After a convincing season in which he has stood out, tackle Matthew Bergeron has chosen to play one final year at Syracuse rather than declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft next spring.
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Bergeron does not go unnoticed with the Orange of Syracuse. In 2019, he became the first member of the program to start a game as a first-year blocker, since 2002.
This season, in week two of the regular schedule, analytical site Pro Football Focus awarded him the highest rating of any Division 1 blocker across the NCAA in pass protection.
Despite the accolades, Bergeron doesn’t intend to rush things and believes that an additional year at Syracuse will only increase his value for the April 2023 draft.
“I’m going to work on some aspects next season to become a better player. I would qualify for the draft as early as this year, but it wouldn’t be the best decision for me.
“I have chosen to come back for one last year and I will continue to train to continue my physical and mental development in addition to improving my knowledge of the game. I want to maximize my potential”, wisely mentioned the former des. Veins of the Cégep de Thetford Mines.
The dream of the NFL
More than ever before, the NFL no longer seems a distant dream for the beefy 6’5 ”, 315 lb Victoriavillois.
Bergeron feels a constant progression in his game, but he does not believe he has reached the top of his game yet.
“My dream is to play in the NFL, but there are a lot of steps to take before you get there. I am first focused on each step in front of me and I am motivated to make the sacrifices to reach my goal, ”he explained.
Satisfying season
This season, Bergeron played all 12 games for his team in the left tackle position. He had made the transition the previous season after five games on the right. This versatility will certainly be an asset that recruiters will appreciate.
“I showed that I can play on both sides although I am more comfortable on the left. I will do the job, it doesn’t matter, ”he assured.
Its consistency has earned it a mention among the honorable mentions within the ACC conference. That’s an honor he has accepted, although his goal for next season is to be on one of the conference’s all-star teams.
“My coaches and I thought I would have a place on an all-star team. I experienced it as a disappointment, but at the same time, it’s still a source of pride to find myself in this position.
“There is politics in these decisions. Programs like Wake Forest or Pitt, which have won all year, for sure they have more players on the all-star teams. It will just be an additional source of motivation. I will work so that next year there is no doubt about me. ”
Individual and collective progress
As much for Matthew Bergeron as for the Orange of Syracuse, the 2021 season took place under the sign of progress.
“I am satisfied with my season. What makes me the most proud is my progress. Every year I’m improving and that’s what’s most important to get me closer to my goal, ”said the offensive lineman.
Collectively, Bergeron also has something to be optimistic about. After a grueling season of one win and ten losses in 2020, the Orange rebounded this fall with an encouraging 5-7 record.
“What’s even better is that our record doesn’t represent our season well. We have three games that ended at the last second and that did not turn on our side.
“We lost against Wake Forest in overtime. We missed a goal against Clemson that would have allowed us to force overtime. We lost in the last 30 seconds against Florida State. It hurt us, but we were very competitive against established programs, ”said Bergeron.
An offensive that promises
Next season, the tackle is of the opinion that Syracuse will bet on an excellent offense, with only one starter left.
In the company of another Quebecer, receiver Damien Alford, the attack will try to make noise. Running back Sean Tucker (1,496 yards, 12 touchdowns), a superb athlete and quite a character, will again be the heart of the offense.
“It’s really an honor to play with him. He’s a humble, hard-working person and quite an athlete. He has talent like I’ve never seen. We have fun with him all the time in the locker room, but when it’s time to work on the pitch, he’s always serious. It will be very interesting next year, ”noted the one who will be the cornerstone of the offensive line.