http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/og/fredmatua.html


Fred MatuaHeight: 6-2 3/8 | Weight: 306 | 40-Time: 5.06 http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/playerpics/og/fredmatua.jpg
Official Bio (http://usctrojans.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/matua_fred00.html)

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/images/stars/two.gif Strengths:
Is very quick...An excellent technician who displays great footwork...Very strong and tough...A beast in the running game...Fiery, intense and emotional...Brings a defensive temperament to the o-line...Experienced and a three-year starter.

Weaknesses:
Is undersized and lacks the height you look for...Struggles a bit in space...Will have a hard time facing mammoth defensive tackles...May have some minor durability issues...How much was he aided by having so much talent around him?

Notes:
Underclassmen whose decision to come out early was influenced for the most part by his mother's recent battle with breast cancer and his family's financial situation...Is a relative of the Tuiasasosopo family...Could eventually start.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/players/47854.html


Fred Matua Grade: 3.48 Position: OG (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/breakdowns/by_position/og.html)
Class: Jr
School: USC (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/breakdowns/by_school/usc.html)
Conference: Pacific-10 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/breakdowns/by_conference/pac10.html)
Ht., Wt.: 6-2.5, 306
40 Time:
Selected by: Detroit Lions (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/teams/lions.html)

Round 7 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/breakdowns/by_round/7.html), pick 9 (217 overall)
Grading System


http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/football/nfl/logos/lions_100.gif BIO: Three-year starter at right guard. All-Conference selection as a junior.

POSITIVES: Explosive run-blocking lineman who is best in a small area. Quick off the snap, jolts opponents at the point then turns them off the line. Plays with a nasty disposition. Always looking for someone to hit and works well with teammates.

NEGATIVES: Lacks footwork in space, does not block with balance and cannot redirect to linebackers on the second level.

ANALYSIS: An arm wrestler who opens holes for the running game, Matua is a solid second-day pick who will flourish in a power running offense.

PROJECTION: Late Fourth Round

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/matua_fred


SUMMARY
Matua is a junior who came out early for the 2006 NFL Draft and definitely would have been better off staying at USC for another season to become the consistent blocker he has the ability to be. A good all-around athlete that has shown the ability to make nearly all the blocks. But due to his inconsistent technique and tendency to be just adequate when getting off the ball and into blocking position, he struggles to eliminate his man from the play. If he does not crank up his aggressiveness and consistency quick in the NFL, he is going to get beaten too often by aggressive defensive tackles -- they will get into his chest, physically control him and disrupt plays before they get started. But because of his athletic ability, natural strength, intelligence and ability to block well when aggressive, he is a sure-fire draft pick. Most inconsistent players do not ever become consistent once they get to the NFL, but because of Matua's athleticism and flashes of competitiveness, he will eventually develop into a very good backup guard that can do an adequate job when needed to spot start.

CRITICAL FACTORS
Size 5.5
Play Strength 5.5
Play Speed 6.0
Initial Quickness 5.0
Competes 5.5
Instincts5.5

STRONG POINTS
Matua is a good athlete with the ability to get through the line of scrimmage to block linebackers well on the second level and can pull to lead block effectively on outside runs. Has the natural strength to drive defensive linemen down the line and can torque defensive tackles off their feet on straight-ahead run blocks when he gets aggressive. When he pass blocks with knees bent and punches defensive tackles aggressively, Matua has the strength to hold his ground against power rushers. Does a good job of sliding side to side to adjust well in a small area and shows alertness to switch off well with the offensive tckle against stunts and loops.

WEAKNESSES
Matua is not a consistent blocker, and despite his ability, he often allows his man to dictate the play and disrupt it. Does not get off the ball and set to block in line consistently quick enough, which allows aggressive pass rushers to get on top of him before he can get set -- they jolt him upright and drive him into the quarterback's lap. Too often he run blocks up high and unaggressively and ends up becoming a positional, push blocker that can be banged around at the point of attack by aggressive defensive linemen.

