extensive playing time at left tackle against the Knights and responded with the type of play coaches were anticipating when the former American Fork prospect signed with the program back in 2011.
“It felt amazing being out there,” Mathews said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to play like that, so yeah, it’s been frustrating. But I feel the worst is behind me now and I’m just looking forward.”
Mathews signed with BYU in 2011 as a prime recruit who participated in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl while being courted by top programs. Big things were expected from him, as a result, and he looked primed to meet those expectations almost immediately before incurring his first major setback.
“I got hurt right before the season and had to sit out that first year,” Mathews explained. “That was a little frustrating, but nothing like getting through my hip injury.”
Mathews started all 13 games in 2012 despite battling through a torn labrum injury. Shortly after his labrum issues were resolved, he suffered severe hip injuries, causing him to undergo double-hip surgery in the offseason prior to 2013.
Mathews was able to contribute in 2013, but clearly wasn’t himself. The once-prime tackle prospect was moved inside to guard, where he started four games, but for the most part was relegated to spot backup duty.
“It was extremely frustrating playing through all that last year,” Mathews said. “You’re used to playing a certain way — knowing you should be doing things you simply can’t do anymore. I love playing and helping the team, so not being able to do that like I knew I could before the surgery ... it was just very frustrating.”
Following the 2013 season it was seemingly easy to assume Mathews would never return to form. Such an assumption was emboldened after Mathews saw almost no participation in spring practices and wasn’t even listed on the post-spring two-deep roster. Things didn’t appear to be getting better in the fall as Mathews was held out of most practices with stated academic issues by coaches.
As a result, nothing was expected of Mathews in 2014 by those unaware of what was happening behind the scenes. What was happening was the 6-foot-6, 320-pound junior was slowly but surely returning to form.
“It just took time. I mean, I knew it would, but not nearly as much time as it did to get back to playing like I knew I could,” Mathews said. “Part of the problem is I’m just a 300-plus-pound guy putting a ton of pressure on his hips. But they’re finally healed and I‘m playing as well as I‘ve ever played.”
Throughout the healing process of his hips, Mathews admits to being frustrated — but he never considered hanging up his cleats for good.
“The thought never crossed my mind,” Mathews said. “I love playing. I love football and I knew it would come back. I had great doctors throughout encouraging me, great teammates and coaches, and I’m just very happy to be back and helping this team like I know I can. Playing that game against Central Florida was great, but I’m looking to improve and have even better games this year and then next year.”
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney