Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with Saluki quarterback Matt DeSomer
11/08/2018 | 9:40:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Fifth-year senior Matt Desomer has played quarterback, wide receiver and safety during the course of his Saluki football career. Describing himself as a natural born competitor, he always wanted to find a way on the field, placing the primary goal of starting at quarterback on the back burner. The native of Lowell, Indiana has finally reached his goal this season and recently led the Salukis to their first MVFC victory of the season.
In high school, you won state titles as a quarterback and pitcher. Was football or baseball the sport you wanted to play at the collegiate level?
I would have done either. Football offers came to me with a better opportunity so I jumped on it.
Did you ever consider playing baseball here?
My family has always pushed me to at least try it. I felt like it would have been difficult trying to play football and baseball, especially since I play quarterback. It would have meant a lot of time away from the team.
After the football season is over, are you thinking about giving baseball a final shot?
I graduate in December, so I have the decision to either stay here, go back home or go to graduate school. If I end up staying here, I would definitely consider it.
Where are you thinking about going to graduate school?
I am not sure where yet, but the likely options are here at SIU or back home in Indiana.
As an accounting and healthcare management major, which direction are you planning to take with your career?
I will probably take the best opportunity that comes to me. I just want to make sure I have a successful career and job stability.
Has becoming the starting quarterback been your primary goal each year here?
It has always been the goal since day one. But throughout my career, I had to take different courses. I have always been a competitor and tried to get on the field some way, even if it was not at quarterback. Sometimes, it does not work out the way you want and you just have to stick through it.
How did you handle not winning the quarterback battle and being moved to other positions?
Again, I think it goes to me being a competitor. It does not really bother me that much because of that. I would have loved to play quarterback the whole time but I always wanted to find a way to get on the field and help out the team as much as I could.
Although you have only started five games at quarterback, you have played in 39 career games. Did that involvement with the team keep you motivated?
Yeah, I would say so. Throughout my time here everyone has been a great teammate, had my back and trusted me as well. I think that drove me even more to compete for them.
Has playing safety and wide receiver helped you become a better quarterback?
It definitely opened up my knowledge on both sides of the ball. On defense, it helped me understand what the defenses look for in certain coverages and what offenses like to do in those same situations.
These last three games, you have set career passing marks. Is this the most comfortable you have felt playing quarterback at SIU?
It sure is. Last season I was at safety and when I did get to the starting opportunity (at QB), I had been on defense for the whole year. Spring ball and fall ball also helped a lot. It helped me get comfortable in the pocket, trust the o-line and everyone else.
How can you improve your play in these last few games?
Keep doing what I can do and staying cool, calm and collected. Definitely leading the team in the direction where I know this program could become and helping out the future of this team by setting a foundation.
Coach Hill noted how Sam Straub called two of the touchdown plays against Missouri State. How has he aided in your transition to starting at quarterback?
It is tough for him. I know he wants to be out there and him being able to make those calls and help out the team is huge in the long run. It builds a better chemistry with the team and exemplifies what it means to be a great teammate.
Has the ongoing quarterback competition between you and Straub pushed you to become a better quarterback?
Absolutely. A competition drives everyone to be better. Whether it was at quarterback, wide receiver or safety, just trying to push everyone else and increase each player's game helps us become better overall.
Was there a reason you decided to cut your hair after growing it out for four-straight years?
I had my fun with the longer hair for the four years but knew that I was going to be graduating soon. I felt that it was the right time to get rid of it and starting looking more professional.
