The best hopes for the NFL draft have been gathering at the evaluation camp in Indianapolis since earlier this week, and of course Matthew Bergeron is one of the few Quebecers invited to the event. It’s anything but ordinary for the Victoriaville boulderer, who chose alleyways over grand boulevards to achieve his dream and even decided one day to drop everything.
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Year after year, the evaluation camp, better known as “Combine”, brings together more than 300 interested parties in Indianapolis. For the first time this year, two Quebecers are on the list, Bergeron and Sidy Sow, a guard from Bromont.
In Bergeron’s case, several draft analysts identify him as a potential second- or third-round pick. He could therefore have an opportunity to become the fastest pick from Quebec since Thshimanga Biakabutuka was the Carolina Panthers’ eighth pick in 1996.
After discussions with Bergeron on numerous occasions in recent years, Le Journal this time spoke to some of his former coaches in Quebec to return to the atypical offensive lineman course.
Successful decision
Bergeron’s great adventure began with the Vicas de Victoriaville at Boisé High School. The most surprising thing is that right before reaching the midget ranks in fourth secondary school in 2016, this flight almost never took off from the ground.
Photo provided by Jean Bourassa, Vicas de Victoriaville
The offensive lineman of the Victoriaville Vicas’ midget football era.
“When we started midget training camp, Matthew didn’t show up. The other players told me that he stopped playing. It just didn’t look good for us, the coaches,” said his coach at the time, Jean Bourassa.
“I still remember going to see him. He had started playing basketball and I told him that we would organize the schedule, that we would find solutions, but that he had to move on. I told him: “Come and do it next week and then you decide.” »
Bergeron finally decided to heed this wise advice. A decision that turned out to be very smart.
“We saw a special talent in him. We don’t know, maybe he would have come back himself after changing his mind. We didn’t risk it. After that, he never had another interrogation. When Matthew gets involved, he’s all in. Since then, he has exceeded all expectations,” commented Jean Bourassa.
A surprising choice
By the time it came time to move on to the college scene, Matthew Bergeron had already made a name for himself, largely thanks to his skills on the Quebec team. His talent and commitment to football left no doubt. So much so that all the major programs have courted him.
To everyone’s surprise, he decided to continue his development with Filons du Cégep de Thetford Mines in the second division.
Photo provided by Diego Ratelle, cégep de Thetford Mines
Before he excelled in the NCAA, Matthew Bergeron learned his skills in the Quebec collegiate scene at Filons de Thetford Mines.
“He could have gone and played anywhere at the college level. During his recruiting year, he was sold the fact that he could go to Division 1, but that he would be part of something that was already rolling. By coming to us, he had the opportunity to make a difference and become an important pillar.
“He went for it, although no one understood his choice. His path was to lead to a big Division 1 club, everyone was after him. We didn’t just talk to him about football, but about our human values. We’re very family-centric at home and that’s a message that resonated strongly with him,” remembers his then head coach Diego Ratelle.
An inspiration
For his ex-coach, it is proof that potential can be developed anywhere and that a goal is not only achieved on predetermined paths.
“Matthew, his story is even better than he expected. His achievements, he deserves them so much.
“Most Quebec players who have made it into the NFL come from Montreal or major urban centers. Matthew is in a completely different context. This is the little guy from Victoriaville who used to play at Thetford Mines. It’s his experience and he’s proud of it. He can influence other young people who come from small towns, live in modest circumstances and tell them that it is possible to dream big,” said Diego Ratelle.
During his dominant two-season at Thetford, Bergeron attended a friendly at Syracuse University, where the coaches fell in love instantly.
Mike Lynch, who was offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, spent hours on the phone with coaches at Thetford investigating Bergeron. He saw it in his soup.
It was Maxim Lépinay, who acted as offensive coordinator and physical coach for the Filons, who bridged the gap to Syracuse.
“I told Matthew he had a real chance there with a coach who believed in him. He arrived in a humble environment in which he was not out of place. He could have waited for the big programs to call, but he felt comfortable and was advised to try,” he explained.
Bergeron eventually spent the last four years at Syracuse, where he ended up as captain chosen by his teammates. Here he is at the age of 23 at the gates of the NFL.
“We knew he was a good player, that he was a bug. In my head, it was clear he was going to be a pro, but we never spoke to Matthew about the NFL. It’s hard to imagine how a player develops in the NCAA,” recalls Lépinay.
Always surprise
“What has always impressed me is his athleticism for his weight. He always moved like a cat, the size of an elephant. On the personality side, he always wanted more than the others and we could tell he was going to go far. He has a different attitude. He understood quickly enough that you get involved in the parade or you are satisfied with the leftovers,” praised the one who helped him by refining his training.
Bergeron is obviously playing very big, currently in Indianapolis. Countless interviews with NFL teams keep him wide awake. Not to mention the numerous physical tests scheduled for Sunday and Monday for the attacking players.
“It’s a huge pride for us. Beyond the athlete, this young person has something special as an individual. He’ll surprise the Combine, I’m sure. Every time he finds himself with the best, he surpasses himself,” predicted Diego Ratelle.
The NFL Draft will take place April 27-29 in Kansas City.
PRAISE
Photo provided by Jean Bourassa, Vicas de Victoriaville
In high school he joined the Vicas of Victoriaville. One of his mentors, head coach Jean Bourassa, was with him when he won the Best Offensive Player title
Daniel Jeremiah analyzes the draft for NFL Network and is one of the most respected voices. Here’s what he said about Matthew Bergeron during a media conference.
“He has a very good basis. He is good at holding his block for a long time and has good speed in his lateral movements. Overall I see him as a very solid player. He has all the moves and skills to play blockers at the next level. Some say he could be moved indoors as a security guard. I know he could, but I see no reason to change his position. »