The Right Choice
Published 2:34 am Friday, May 21, 2010
PROCTORVILLE — First, Matt Bloomfield had to decide where he wanted to play college football. Now that he’s made his decision, it’s up to his new coaching staff to decide where to play him.
The Fairland Dragons’ 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior standout made his decision Thursday and signed a letter-of-intent to play football and run track at Marietta College.
Bloomfield played tailback, but the Dragons used him as a receiver, a kick returner and he played safety on defense.
Fairland head football coach Dave Carroll said Bloomfield will be an asset regardless of where he plays for the Pioneers.
“It’s a good fit,” Carroll said. “Matt’s quick and elusive. He’ll make a good kick returner for them and he can play running back, receiver or defensive back. He can play any of those positions and he can make an impact immediately.”
Marietta was 3-8 last season and returns three freshmen running backs, a two-year starter at quarterback, and most of their linemen on both sides of the ball.
“The only spot they had to fill was defensive back,” said Bloomfield.
Marietta’s plan to use Bloomfield as a wide receiver, but they could move him to defensive back. But is defensive back is an option?
“Exactly,” he said. “I’m going to miss (running back), but as long as I play that’s okay.”
Bloomfield picked Marietta over Muskingum College. He said the two both offered his basically the same opportunity, but there was one deciding factor.
“The campus in general is why I picked Marietta,” said Bloomfield.
Bloomfield was a first team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection and was honored by the Associated Press with a first team Division IV All-Southeast Ohio district pick as well as special mention All-Ohio.
Bloomfield ran 104 times for 751 yards and 11 touchdowns and also caught 13 passes for 443 yards and five scores.
Besides football, Bloomfield will also run track. He said head football coach Jeff Filkovski and head track coach Derek Stanley are both cooperating to allow Bloomfield the opportunity to do both sports.
“I’ll probably be on the 400 (meter) relay. I’m not fast enough to run the 200 or the 100,” said Bloomfield.
“It’ll be tough doing two sports, but I’ll have 20 coaches and other people watching me. They have a plan for athletes who play one or more sports, so it should be okay. The staffs work together. They have about the same workouts. There is real cooperation with both.”
Besides football and track, Bloomfield has been a starting guard on the basketball team the past three seasons. Bloomfield said he is considering an attempt to play for the Pioneers basketball team, too.
“I may try to see about walking on the basketball team. (Assistant football) coach (Josh) Jones played all three sports in college and he said he can be done, so I’m going to try to play,” said Bloomfield.
Bloomfield plans to major in education.