Matt Corral Biography: Early Life, College Career, and NFL Journey

Matt Corral's Photo
Matt Corral's Photo

Matt Corral Biography: From High School Star to NFL Prospect

Matt Corral is an American professional football quarterback. He played college football at Ole Miss, where he had a standout career, including winning the Conerly Trophy in 2021 and being named Second-team All-SEC the same year. He has had an interesting journey through his football career:

Early Life and High School

  • Heritage: Of Mexican descent.
  • High School: Matt Corral had an eventful high school career. He initially attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California. However, he transferred to Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California, after a physical altercation with a classmate.At Long Beach Poly, Corral excelled as a quarterback, amassing over 11,000 yards of total offense and 123 touchdowns during his high school career. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
  • Achievements: Accumulated over 11,000 yards and 123 touchdowns during his high school career.

College Career

  • College: Played for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2018 to 2021.
  • Highlights:
    • 2018: Played as a backup and was redshirted.
    • 2019: Became the starting quarterback.
    • 2020: Improved significantly under head coach Lane Kiffin, leading Ole Miss to the Outback Bowl victory and earning MVP honors.
    • 2021: Tied the school record for touchdowns in a game with seven against Tulane.

Professional Career

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Matt Corral was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round. His entry into the NFL marked a significant milestone in his career. While facing challenges and injuries during his rookie season, Corral’s potential and talent remained evident.

  • Teams:
    • Carolina Panthers (2022).
    • New England Patriots (2023).
    • Birmingham Stallions (2024).
    • Minnesota Vikings (2024, offseason/practice squad).

Corral’s journey from high school star to professional quarterback has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He continues to pursue his career in the NFL, showcasing his talent and determination.

Recent Developments

As of 2024, Matt Corral’s career has continued to evolve. He has faced various challenges and opportunities within the NFL, including roster moves and stints with different teams. His journey serves as a testament to the competitive nature of professional sports and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.

Matt Corral Age

Matt Corral was born on January 31, 1999, in Ventura, California, making him 25 years old as of 2024. He is of Hispanic and Caucasian descent, holding American nationality. His birth sign is Aquarius, known for traits like independence, intelligence, and ambition, which are evident in his approach to his football career.

Matt Corral Family

Matt Corral was born to Peter and Elizabeth Corral. His father, Peter, has a military background, which instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in Matt from a young age. His mother, Elizabeth, has always been a supportive figure in his life, often seen cheering him on at games. Matt has siblings, but he prefers to keep their identities private, maintaining a close-knit family dynamic away from the public eye.

Education

Matt attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, before transferring to Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He later committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he played college football for the Rebels. At Ole Miss, Matt established himself as a standout quarterback, setting multiple school records and gaining national attention for his performances.

Matt Corral Career

Matt Corral’s football journey began in high school, where he was recognized as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. His college career at Ole Miss further solidified his reputation as a talented quarterback, known for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership on the field.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Matt was selected by the Carolina Panthers, marking the beginning of his professional career. He has since been working to make his mark in the NFL, demonstrating his potential in training camps and preseason games.

Matt Corral has several notable strengths as a quarterback:

  1. Arm Strength: Corral possesses a strong arm, allowing him to make deep throws and fit the ball into tight windows.
  2. Mobility: He is quite mobile, which helps him extend plays and escape pressure in the pocket.
  3. Accuracy: Corral is known for his accuracy, particularly on short to intermediate throws.
  4. Quick Release: He has a quick release, which is crucial for avoiding sacks and getting the ball out under pressure.
  5. Leadership: During his time at Ole Miss, he was recognized for his leadership qualities and ability to rally his team.

NFL career

Matt Corral’s NFL career has been a journey of growth and adaptation. After being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2022, he faced some challenges, including limited playing time and injuries. His time with the Panthers was marked by learning and development, but he didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his skills on the field.

In 2023, Corral joined the New England Patriots, where he continued to work on his game, though he still saw limited action. His move to the Birmingham Stallions in 2024 allowed him to gain more playing experience and demonstrate his abilities in a different setting.

