May 20, 2009
Texas A&M senior Kevin Matthews was named to the 2009 Spring Watch List for the Rimington Trophy, which is presented annually to the best center in college football. The 10-year old trophy is named for Dave Rimington, who earned consensus All-America honors at Nebraska in 1981 and 1982.
A former walkon, Matthews (Houston, Texas / Elkins HS) earned a starting job at center in 2008 and started all 12 games for the Aggies last season. In his first season as a starter, the Aggies passed for an average of 252.4 yards per game, which was the third-highest passing offense average in school history. As a freshman and sophomore, Matthews backed up former Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year Cody Wallace, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
Matthews was one of 44 players on the Watch List, which was compiled by the Rimington Trophy committee. The Big 12 Conference had five players on the Watch List. In addition to Matthews, the list included Tim Barnes of Missouri, Chris Hall of Texas, Jacob Hickman of Nebraska and J.D. Walton of Baylor.