Patch Exclusive: Matt Craig Is Headed To Valley Forge

Matt Craig has a direction. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior had one of the years for the ages last football season. The powerful tailback thought he’d be pursued by Division I colleges like defenders tried in vain to pursue him. But first, Craig had to pay a little price, some shallow academics his freshman and sophomore years.

It’s why Craig gave an oral commitment to Valley Forge Military College on April 18 to play football. The hope is to get his academics sorted out then transfer to a four-year Division I college, armed with an associate degree and the hopes of continuing his football career on a full scholarship.

Craig was at the core of an amazing transformation of the Springfield program. Fueled by Craig, the Cougars went 8-4 overall and reached the District 1 playoffs for the first time since 1994 last season. The focus of every defense he faced, Craig still rushed for 1,998 yards, and a single-season, school-record 35 touchdowns. He closed his career among the best running backs in Delaware County history, up there with Kevin Jones and former Springfield tailback Al Grundy, finishing with 3,987 career rushing yards.

His sterling senior year was punctuated by an amazing 326-yard, seven-touchdown
performance against Conestoga.

Now he’s taking the next step in his progression.

“I feel good about it; I think I need the discipline and it will be good for me in the long run to go to Valley Forge,” Craig said. “I’m playing two years there and then looking at a Division I program. I plan on playing running back at Valley Forge. I know it’s the military and I’m ready for that. I have to wake up at five in the morning. I know I’m mentally ready and I’m doing track to keep physically prepared.

“I think this is a step forward. It’s about moving forward in life. Everything is about moving forward. I wish I would have done better grade wise my freshman and sophomore year, that’s my biggest regret. I wouldn’t be in this situation if I did better academically. It’s why I think Valley Forge is good for me. I want to get discipline out of it mostly, and get my associate degree. If I don’t go along with football [after Valley Forge], I have a degree to fall back on and think about going into the military as a backup plan.”

Craig reports to Valley Forge on August 11. He’ll undergo a six-week blackout period, which requires no contact with the outside world. But he still has some football left to play. Craig is first scheduled to report to Hero Bowl practice at Widener University on Monday, May 16 for the traditional Delaware County all-star football game on June 2.

“I do have a lot to be happy about,” Craig said. “I had a lot of success at Springfield. I couldn’t have done it without my team, my offensive line and my coaches. I had a blast with them. Me and my friends on the team, we always talk about the season and the playoff game. It was a good time. Those guys are like my extended family. But I want to do some growing up at Valley Forge. I have to do some growing up there. When I come out of there, I want to be a mature man.”

Ready to take another step.