By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com

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Matthew Neiport’s versatility and diverse skill set are some of the main reasons that college programs are showing significant interest in his services on the recruiting trail.

2015 DE/TE prospect Matthew Neiport out of McIntosh County Academy in Darien, Georgia, has rapidly garnered a reputation for being one of the toughest and most physical players in all of South Georgia.

Physically imposing at six-foot-three, 230 pounds, Neiport earned his way to first-team All-Region honors on both offense and defense playing for the Buccaneers as a junior in 2013.

Starring at both defensive end and offensive tackle for MCA, Neiport emphatically emerged as one of the best two-way players along the coast of the Peach State. Utilizing his elite strength and tenacious approach to the game, Neiport finished his junior campaign with 45 solo tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Although he obviously does not project as an offensive lineman at the collegiate level, Neiport did display enough talent in the blocking game to have numerous colleges consider him for a future home as a primarily run-blocking tight end.

“I think one of my biggest strengths is that I’m versatile,” Neiport told Southern Pigskin, describing his game. “I can play anywhere up front, including tight end, and I recently played some linebacker at a seven-on-seven tournament. I’m also strong and quick off the edge, and I have a lot of defensive line moves.”

Neiport’s versatility and diverse skill set are some of the main reasons that college programs are showing significant interest in his services on the recruiting trail.

Now in the midst of the grueling days of offseason workouts, Neiport has steadily seen his recruitment generate positive traction over the past few months. As he has continued to hear from some of the top schools on his list, he has also been afforded with a few opportunities to see college programs up close and personal.

“I’ve been hearing a lot from some Sun Belt schools, and I’ve been getting a lot of mail lately,” Neiport commented on his recruitment. “I went to Georgia Southern, I visited Middle Tennessee, I camped at The Citadel and Towson has been talking to me about coming up and visiting. I’ve also been getting a ton of mail from Iowa State.”

While Neiport continues to patiently wait for his first scholarship offer, he is using the current offseason to improve his game in an attempt to further impress college coaches.

His plan is to make a tour of college campuses in the coming months in order to give college recruiters a firsthand look at his skills.

“I’m going to go to a couple of more camps here in the near future,” Neiport continued. “I’m going to the Georgia Southern Camp on July 18, and I’m going to go to some more camps after that. My hope is that I will perform well and that I will pick up some offers.”

As is the case for many prospects at this point in the process, the future is still relatively uncertain for Matthew Neiport.

Given his abilities on the gridiron, however, there is little doubt that he will ultimately find the right collegiate program to call home for the next four years of his life.