Football
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Karnell Matthews Season 1995

PositionDB
Weight185 lbs
Height5-11
ClassFreshman
HometownSt. Peters, Mo.

Honors & Awards

  • Member of the 1995 Nebraska National Championship Team

Career

Karnell Matthews joined the Huskers in 1995 after earning a scholarship at the defensive back position. He redshirted his first year in Lincoln and decided, following the season, to pursue other interests. James left Nebraska as a member of its 1995 national championship team.

Before Nebraska (Francis Howell North High School)

A high school running back and tailback, Matthews was one of the fastest prepsters in the St. Louis area. Playing for Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, Mo., for Coach Tom Cella, Matthews was a Blue Chip Illustrated All-America running back his junior and senior years. He carried the ball for 1,700 yards and had 300 receiving yards on his way to 24 touchdowns as a senior. He rushed for a career-high 348 yards against Wentzville and averaged nearly 200 yards per game while leading his team to a 9-2 finish in 1994. Francis Howell lost in the state finals (5A) to Jeff City but won the conference and district championships in both 1993 and 1994. His brother, Kendall, was a running back at Purdue. Matthews picked Nebraska over Kansas State, Hawaii, Missouri, Wisconsin, Texas Christian and Oklahoma, but only visited Nebraska.

Personal

The son of Kenneth and Anita Matthews, Karnell was born on Aug. 19, 1977.