Mattern's Summer Included Instruction From NFL QB
Concordia quarterback Cooper Mattern had an offseason that included instruction from an NFL talent.
MOORHEAD — Concordia quarterback Cooper Mattern had an offseason that included instruction from an NFL talent.
A Fargo Shanley graduate, Mattern attended the Easton Stick QB Clinic in early July at the Nodak Insurance Football Performance Complex. Stick is a former North Dakota State quarterback who now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers.
"Easton was a really humble guy and great to be around," Mattern said. "When you're talking to him you don't really realize that he's an NFL quarterback just because of how humble he is and how great he talks to you. It was really nice to hear feedback from him and he was a great leader and a great mentor for sure."
Mattern is expected to be one of the leaders for the Cobbers football team this fall. Concordia had its first practice of fall camp Thursday at Jake Christiansen Stadium. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Mattern is hoping to build off last season in which he emerged as the team's starter under center.
"He's got such good maturity, he's a student of the game, he's a really good leader," said Cobbers head coach Terry Horan. "He understands the concepts. He reads defenses well. ... I really feel he's made another leap to being great for us."
The Cobbers had 136 players for the opening day of fall camp. In 10 games last season, Mattern completed 154 of 248 passes (62%) for 1,531 yards and 18 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also rushed for 676 yards and two touchdowns on 136 attempts.
Mattern started the final nine games a season ago as the team finished with a 5-5 overall record. The Cobbers posted a 3-5 record in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The team has greater aspirations this fall. Concordia opens the regular season Saturday, Sept. 2 at Wisconsin-Eau Claire in a nonconference matchup. The Cobbers start conference play Sept. 23 at St. Scholastica.
"Team-wise, you never don't want to say MIAC championship because that's every team's goal," said Mattern, entering his junior season for the Cobbers.
There were 33 participants at the Stick's QB clinic, including college- and high-school-age players. Mattern said being around talented quarterbacks proved beneficial. NDSU quarterbacks Cam Miller and Cole Payton were also among the participants.
"There was a lot of talent there, a lot of talent from around the Midwest, kids that are still in high school, a lot of college Division II Northern Sun (Intercollegiate Conference) guys so it was really good throw with them and kind of see how you stack up against really good college quarterbacks," Mattern said. "It was really good to be able to get reps in before the season."
Mattern said he added around five to 10 pounds to his frame since last season and the starting experience is invaluable heading into his second season with the Cobbers. He started his college career at St. John's.
"I think experience is everything. I feel like things definitely slowed down and I feel like that's the biggest thing, being able to have that experience and seeing things a lot quicker now," Mattern said.
The Cobbers need to find a replacement for running back Peyton Mortenson, who rushed for 905 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, his final season in the program. Other than Mattern, running back Xavier Carroll is the top returning rusher. Carroll rushed for 209 yards and one touchdown on 50 attempts a season ago. Concordia returns its top receiver in Owen Miller, who had 42 catches for 494 yards and five touchdowns last season.
"I think the camaraderie of this team is just a different feel this year and we've got a really good group of guys," Mattern said.
The Cobbers elevated Jake Pollock to offensive coordinator right before the start of fall camp after Travis Titus resigned from that position. Pollock was Concordia's offensive line coach the previous two seasons. Horan said the Concordia offense will still have a similar look to recent seasons.
"He's got his own style for sure, but we're still going to be in the spread attack," Horan said of Pollock. "I love his energy. The kids love him and they're going to play hard for him."
Mattern loves the energy that goes with the start of fall camp.
"The excitement never goes away," Mattern said. "There's mixed emotions, you are always a little anxious and excited to get back here, but that excitement when you wake up never goes away. It's exciting to get back on the field and get going."