POSITIONAL FACTORS
6.0 Foot Agility
Has good enough foot agility to adjust side to side in a small area and can adjust on the move.
5.0 Initial Quickness
Not quick off the ball, which hinders his ability to hold ground consistently against power rushers.
5.5 Play Strength
Due to his lack of consistent aggressiveness, he struggles to play up to his natural strength.
5.5 Run Block In-Line
Does a good job when he gets off the ball and attacks the defensive linemen aggressively -- very good on downside blocks.
6.0 Run Block Space
Makes good initial contact out in space and has the athleticism to stay on and maintain the block.
5.5 Pass Protection
He is good when he blocks with leverage and gets hands on the defensive tackle quickly, and gets arm extension.
6.5 Quick Set-Pass Protection
He has ability to be good when he gets off ball and set to block quickly, and is aggressive with his hands.
6.0 Shuffle & Slide
Does a good job of shuffling and sliding well in a small area to adjust in pass protection.
5.5 Punch/Hand-Use
He has a good, strong punch, but does not use it nearly consistently enough and struggles when he doesn't.
5.5Vs. Power Rush
Flashes the ability to hold his ground against power rushers when he blocks with leverage and punches aggressively.
5.5 Vs. Speed Rush
Does good job in a small area when he gets out of his stance and sets to block quickly, but is not consistent.
5.0 Errors
His lazy use of hands, tendency to play high and not stay after blocks gets him beaten too often.

ATHLETIC ABILITY Section Grade: 6.0
Matua is a good enough athlete to make nearly all the blocks, but he does not consistently block up to his ability level. Has the foot quickness to get through the line of scrimmage into the second level fast to deliver a good initial blow against the linebacker. Has the quickness to pull and lead on outside runs, and has the agility to avoid bodies on the move and can adjust to make good blocks. Has the flexibility to bend his knees so that he can stay over his feet when blocking in space, which helps him to stay on and maintain block out in space. Ability to bend the knees also helps him pass block with a good base, which lets him re-direct well in a small area to deal with the quick side-to-side pass-rush moves. While Matua has the flexibility to run block with leverage, most of the time he is an upright run blocker that just tries to tie up and turn his man out of the play. Despite having quick feet and being able to get through line of scrimmage, he does not consistently set up to pass block quickly, which allows fast off-the-ball defensive tackles to beat him over his outside shoulder too easily.

COMPETITIVENESS Section Grade: 5.5
Matua has fought through some pain to stay in the lineup. Has not consistently blocked with the tough and aggressive attitude that he flashes at times. On the most important plays, he has consistently done a good job of blocking with the aggressiveness necessary to physically control and eliminate the opponent (on both run and pass plays). Overall production is very dependent on the level of aggressiveness and use of hands. When he run blocks with leverage and bent knees, Matua gets after his man quickly and stays after the block. Can get initial movement and consistently eliminates his man -- can torque the opponents off their feet and puts them on their backs. Does not consistently block with leverage, which allows aggressive defensive tackles to get underneath him and they can jolt him upright and backward to disrupt plays before they get started. He is basically a good team player who usually gives a good effort, but it is concerning that he tends to quit on blocks too early at times, which allows his man to get back into the play. When he stays after block until the whistle, he can finish his man off pretty consistently. But when he doesn't, his man can be a disruptive force.

MENTAL ALERTNESS Section Grade: 5.5
Matua seems to be a smart football player -- he has displayed good blocking technique and use of hands when he is focused. Has good instincts, which helps him to see and adjust quickly to stunts and loops, but he does not consistently show good reactions to the snap -- often is a beat late setting up to block, which allows defensive tackles to get on top off him fast and can dictate the play too him. Does not do a good job of staying focused and blocking with good technique on every snap -- has a bad habit of blocking up high without leverage and it allows the defensive tackle to jolt and control him in order to disrupt plays before they get started.

STRENGTH/EXPLOSION Section Grade: 5.5
Matua is a little shorter than ideal at just over 6-foot-2, but he is definitely solidly built -- looks more like 315-320 pounds than just over 300. Matua has pretty much been a durable player at USC, and even though he does not have a ton of experience as a starter, there are no major concerns about his future durability. He is not an explosive blocker -- does not fire off the ball and explode into defensive tackles consistently and does not explosively punch defensive tackle in pass protection. Has good natural strength, and when he gets off ball quickly and blocks aggressively, he has the strength to torque defensive tackles off their feet and out of play on straight-ahead run. Can drive defensive linemen down the line of scrimmage on downside blocks and can hold ground against bull rushers when he locks up quickly and gets arm extension. The trouble is that he does not block aggressively or with good leverage and base often enough, and when he blocks up high and passively, his play strength suffers and he can be pushed around at the point of attack.

http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=7727&PT=7&PR=2&type=scoutingreport


http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/collegedb/collegedbase05_scouting.gif

