Photo Credit: Ernie Anderson/Aztec Media Relations

The sixth in a daily series of Q&A’s with the 2012 signing class.

Kendrick Mathis is a 6-foot-1 defensive back from Ventura, Calif. He played on both sides of the ball at Buena High School, excelling at safety and quarterback. Mathis often ran when he was under center, and tallied 10 rushing touchdowns during his senior season. On the defensive side of the ball, he had 36 tackles along with six interceptions and one forced fumble.

Due to his impressive versatility and ability to play multiple positions, many schools recruited Mathis as an athlete because they were unsure of where he would line up on the field. At San Diego State, he will likely play either the Warrior or Aztec position. He will wear No. 32 for the Aztecs.

GoAztecs.com player profile
Rivals recruiting page

Q: Why did you choose SDSU?
A: I chose SDSU because I felt very comfortable here. Out of all the coaches I met, I liked the staff here the most.

Q: How were the summer workouts for you?
A: They were hard. Definitely the hardest workouts I’ve ever done. Coach Hall definitely knows what he’s doing so I have no problem with working this hard.

Q: Have you picked your major yet?
A: I picked criminal justice. I might want to try to work in a crime lab.

Q: What are you most excited for leading up to your first semester at San Diego State?
A: I’m most excited for the first game against Washington.

Q: What do you like to do during your spare time?
A: I like to get some sleep because I usually don’t get enough sleep at night. I also like to try and spend some time with my family.

Q: Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
A: I like the Los Angeles Lakers. I also like the Oakland Raiders, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Q: Is there any athlete that you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: I looked up to my cousin Eric Turner. He played in the NFL. He went to UCLA and he was the second pick in the draft and played for the Raiders. I have always wanted to play safety since I was a little kid because of him. I also like Patrick Peterson, Darrelle Revis, and Charles Woodson.

Q: If you weren’t a football player, what sport would you be playing?
A: I would probably be playing basketball. I played it since I was a little kid, and I played it in high school until my senior year.

Q: What is your most memorable sports moment from high school?
A: My most memorable moment was my first touchdown run on varsity. It was my sophomore year on a sweep to the outside.

Q: How much do you know about the 3-3-5 defense and what about it are you most excited for?
A: I know that the Aztec gets to play freely a lot and fly to the ball. I’m definitely most excited for that because I will be able to come up and fill the hole, almost like a linebacker.

by Hunter Hewitt

GO AZTECS