Meet Matt Araiza, a rising star in the world of college football. Currently playing for San Diego State University, Araiza has made a name for himself as a kicker and punter. With his impressive skills and natural talent, he has already become a key player for the SDSU Aztecs.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 15, 2000, in San Diego, California, Araiza grew up with a passion for sports. He started playing football at a young age and quickly developed a talent for kicking and punting. He attended Rancho Bernardo High School, where he played for the school’s football team as a kicker, punter, and wide receiver.
During his high school career, Araiza became known for his powerful kicks and accuracy. He was named the San Diego Section Kicker of the Year in both his junior and senior years. He also helped lead his team to the San Diego Section Division II championship in 2018.
College Career
After graduating from high school in 2019, Araiza committed to San Diego State University. He immediately made an impact as a freshman, earning the starting kicker and punter positions. He finished the season with 29 touchbacks on kickoffs and a 42.3-yard punting average.
Araiza’s performance during his freshman year earned him multiple honors, including being named to the 2019 Mountain West All-Conference First Team as a kicker and punter. He also received the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week award twice during the season.
2020 Season
The 2020 season was a challenging one for college football due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Araiza continued to excel on the field. He finished the season with a 47.1-yard punting average, the best in the Mountain West Conference and the sixth-best in the nation.
In addition to his impressive punting average, Araiza also made all nine of his field goal attempts and 16 of his 17 extra point attempts. He was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week twice and was also named to the All-Mountain West Conference First Team as a kicker and punter for the second year in a row.
What Makes Matt Araiza a Standout Player?
So, what sets Matt Araiza apart from other kickers and punters in college football? For one, his natural talent and dedication to the sport are undeniable. He has a powerful leg and is incredibly accurate, which makes him a valuable asset to any team.
But beyond his physical abilities, Araiza’s mental toughness is what truly sets him apart. In a sport where one missed kick can make or break a game, Araiza keeps a level head and stays focused on the task at hand. His ability to handle pressure and perform under stress is a major reason why he has already become one of the best kickers in college football.
Future Plans
As for Araiza’s future plans, he still has two more years of eligibility at San Diego State University. However, with his impressive performance on the field, it’s possible that he could be drafted into the NFL after his college career is over.
Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain: Matt Araiza is a name that football fans need to know. With his incredible talent, mental toughness, and dedication to the sport, he is set to make a lasting impact on college football and beyond.
