Joe Gaiter: What does football means to you?
Matari Bodie: Football is one of my first loves. It’s like medication for me. My dad introduced me to the game and ever since I haven’t looked back. I’m at ease while playing and have learned life lessons through football.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Charles W. Flanagan High School?
Matari Bodie: Just being on that 2015-16 team winning that ring. I learnt so much about football and development as an individual. Going up against and playing next to the guys we had everyday (Devin Bush II, Stanford Samuels III, Josh Mettlus, Dredrick Snelson, Jahcour Pearson, Kato Nelson,etc) and learning from coaches molded me into the player I am.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your recruiting experience?
Matari Bodie: It was rough. I wasn’t able to sign signing day. I only received offers from smaller schools but communicated with many.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Matari Bodie: My mom passed away the spring of my junior year. I became a lost individual and certain things didn’t end up how it was expected to be. After my senior year, I walked on to Bethune Cookman knowing it was going to be a challenge. I came in focused ready to work and started performing at a high level against the first team defense. I was eager to get that roster spot, but don’t always go as planned. I felt as if I wasn’t being used properly and my talents were being overlooked once again. I started losing the love that I have for the sport. I knew then that the situation wouldn’t work for me once I started getting that bitter feeling. The next year I sat out and didn’t attend any school. I honestly didn’t know what was next and I thought it was over, but God answered my prayers and blessed me with the opportunity to do something I love again.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose McPherson College?
Matari Bodie: I chose McPherson because McPherson chose me. During my year off of football I was coming from work, when I got a call from a Kansas area code. I wasn’t going to answer, but it was something telling me just pick up. It was Coach Jeremiah Fiscus and the rest is history.
Joe Gaiter: What are some of your stats this year?
Matari Bodie: 13 Rec 113 yards 1TD, 3 Rush, 41yards, 1TD. Not the start I wanted but it felt good to get my feet back wet after not playing an organized game for 2 years.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great Wide Receiver?
Matari Bodie: I feel like my feet and my IQ of the game make me a great receiver.
Joe Gaiter: What is the football culture like at McPherson College?
Matari Bodie: Don’t Back Down is what we live by. There was a lot of losing before Coach Fiscus and the staff joined this past year, but we are definitely slowly changing that culture.
Joe Gaiter: How do you set the tone on your team on game day?
Matari Bodie: I set the tone for my team on game day by being the pest I am to every DB I line up against that brings some good energy to the team.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity this season?
Matari Bodie: Me having to expand my game due to the fact I was now an Outside Receiver instead of slot. It took me some time to adjust to but I started to understand the ins and outs of the position.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about the talent you have on your team?
Matari Bodie: This team has a lot of great talent such as Brandon Wright, Ben Nikkel, Alvin Poole, etc. The list goes on how much talent is on this team.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?
Matari Bodie: Everything is God’s plan.I don’t regret anything I feel as if God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers. I’ve learned life lessons through this journey and it bettered me as a young man.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your talents have been underrated?
Matari Bodie: Yes ever since I was little but that just always made me work harder and outwork the next.
Joe Gaiter: What can we expect from you next season?
Matari Bodie: My goal was set as soon as the season was over I’m shooting for 40+ Rec 800+ Yards 6+ TD.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during the offseason?
Matari Bodie: One of my old teammates at Bethune-Cookman Jawill Davis helps me perfect my craft. I also get together with some old teammates and we get some good work every other day.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and will you use it?
Matari Bodie: Business Marketing. I help market my pops business, Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grille, a restaurant in Miami Florida and one day own my own business.
Joe Gaiter: What sets you apart from other athletes?
Matari Bodie: My work ethic. I catch myself overworking myself sometimes and have to slow down. I’m someone who wants to work to master what I do.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we should keep on our radar?
Matari Bodie: Dwayne Boyles (USF), Arthur Brathwaite (Western Kentucky), Davonta Wilson (Murray St.), Desjaun Kearse (Clark Atlanta), Zach Dixon (Georgia St.), Keyshon Gardner (St Thomas University), Marvin Alexander (Transfer Portal), Wayne Ruby (Mount Union).
Joe Gaiter: What is life for you off the field?
Matari Bodie: I work a lot with my pops when I’m home but I like to play the game and sleep a lot.
Joe Gaiter: What motivates you?
Matari Bodie: My mom and little sister. I just want to make sure I make my mom proud and make sure that my sister happy so that she won’t have to worry for anything in life.
