CRESTVIEW— Matt French is the quintessential high school athlete.
French, a senior on Crestview High School's football team, stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has the size and speed to be a good high school player at tight end and linebacker.
While French could get the opportunity to play football at the next level, Bulldog Coach Tim Hatten raves about the versatile senior.
“He’s a good-sized, hardnosed high school football player,” Hatten said. “He can play fullback, tight end and he can play some defense. He’s just a good player that plays a lot of different positions.
“He just has knack for getting open (in a pass route). He gives us a big target in the middle of the field with good hands. He’s just an all around good kid.”
We now catch up with Matt French.
Q: How old were you when you started playing football?
A: I was in the fifth grade, so I was about 10.
Q: What's the best part of football?
A: Catching balls and making plays.
Q: What's the worst part of football?
A: Not being able to play and get the ball in my hands.
Q: What are your expectations this season?
A: For us to play hard, hopefully make the playoffs and do the best we can.
Q: If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?
A: Baseball, because it’s my first love.
Q: What is your favorite football experience?
A: When I was in the 10th grade and we were the only team to beat Niceville.
Q: What are your hobbies outside football?
A: Playing baseball, working out and hanging out with my friends.
Q: What's your dream career?
A: I want to be a sports physician.
Q: Do you want to play college football?
A: I do want to play college football. I’m just hoping for a place to walk on. I’d like to play baseball at the same time. I’d go to Duke (University) because of the academics and I played baseball there and had a great experience.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Jurassic Park.”
Q: Who is your favorite singer?
A: Rae Sremmurd.
Q: If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
A: Probably SpongeBob because he’s funny.
Q: If you could go back and live in any other period in history, which one would you choose?
A: Probably the 1920s, because I like the way they partied.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 13 things you didn't know about Crestview's Matt French