CLINTON, S.C. – Matthew Smiciklas is now off to college and ready to start a new chapter in his young life.
Going from American Heritage (Delray Beach) to Presbyterian, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete has been converted to a defensive player as a freshman for the Blue Hose. He made his official decision to play college football for the FCS school on April 19, which was less than four months ago.
“It feels great,” Smiciklas said. “It was an awesome opportunity to play at a level I know I can compete. I had other options, but taking those I feel I would sell myself short.”
Smiciklas took a visit to Presbyterian on March 14.
“It was beautiful and It sounds like they will turn the program around,” Smiciklas said. “Good coaches.”
Smiciklas was recruited by Blue Hose outside linebackers coach Chad Veccharella, who previously coached at Keiser under head coach Doug Socha.
“Coach made it feel like home for me and a place I needed to be at,” Smiciklas said of Vecharrella. “It was nice. I really liked the facilities they had and what they told me they were gonna be doing.”
Smiciklas, who ultimately signed his letter of intent to Presbyterian on May 6, has been at the FBS school since August 2. This means his college football experience is officially six days old now.
“Today was Day 4,” Smiciklas said about Presbyterian’s fall training camp. “Long days, but we’re getting it done. I’ve been balling in practice.”
Smiciklas, who caught an interception during today’s practice session, has been impressed with how Vecharrella made him feel welcome so far at Presbyterian.
“It’s been good,” said Smiciklas, who will be playing at free safety for the Blue Hose. “He’s a great coach and he gets stuff taught. It’s the Heritage-Heritage connection.”
Smiciklas reflected on his high school experience at American Heritage (Delray Beach) and Boca Raton, which ultimately paved the way for him to be at the next level now.
“It was great,” said Smiciklas, who went on to graduate from American Heritage (Delray Beach) as a Class of 2022 alum.
“I was always the underdog in every situation,” Smiciklas continued. “From freshman year, first year of football playing freshman team quarterback to then the spring game, my freshman year starting at wide receiver, then to my sophomore year to be the No. 1 wide receiver in the 22 class. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been the underdog. But I work very hard to be the best I can be, and I’m thankful for Heritage. With all the competition that was around me, it made me such a better player.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Blue Hose Football