Pros: Matua, a junior, is an aggressive blocker who shows good footwork and fine functional strength. He is quick on the snap and gets into a defender nicely with the hand technique to steer him. He moves well and shows the ability to move along the line to trap. He has the physical skills, nasty demeanor and temperament to challenge for playing time at the next level. He shows the ability to finish his blocks well and he uses good positioning and an understanding of angles to get the most from his abilities. He bends his knees well and shows decent strength to anchor against the bull rush.
Cons: He certainly would have benefited from another season in college. He has only marginal speed to get outside and pull. He is only average in space and can struggle making contact in the open field. His marginal size and arm length limit his effectiveness against big defensive tackles.
Numbers:: At the Combine he did not run, but did 28 reps of the 225-pound bench press with a 24.5” vertical jump and a 7’9” broad jump.

http://www2.jsonline.com/packer/insider/draft/2006/biosdetail.aspx?fname=Fred&lname=Matua&pos=OG


OVERVIEW

Matua teamed with Taitusi Lutui to form what many regarded as the best offensive guard tandem in college football in 2005. Both cleared huge holes for a ground game that increased its production from 2,306 yards in 2004 to 3,380 yards in 2005, as the offense generated 7,537 yards for the season. That total is surpassed only by Texas Tech's 7,576 yards in 2003 on the NCAA Division 1-A single-season list.

Matua is not the first member of his family to play for the Trojans. His uncle is former three-year (1990-92) letter-winning offensive guard Titus Tuiasosopo, while another uncle, Navy Tuiasosopo, played offensive line at Utah State and later with the Los Angeles Rams. Another uncle, Mike Tuiasosopo, is the defensive line coach at Arizona (he was a defensive tackle at Pacific Lutheran from 1985 to 1988), and a distant cousin, Manu Tuiasasosopo, was a three-time all-conference defensive lineman at UCLA (1976-78) who then played with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

Matua was a 2001 Super Prep, Prep Stars and Tom Lemming All-America selection at Banning High School. He added Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Stars All-Western Region, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best of the West, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 honorable mention and Orange County Register Fab 15 second-team honors as a senior two-way lineman, despite missing all but three games with a broken leg.

As a junior in 2000, he was named to the All-L.A. City second-team, Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team first-team and All-Marine League first-team while getting 75 tackles, including 15 sacks, with five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Banning won the 2000 L.A. City title.

Matua earned a starting job in 2002 fall camp as a true freshman at Southern California, but a right knee injury during the team's final practice before the season opener limited his playing time vs. Auburn. He re-injured his knee two more times early in the year before being granted a medical hardship.

Matua started the first six games and final two of the 2003 season at right guard, sharing time at that position with Steve Drake. He took over full-time duties at that spot in 2004, earning sophomore All-America honors, despite playing most of the year with ankle and back injuries.

He was a second-team All-America choice as a junior in 2005 and a member of the Rivals.com All-Bowl team. He also saw time at center while providing stability for the offensive line at the right guard position. After the season, family issues (mother is battling breast cancer) led Matua to bypass his senior year and declare for the 2006 NFL draft.


ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a powerful upper body frame with a strong hand punch...Shows good speed, quickness, body control and change of direction agility...Instinctive athlete who is quick to learn and retain plays...Tough and aggressive performer who plays with a lot of emotion...Excellent worker in the weight room and in practices...Has very good initial quickness out of his stance on both run and pass plays...Shows nimble feet and lateral quickness in his slide to get out front and sustain blocks...Has good overall balance and body control...Shows good pop on contact and an explosive hand punch, especially when helping out the center...His hand quickness and lack of ideal size for guard could see him shift to center, a position he has experience playing...Has the balance and anchor to stay up and play the game on his feet...Does a solid job blocking in-line, using his hands effectively to lock on, and shows a good understanding for gaining position...Can punch and replace his hands with good lockout technique...Has the short area slide and knee bend to set up properly in pass protection...Very alert to stunts and twists, showing much better patience to see things develop in 2005 than in the past...Has an intense nature attacking defenders, showing a quick first step and proper use of angles to dominate as a run blocker...Plays with good leverage, consistently keeping his feet moving...His lateral agility is evident by the ease that he shows picking up stunts...Plays until the whistle.

Negatives: Undersized for offensive guard and does not have the bulk needed to face up to bigger defenders...Arms are also shorter than ideal, but shows good hand quickness for a possible shift to center...Lacks the body mass to engulf smaller opponents and needs to work in combination with his center in order to neutralize two-gap defensive tackles...Played with better control as a junior, but can get out of control and his emotions result in costly penalties...Shows good leg drive, but needs to stay lower in his pads, as he gets a bit narrow in his base and straight-legged at times.

