Q&A with Matt Olson

Our Week 8 Outstanding Athlete of the Week, the Martin Luther College Knights freshman RB/QB/SS Matthew Olson, recently answered a few questions for us about his football experience and his recent performance this past weekend which earned our recognition. Congratulations again Matt, keep playing hard and we wish you the best of luck through the rest of the season.

The Numbers:

RB Matt Olson (left) and QB Luke Rothe

Olson led the Knights in both rushing and receiving this past weekend with 212 rushing yards on 39 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per rush and and 4 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. His 266 yards gained accounted for more than 60% of the Knights total offense and was only 31 yards shy of the opposing MacMurray Highlanders entire offensive production. In addition to his touchdown, Olson also ran for two 2-point conversions and caught one to contribute to 12 of MLC's 30 total points. Similarly to his teammate Luke Rothe, our week 6 Outstanding Athlete, Matt Olson is a very versatile player and has been moved around in the team throughout the year in an effort to find where he best fits. He started the first three games of the year at quarterback and had a 109 yard rushing game for the Knights in week 2. In week 4 he switched to safety for one game before switching back to offense and starting at running back in week 5. He has been in that role ever since. Olson is one of three players, along with Rothe and backup QB Josh Rathje, who have each rushed for, caught, and thrown a touchdown for the Knights this season.

Q&A:

What is your first football memory?

Playing offensive guard in the sixth grade.

What was the biggest key to your individual success in last week’s performance?

Just reading the holes that my line created for me.

Where does your recent performance rank for you on your list of individual best games?

It is definitely in the top two. The other game was a state semi final game but doing it at the college level definitely means alot to me.

What did you eat for breakfast on game day?

I ate cereal and a Big Texas. Not to much since we were on the road.

What is the biggest area you want to improve upon moving forward?

Getting faster and making cuts. I have never played running back before so this is all new to me.

What is going to be the key to your team succeeding this week?

Not turning the ball over, playing fundamentally sound football and ultimately scoring more points than the other team does.

What is on your pregame music playlist?

I honestly dont listen to music before sports. I like to just joke around and relax with the guys.

Who is your favorite NFL athlete?

Robert Griffin III. He is so athletic, he does it all and stays humble.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Finishing up my last year of college (5 year course) and then moving on to be a high school teacher and coach.

What, if any, are your gameday rituals?

I don't really have any besides having fun with the guys and relaxing.