And Then:
AGGIES ADJUST WITHOUT MATKINS\ KEITH MATKINS HAS BECOME AN ACADEMIC CASUALTY.
- BY CRAIG T. GREENLEE Staff Writer
- Aug 10, 2001 Updated Jan 25, 2015
Just when it seemed N.C. A&T's quarterback situation was settled, projected starter Keith Matkins failed to make the grade in summer school. As a result, the junior from Charlotte has been ruled academically ineligible and will not play this season.
Matkins, a 6-foot-4, 225-pounder who transferred from South Carolina two years ago, started six games in 2000, completing 53.7 percent of his throws for 1,008 yards. He threw eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. His ability to throw deep gave A&T's passing game a dimension opponents had not seen in recent seasons.But even with Matkins out of the mix, coach Bill Hayes doesn't feel his team is in dire straits.
Two-year starter Jason Battle, Damian Phillips and Domonique Williams will compete for the starting job. Sophomore Curtis Smith and freshman Randal Rankins also are on hand, although they aren't expected to make an immediate push for playing time.
``I always felt our quarterback situation was up in the air,' Hayes said. ``We have quality people who can get the job done. I feel we'll be OK.'
Wide receiver Steve Shipp, who played with Matkins at West Charlotte High School, believes the Aggies will adjust.
``As a friend and as a teammate, I hate it that he's not here,' Shipp said. ``But realistically, we have to move on and deal with the right now. And right now, I'm happy with how things are coming along with the quarterbacks we have.'
Battle's experience gives him an edge on the rest of the field, but he is not scheduled to start practice until Monday after spending his summer playing baseball with the Hi-Toms of the Coastal Plains League.
The junior from Rocky Mount acknowledges it will take some time for him to readjust to playing football again after a MEAC MVP season in baseball.
``The transition isn't automatic,' Battle said. ``It's been a while since I've done anything in football. The sooner I get started in camp, the better.'
In '99, Battle led A&T to a conference title and the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
``We've got people here who are hungry to play,' Battle said. ``The competition will be just as tough as it was last year. And that's going to push each of us to keep getting better.'
Phillips, a transfer from N.C. Central, split time between quarterback and wide receiver in 2000. He threw a touchdown pass against N.C. Central and had a touchdown reception vs. Bethune-Cookman.
Williams, who transferred from North Carolina a year ago, fared well at quarterback during spring drills.
Last season, he was used mostly in third-down situations as a running back and slot receiver. Williams rushed for 27 yards and had 12 catches for 91 yards. He scored three touchdowns.
``I like what I've seen from Damian Phillips,' Hayes said. ``He had the best summer of all the quarterbacks. He's so athletic. Once he learns to settle down, he'll be fine.'\ \ Contact Craig T. Greenlee at 373-7034 or
cgreenlee@news-record.com