Matua is still developing physically, but might not have the size and bulk to be an explosive drive blocker at the next level. He has shorter than ideal arms and small hands, but demonstrates good hand quickness. He will not engulf defenders at the point of attack and needs help containing two-gap defenders. With experience at center, his short area burst, quick hands and understanding for positioning could be a better fit inside at center.

Matua has had durability issues in the past, but was relatively injury-free the last two seasons. He mainly works from a two-point stance except for short yardage and goal line situations, showing good quickness off the ball in both run and pass plays. He has a good upfield acceleration, but is not really explosive to kick out on traps. He shows a good understanding for angles and positioning, doing a nice job of staying up and playing the game on his feet.

Matua works hard to finish his blocks, but can get too emotional at times and the result is costly penalties. He is a loud, vocal type who likes to irritate his opponents, but will generally back up his trash talk. In pass protection, he has the nimble feet and lateral slide to mirror defenders. He plays with good knee bend and has flexible hips to sink, but will sometimes get too narrow in his base and straight-legged at times.

Matua can be pulled and jerked off balance vs. larger defensive tackles, but has quick recovery ability. He has an explosive hand punch to shock defenders, especially when working in combination with his center. He is quick to get his hands up on the rise, demonstrating proper placement to jolt and replace with good lockout technique.

If he can continue to keep his emotions in check and stay patient waiting for things to develop, he will be an effective guard in certain schemes, but he will never be a road grader because of size limitations. I still feel that a move to center could see him develop into another Jesse Sapolu at the next level.


AGILITY NOTES

Campus: 5.19 in the 40-yard dash...Bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times...24.5-inch vertical jump...7'9" broad jump...4.76 20-yard shuttle...7.87 three-cone drill...31 5/8-inch arm length... 9 7/8-inch hands.

Combine: Chose not to participate in the 40-yard dash. ... Bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times. ... 24 1/2-inch vertical jump. ... 7'09" broad jump.


INJURY REPORT

2001: Only played in three games as a high school senior due to a broken leg.

2002: Suffered a right knee anterior cruciate ligament sprain in fall camp, seeing limited action in the season opener vs. Auburn...Re-aggravated the injury prior to the Colorado game and missed that game...Returned to see brief action at Kansas State, then had arthroscopic surgery on the knee prior to the Oregon State game and was sidelined the rest of the season...After the season, he underwent hernia surgery.

2004: Played most of the season with a left ankle sprain and a back sprain that he suffered in fall camp.


CAREER NOTES

Another in a long line of relatives kinked to the famed Tuiasosopo family name. His uncle Titus Tuiasosopo was a three-year guard at Southern California (1990-92) while another uncle, Navy Tuiasosopo, played offensive line at Utah State and later with the Los Angeles Rams. Another uncle, Mike Tuiasosopo, is the defensive line coach at Arizona (he was a defensive tackle at Pacific Lutheran from 1985 to 1988), and a distant cousin, Manu Tuiasosopo, was a three-time all-conference defensive lineman at UCLA (1976-78) who then played with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Manu's sons, Marques and Zach, are with the Oakland Raiders, playing quarterback and fullback. Another son, Matt, is a highly regarded infield prospect in the Seattle Mariners baseball organization.


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HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Banning (Wilmington, Cal.) High School...2001 Super Prep, Prep Stars and Tom Lemming All-America selection...Added Super Prep All-Far West, Prep Stars All-Western Region, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best of the West, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 honorable mention and Orange County Register Fab 15 second-team honors as a senior two-way lineman, despite missing all but three games with a broken leg...As a junior in 2000, he was named to the All-L.A. City second-team, Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team first-team and All-Marine League first-team while getting 75 tackles, including 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception...Banning won the 2000 L.A. City title.


PERSONAL

Sociology major... Another in a long line of relatives kinked to the famed Tuiasosopo family name. His uncle Titus Tuiasosopo was a three-year guard at Southern California (1990-92) while another uncle, Navy Tuiasosopo, played offensive line at Utah State and later with the Los Angeles Rams. Another uncle, Mike Tuiasosopo, is the defensive line coach at Arizona (he was a defensive tackle at Pacific Lutheran from 1985 to 1988), and a distant cousin, Manu Tuiasosopo, was a three-time all-conference defensive lineman at UCLA (1976-78) who then played with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Manu's sons, Marques and Zach, are with the Oakland Raiders, playing quarterback and fullback. Another son, Matt, is a highly regarded infield prospect in the Seattle Mariners baseball organization...Born 1/14/84...Resides in Wilmington, California.