As he breathes in deeply and heavily, he readies himself for the next play, naturally prepared for moments like this. Taking a few steps back, he looks around, but has no open receivers.
He runs.
He crosses the 30-yard line, pushing pass tacklers as he passes the 20-yard line. The stadium is in suspense as he approaches the 10-yard line ...5...4...3...2...1... TOUCHDOWN!
He is Matt Scheible, a senior at Southeast Missouri State University and the history-making quarterback for the Redhawks football team.
Scheible became the first Ohio Valley Conference quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 2,000 yards in a career. He surpassed both marks on Oct. 15 against Eastern Kentucky and also broke the record for total offense that day.
He led Southeast to a 9-3 record and the school's first OVC championship last season. His football career at Southeast is one that cannot be overlooked.
"On the field, he has obviously just gotten a lot better with the total understanding of the game and developing his self personally," said Southeast offensive lineman Evan Conrad.
Scheible has had an amazing career, yet his life extends beyond the field. He maintains a 3.7 GPA and would rather be at home with his girlfriend, Danielle Overschmidt, than out partying.
He practices 20 hours a week and spends extra time watching game film to enhance his playing abilities.
"It is all about time management," Scheible said. "When you come in as a freshman, they give you a class that teaches you how to budget out enough time to do your school work and how to keep up with football. Pretty much nothing else is important if you don't have that done."
With this type of mentality, Scheible has managed to handle a college career and a flourishing football career. He starts most days off with weight training in the morning, followed by team meetings, a light lunch, more team meetings, practice, cooking dinner and, of course, homework. Most of his classes are online, which allows his schedule to be open for football.
"I played three sports in high school: baseball, basketball and football, so I'm sort of used to balancing sports and school and getting everything done," Scheible said. "So it really hasn't been much of a change coming to college."
Scheible and Overschmidt, a Southeast senior majoring in hospitality management, met in high school and have been together for five years. She believes that football has helped him grow in many ways, from gaining leadership to learning how to balance so much at once.
"I'm just so proud of him," Overschmidt said. "I believe he is a role model, and he loves his team so much. He would give up all of his accomplishments just to give his team a winning season. He is just that type of person that everyone is comfortable talking to."
Football has been a part of Scheible's life since he was in fifth grade, but he will be making his last appearance in a Redhawks uniform on Saturday in the senior day game against Murray State.
Though he has grown into a phenomenal player, his ego has not grown along with him.
"As far as his success goes as a player, he still has to be one of the most humble people on the team," Conrad said.
Southeast is 3-7 this season, and Scheible is the team's leading rusher and passer. He's rushed for 862 yards with six touchdowns and passed for 1,316 yards with 10 touchdowns.
"I didn't even know I was making history," Scheible said. "I just like to play. That isn't what I'm worried about. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."
Scheible's goals are what keep him focused. To be the best and succeed in everything he does is what motivates him to be a scholar on and off the field.
Although he has an above average GPA, he still feels a little let down because his goal is a perfect 4.0. Scheible admits he has had to give up some of his social life, but says it is well worth it to him since it keeps him on the right track. One thing he doesn't have to give up is time with some of his best friends -- his teammates -- who push him to do better on and off the field.
"The guys on this team are my friends," Scheible said. "They are the friends that I'm going to have for the rest of my life. I have a good time with them."
When the rare chance to relax comes around, Scheible spends his time playing golf, going fishing and spending quality time with his girlfriend by taking her out to the movies.
Overschmidt thinks that he has helped her grow and accomplish things that she wants to just by supporting and understanding her. They fight very little because of their crazy and goofy relationship.
"If people saw how Matt and I are when we're together, they would wonder what is wrong with us," Overschmidt said. "We are both really random people."
When they do argue, Scheible gives in and makes her smile.
"Matt is one of those people who is so sweet and caring. He tries to help everybody," Overschmidt said. "He puts his heart and soul into football, but he also loves his family. He would give up his last to anybody just to make their situation better. You don't see too many people with that mentality anymore."
