2025 Interview with Matthew “Matty” Giannantonio from Dublin Jerome High School

 Note: I will see Jerome for the first time ever this season and this will complete my list of seeing all of the Central,Ohio teams in person.


 

Matthew “Matty” Giannantonio

Dublin Jerome High School

Wide receiver/strong safety

2026

6’1, 191 lbs.

Jersey: 80

Awards won or earned:First team all conference, first team all district, 3rd team all state

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

The ringing of the bell after our first home game win. Because of the new conference rules, the student section could no longer rush the field. As a school, we decided to rush the bell that sat just outside of the track, and after I had 2 touchdowns in a big win over Westerville Central, I stood on top of the bell and waved our school flag as we all chanted, “We are J-Rome.” It felt unreal.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Dublin Jerome High School?

The best part is getting the best of both worlds. I’ve been able to get an amazing education, and with that, it has kept doors open for me to get recruited by the best academic schools in the world. Our school also has great athletic exposure and gets us in front of over 100 college coaches every year.

In watching some of your Hudl package, I notice how you seem to have a knack for getting open, and once you catch the ball, it's all up field for you, with little or no dancing. Is there a college or pro player that you pattern your game after?

Recently I’ve been watching a lot of Ladd McConkey and Stefan Diggs—those guys never waste a step or movement, and as a wide receiver, every single step matters. My goal is to become as efficient as those guys.

What is the toughest part of being a wide receiver?

The hardest part of being a wide receiver is finding the open zones of a route. You won’t always get a free release or the easy look you get passing on air; you have to find different ways to still get to the space the quarterback expects you to be regardless of the traffic or coverage in the way.

What's the best part of being a wide receiver?

Scoring big-time touchdowns, whether it’s over the top of people or just blowing right by them.

What type of corner do you enjoy going up against the best? Explain?

I love going against an overly aggressive corner. I want a corner who thinks they can lock me up easily so that they are shocked after what happens.

What's been your biggest moment as an athlete?

My first D1 offer. I remember the exact moment and feeling I got it, and I called my mom and dad, just crying and realizing everything I had prayed for had been given to me.

What is community buy-in to you?

Community buy-in is the most important thing to me. To have an entire community all together with the same goal of winning and an amazing amount of support is what makes all these amazing football teams what they are.

Can the cheerleaders, fans, and band really get you fired up?

There is nothing else that can. Nothing compares to the high school football atmosphere of running out to the band and hearing the cheerleaders and fans go nuts.

If you could only have one win against the other two schools in Dublin, which one do you want to beat the most?

Coffman easily—we’ve only beat them once in our school’s history, and we play them again this year after not playing them last year. They’ve got one coming.

Which road stadium has had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good?

Berlin and Marysville always seem to have a lot of energy—those student sections both talk a lot, which makes the game more fun.

With this being your senior season, are you approaching things differently than you have in the past?

Everything this year for me is about the team. In the past couple of years I’ve been worried about my recruitment and what I’ve got going on, but now that I’m in a good recruiting position, I can truly focus on winning football games and enjoying the last time playing with my boys.

Why should your number be called when the game is on the line?

The number of times I’ve prayed, worked, and visualized every game scenario is more than anyone else on the field. I know that if God puts me in that position, he can let me succeed.

What makes you a good teammate?

My experience with my football career over the past 3 years has been extremely up and down, and the amount I know now compared to my freshman year is insane. I’ve been in the same positions all my teammates have, and I genuinely want the best for every one of them.

After the season is over, if you earn an invite to any of the all-star games, are you going to play?

Probably not. I just want to play college football. The “all-star” thing is just a title at the end of the day.

Would you share with the readers some of the schools that you are hearing from?

I currently hold 5 offers: Miami Ohio, Kent State, Dartmouth, UPenn, and Presbyterian College. But I’ve been hearing from a lot of other MAC, IVY, and other FCS schools, along with some low-power 4’s and G5’s like Liberty.

What is your favorite class or subject?

History/government. It’s one of the only subjects I’m truly interested in.

What is your favorite style of music?

I’m a complete mix of Christian/gospel music and country with a little bit of rap in there too.

Where is the best local spot to grab a pizza?

Gallos at North Market in Bridge Park—no pizza compares around here.

Words from Matthew

I attribute all of my football success to God, and I believe God has put extremely important pieces in my life to get me to where I am today. One of the biggest being my trainer Kenny Stafford, who is my WR trainer, speed trainer, and agility trainer. He’s really the best in the state and helped me become what I am today.

Here is the video of my best moment as well: https://x.com/messages/media/1927856331312222458


 Follow me on  X @HEARTLANDFAN15

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