Most recently, Corral signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, but as of now, he is a free agent. His NFL journey has been characterized by perseverance and a continuous effort to find the right fit and opportunity to shine.

Matt Corral’s College Career and Stats

College: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Career Highlights

  • 2018: Played as a backup and was redshirted.
  • 2019: Became the starting quarterback, completing 105 of 178 passes for 1,362 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
  • 2020: Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Corral led Ole Miss to the Outback Bowl victory and earned MVP honors. He completed 231 of 326 passes for 3,337 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
  • 2021: Tied the school record for touchdowns in a game with seven against Tulane. He completed 262 of 386 passes for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He also rushed for 614 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Notable Stats

  • Passing Yards: 8,287
  • Passing Touchdowns: 57
  • Interceptions: 23
  • Rushing Yards: 1,338
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 18

Corral’s performance at Ole Miss showcased his dual-threat capability, making him a standout quarterback in college football.

Memorable Games During Matt Corral’s Time at Ole Miss

1. Outback Bowl (January 2, 2021)

  • Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers
  • Performance: Corral led Ole Miss to a 26-20 victory, earning MVP honors. He completed 30 of 44 passes for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns.

2. Game Against Tulane (September 18, 2021)

  • Performance: Corral tied the school record for touchdowns in a game with seven, throwing for three and rushing for four. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 335 yards.

3. Game Against South Carolina (November 14, 2020)

  • Performance: Set the Ole Miss single-game record with 513 passing yards. He completed 28 of 32 passes and threw four touchdown passes, including a 91-yard touchdown pass.

4. Game Against Tennessee (October 16, 2021)

  • Performance: Corral had a career-high 195 rushing yards and accounted for 426 total yards, leading Ole Miss to a 31-26 victory over Tennessee.

5. Game Against Arkansas (October 9, 2021)

  • Performance: Completed 14 of 21 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the 52-51 win.

Awards Matt Corral Received in College

  • Conerly Trophy (2021): Awarded to the best collegiate player in the state of Mississippi.
  • Second-team All-SEC (2021).
  • Third-team All-American by Phil Steele (2021).
  • Finalist for the Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2021).
  • Semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award (2021).

Matt Corral Height, Weight, and Measurements

Matt Corral stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighs approximately 205 pounds (93 kg). His athletic build and agility are key components of his playing style, allowing him to evade defenders and make plays both in the pocket and on the run. Specific measurements for his chest, waist, and biceps are not publicly disclosed, but his physique reflects his dedication to training and fitness.

Matt Corral Wife

Matt Corral is currently dating Raine Michaels. Raine is a model and actress, known for her work with Sports Illustrated. She is also the daughter of Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the rock band Poison. The couple has been seen together at various events, and Raine has shown support for Matt by attending his games.

Matt Corral Salary | Net Worth

Matt Corral, currently signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL), was previously with the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots in the NFL. His initial contract with the Panthers was a four-year deal worth $5.094 million, including a signing bonus of $884,904.

As of now, his net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million, considering his earnings from his NFL contracts and endorsements.

Is Matt Corral Married?

No, Matt Corral is not married. He is currently focused on his football career and personal growth, maintaining a low profile when it comes to his dating life.

How Old Is Matt Corral?

Matt Corral is 25 years old, having been born on January 31, 1999.

Where Is Matt Corral?

Matt Corral is currently playing in the NFL as a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. He is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he trains and prepares for the NFL season.

Key Points about Matt Corral:

  • Position: Quarterback
  • College: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
  • NFL Draft: Third round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2022
  • Strengths: Accurate passing, athleticism, decision-making
  • Challenges: Injuries, competition for playing time

To stay updated on Matt Corral’s latest news and career developments, you can follow these resources:

Matt Corral is also active on Instagram under the handle @mattcorral2, where he shares glimpses of his professional and personal life. His posts often include training sessions, game highlights, and moments with teammates, giving fans an inside look at his journey as an NFL quarterback.