Today we show a little love to the specialists. They don’t always get a lot of airtime, but they are equally as important. Let’s catch up with #42, Matt Cota.
#42, Matt Cota, RS Sophomore, LS
Stats
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 189 lbs
High School: Eagle High School, Eagle, ID
How'd he get to the Blue™?
Matt made the smart decision and accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Broncos. As a long snapper, he didn’t receive any offers, but his position, and skill set, is still highly valued. He honed his skills by spending some time with Chris Rubio of Rubio Long Snapping. You can see some of his work below.
Nickname
"The Rifle"
With the distance and accuracy needed to play long snapper, this seemed fitting.
Look-a-like
German actor Max Befort
Career Highlights
There is not a ton of "highlights" for a long snapper, per se, but he was a 3-year letterman at Eagle. He was also included on the all-state team as an offensive lineman of all things. He earned league all-academic honors all four years of high school as well. Off of the football field, he also earned two letters in track and field.
2015 Prospectus
With starter Kevin Keane in his last season, Matt should be poised to take over in 2016. I don’t necessarily see him sharing a lot of play time with Keane, but if a game gets out of hand, I don’t see why we wouldn’t see him in there. Based on his experience and the time he’s put into his craft, I imagine he will be pushing Keane a good it as well. Even if Matt doesn’t take the reins from Keane, he’ll be handed them next year regardless.
Is he on Twitter?
He’s not super active, but he is on there. He also enjoys a good hike with a view.
Late afternoon run up table rock! https://t.co/PsCvqGUeOr
— Matthew (@matt208cota) March 14, 2015
Completely made up fact
During a long-snapping camp, Matt hospitalized a holder, knocking him unconscious and bruising both his hands. The victim said he had "no time to react…there was nothing I could do." Our holders are Broncos, so they don’t have any issues.