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MLK Lineman Matthew Pajuste goes “Horns Up” and commits to Buffalo @MattPajuste @MLK_football

Tagged under: District 12, News, Recruiting

| June 21, 2020

Back in January, Martin Luther King high lineman Matthew Pajuste received his first D1 offer. It was from Bowling Green.  The 6-3, 280 pound guard then racked up 12 more offers from the likes of UConn, Toledo, Marshall, Towson and more.  Like many other recruits, he found some difficulty in not being able to visit other programs due to the Covid 19 pandemic, but had built a strong enough relationship with the staff at Buffalo to make an early decision to play for the Bulls. Today, he finalized that decision and announced it on twitter:

We asked Matthew about his choice:

PFN: How long have you played football?

Matthew: I had a brief experience as a child but I didn’t really get to play until freshman year of high school.

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to the Bulls?

Matthew: Buffalo stood out to me from the beginning and after lots of prayer and discussion, I made my decision.

PFN: Why commit early?

Matthew: I committed early because I was confident in my decision and I didn’t want to hold off any longer.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence at Buffalo, who recruited you?

Matthew: Coach Simpson, Coach Fuchs, and Coach Leipold were all really instrumental in my decision. They stayed on me and stayed consistent. The already committed players also played a part in that.

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

Matthew: A student of the game that loves what he does and will stop at nothing to be on the path to greatness.

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Matthew: Even with these abnormal circumstances, I enjoyed my process. I’ve built many great relationships with Coaches and other players that are going through this with me.

PFN: How did the Covid 19 pandemic affect your decision?

Matthew: It did change my timing a bit. With no visits and camps, it was kind of tough at first but eventually I thought it through and made my decision.

PFN: What position were you recruited for?

Matthew: Offensive Guard. I’m versatile enough to move around though.

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Matthew: I want to go back into coaching after my football career is over. I am looking to do a form of education.

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

Matthew: My parents backed me 100%. Coming from a foreign land, this was pretty new to them. They were confident in my decision making and gave me the green light.

PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the Buffalo program?

Matthew: Buffalo has been doing some big things to better themselves in every aspect, including recruiting. This next class of bulls will be one for the ages, I can’t wait to get up there with my future teammates and start a dynasty.

PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for the Bulls?

Matthew: Blocking for Jaret Patterson. He’s a different beast. Someone like that is without a doubt a lineman’s best friend.

PFN: Tell everyone out there in the Buffalo football world something they’d never know about you until you told them:

Matthew: I LOVE ANIME!!

PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

Matthew: Has to be my head coach, Malik Jones. He’s my go to for everything, on and off the field. He’s a huge part as to why I’m here today.

PFN: What is your favorite football memory to date?

Matthew: Has to be winning the second public league championship in school history. Winning a first year head coach a championship, playing with first year guys, it just felt so good to accomplish a goal that was set. All the work payed off.

PFN: What is it you’d like all your high school teammates and fans to know about your decision that you might have a hard time saying in person?

Matthew: Nothing really. Just stay tuned to this season

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
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