Radnor running back Matt Cohen is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The senior running back has been a potent offensive force for the Raiders (5-1, 4-1), rushing for 827 yards and eight touchdowns in 133 carries as of Oct. 1 (a 6.2 yard-per-carry average). He rushed for 121 yards in a 23-21 win at Strath Haven Sept. 28; two weeks earlier he scored five touchdowns against Ridley, running for 222 yards in 20 carries and catching two passes for 73 yards; and two weeks before that he ran for 154 yards in 26 carries in a 27-24 overtime win against Marple Newtown. Off the field, Cohen is a member of the Radnor High School baseball team, Radnor Model Congress, and the Radnor Fishing Club.
Q: What is your sharpest memory of the Ridley game? Is there one play that stands out in your memory – if so, can you tell us how the play developed, and your role in it?
A: My best memory from the Ridley game was my 64-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter, as that was a play we had worked on all week and put into the playbook specifically for that week. The play was really well-designed and allowed me to run down the sideline uncovered. It was awesome to see all the work we put into that play come together and result in a touchdown.
Q: Have you always been a running back? Tell us a little about what sparked your original interest in playing football.
A: Seventh grade was my first year of football, I was on the under 115 pound team so I was a center; but ever since then I’ve been a running back. I’ve always enjoyed watching football, I’m a big fan of Michigan football and the Eagles and have always enjoyed watching those teams play on Saturdays and Sundays.
Q: Who is your favorite football player and why?
A: My favorite football player is Brandon Graham because he went to Michigan and he made such a big play in the Super Bowl.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I think the strongest part of my game is my ability to get upfield instead of going side to side. The one thing that I am working on is my blocking.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I don’t have a specific routine on game day, but I normally go home after school and eat something. Then I like to get to the high school a little early so I have time to get all my stuff together and can just relax before the game.
Q: Who have been your biggest mentors as a football player, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?
A: All of my coaches have been great mentors for me. Specifically Larry Disipio the offensive coordinator and Dave Bowen the offensive line coach have worked with me a lot in the past few years and have helped me greatly. Coach [Tom] Ryan has also been a great mentor as he’s a great leader and has taught the entire team the right way to do things, which has led to our success on and off the field.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 6 – is there a reason you picked that number?
A: No. 6 has always been my favorite number because of Ryan Howard and I’ve worn it in baseball for many years too.
Q: What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you would like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: The University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and University of Virginia are among the top schools I am interested in right now. I am looking to major in a business related field.
Fun facts – Matt Cohen
Favorite TV show: American Vandal.
Favorite athlete: Carson Wentz.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Michigan.
Family members: parents Gary and Diane; older brother Ben.
(To selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, an athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
