National Signing Day: How Edmond North's Dev Mathews overcame injuries to find way to UCO

EDMOND — Around this time last year, Dev Mathews was unsure what his future held.

It was a troubling time for Edmond North's star running back. Nagging ankle and core injuries plagued most of his junior year.

Mathews appeared in just four games. But the talent was evident.

He managed to receive his first scholarship offer that spring from Central Oklahoma, a symbol of belief in his future and motivation to push forward. On Wednesday's National Signing Day, Mathews signed with the Bronchos, capping a winding journey from an often-injured running back to breakout star.

"I was dealing with injuries and stuff that was completely out of my control," Mathews said. "So, I just tried to give all my energy to the things I can control."

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Mathews was still processing how to maximize his output heading into his senior year. He remained positive through a grueling rehab process.

The 6-foot, 200-pound speedster immediately kicked into grind mode. As a member of the Huskies' track team, he went to work in the spring on a mission to improve his speed and agility.

During this time, Edmond North was undergoing internal change. In March, it hired former Putnam City coach Carter Whitson, who played wide receiver at OU and quarterback at UCO in the late 2000s.

Whitson came into the new role uncertain of the team's outlook but had no worries about his tailback.

"After seeing Dev on film for the first time, I was like — this isn't what high school football players typically look like," Whitson said. "This kid is a specimen. I was just super excited to get him healthy and build the offense around him."

However, Mathews developed a heightened sense of déjà vu as the season began.

He rushed for over 300 yards in his first two games despite a cramping issue, which kept him out for the second half of both contests. Mathews dreaded having to watch his team lose from the sidelines without having an impact.

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But everything changed after a Week 3 matchup against rival Edmond Memorial.

Mathews had a career night, rushing 35 times for 377 yards and six touchdowns en route to victory. The performance broke Edmond North's single-game rushing yards and touchdown records previously held by former Huskies Bryan Blew and Terrance Brown.

"There was no way I was missing that game," Mathews said. "Beforehand, I told Coach Whitson that I planned to give everything I had. When I scored the first touchdown and heard the crowd go wild, I was 100% locked in for the rest of the way. I couldn't think about anything besides winning the game."

Weeks later, Mathews would have another record-breaking showing. He ran for 303 yards and tied his touchdowns record with six scores against Yukon.

He ended his senior year on a tear, accumulating 1,474 yards from scrimmage with 19 total touchdowns despite dealing with cramping issues throughout the season. He was named to The Oklahoman's Big All-City second team and first-team All-District in 6A-I-2.

"Having a player like him makes play-calling much easier," said Whitson. "He's a gamechanger. His gravity in the backfield helped get our receivers open and really opened up a lot for the offense altogether."

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"If Dev wasn't dealing with cramps all year, we wouldn't have been a 3-8 football team."

Mathews underwent an extensive recruiting process after the season. He fielded many offers from the likes of Army West Point, Pittsburg State, and Oklahoma Baptist. After mulling over his options, he committed to UCO in January.

Yet, he didn't commit solely because he aspired to dominate in Chad Richison Stadium.

Mathews has always planned to major in Forensic Science. UCO's Forensic Science Institute is heralded as one of the top programs in the state.

"UCO stood out most because if I weren't playing football, I don't think I would see myself at any of the other schools who offered me," Mathews said. "I've always had a love for forensics growing up watching a lot of crime shows on TV. I never want to be like others and get a business degree or something common.

"Then, on my visit, I felt accepted by all of their players, and obviously, Edmond will always be my home."

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Mathews will graduate in May and begin settling in at UCO after graduation. In June, he'll eventually take the field for the Bronchos' offseason workout program.

He always envisioned a situation where he could go to school while doing precisely what he wanted. Yet, he was presented with a unique situation in his hometown where he gets to be both.

Some may take a favorable and ironic situation like his for granted, but he refuses to.

Mathews plans to fall back on the attitude that got him scholarship offers in the first place.

"When I first got to (Edmond) North, my goal always stayed the same," Mathews said. I always wanted to come in as a freshman and make my name known. So, heading to UCO, I want to do the same. Living by that mindset in football and life keeps me going and will continue to fuel me every day."

Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Edmond North football Dev Mathews overcomes injuries to sign with UCO