Athletics
Sports Overview

Football’s Matt Hernandez Commits to Macalester (Minn.) College

Senior defensive lineman Matt Hernandez has committed to playing and attending Macalester (Minn.) College, an NCAA Division III school in St. Paul, Minn. The Scots play in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“I am super excited,” said Hernandez. “I did not know much about the school when they offered me. However, when I learned about the program, coaches, and school, I realized that it is an amazing school. It will provide me with an excellent education and opportunities after college. They are very passionate about setting you up for success.”

Hernandez will play for Head Coach Paul Nicolaides.

“It was a great campus, and the team and coaching staff was great,” said Hernandez. “It reminded me of a Flagstaff-type college town. As I reflected, it reminded me of Brophy with the brotherhood and camaraderie. I could see myself there.”

Hernandez has developed over his four-year career at Brophy.

“Matt is the perfect example of what the weight room can do for you,” said Head Coach Jason Jewell. “I tell the boys that progress comes from two things. One, show up every day. Two, work as hard as you can. Simple. Matt did that. Just look at our squat leaderboard. Matt would squat so much that the bar was bent. Matt's progress in our program has been amazing. He has progressed from a white team player to a JV starter, to a role player on varsity, to an all-region player as a senior who will play college football. Amazing!”

Hernandez, who plays to study economics or business, saw this path for him last season.

“Playing football in college was not originally my goal or dream. I considered football something to do in high school,” recalled Hernandez. “I knew I wanted to play sports but found a passion in football. After junior year, I enjoyed the grind and the process and wanted to continue to play. My goal was to get into a good academic school, and Coach Jewell helped me so much.”


Hernandez had a big senior season, ranking fifth on the team in tackles with 42 and third in tackles for loss. He was named to the All-Central Region second team as selected by the region coaches for his play. The Arizona Cardinals organization and community recognized him as an NFL Latino Honors Award nominee.
 
The NFL Latino Youth Honors, presented by Procter & Gamble, recognizes outstanding high school tackle and flag football athletes nationwide for their academic and athletic excellence. 
 
“It meant a lot, and it surprised me when I got it,” said Hernandez. “It was an honor to showcase my hard work while recognizing my parents and family for their hard work supporting me. Receiving the award among the players in Arizona was an honor. 

Hernandez will participate in the Brophy Collegiate Signing Day Celebration on Dec. 4.

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