Scott Matlock is the NFL’s Travis Hunter with versatile role

Andrew Florio - BVM Sports Journalist

Updated: September 19, 2024

LOS ANGELES (BVM) – Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter has taken over the college football world with his ability to play at an elite level on both sides of the ball. But what if there was a player who made an impact in all three phases of the game at the NFL level?

Meet Scott Matlock, the Los Angeles Chargers’ ultimate weapon and a favorite of new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The 6-foot-4, 296-pound second-year player was on the field for 97 snaps in Los Angeles’ 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Matlock had 45 offensive snaps, 23 on defense and 29 on special teams.

He was drafted as a sixth-round pick in 2023 out of Boise State as an interior defensive lineman, but Harbaugh has been creative with him, also making him the team’s starting fullback.

I bet you didn’t know you needed to see 300-pound DT/FB Scott Matlock catching an over the shoulder pass this morning…

🎥 Chargers/Instagram pic.twitter.com/gb6de6HHOJ

— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) September 15, 2024

The usage is stunning, especially for a player his size, but Harbaugh praised Matlock prior to the season for the shape he was in, leaving no question on whether he can handle the workload.

“No, he’s in elite condition. Elite combination of strength and power,” Harbaugh said in a press conference. “Agility, flexibility, mobility. And conditioning? I think he could play in two games back-to-back.”

Matlock has not only been able to be a body for the Chargers this season, but he has been productive. PFF has given him a 69.7 grade through the first two weeks of the season. A grade of 70 is considered above average.

So many good things on display from the Chargers run game on the JK Dobbins TD. Watch Rashawn Slater and Will Dissly completely seal the edge to spring him. Then Gus Edwards and Scott Matlock execute their roles beautifully. Dobbins finishes it off in style. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/icVpA4Arn6

— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) September 16, 2024

This appears to be more than just a trial run too, as Los Angeles has no other backup fullback options in an offense that frequently uses the position. Chargers fans have already fallen in love with Matlock and the rest of the league will likely be familiar with the ironman as the season progresses.

“I love it,” Matlock said. “Anything I can do to help the team I’m going to do. Offense, defense and special teams.”