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Standing 6-5 and weighing 256 pounds, senior tight-end Matthew Mulligan has the physique to make opposing defenses shake and the ability to make some cornerbacks look like they are still playing Pop Warner football. One look at the University of Maine senior and you would think he was destined to be a powerhouse football player and training to be a serious NFL prospect since the first day he could walk. In fact, the slogan, “It’s never too late to start,” just found a poster child to go along with the classic phrase. Mulligan’s recent transformation from basketball player to football player, not only made him a star on the UMaine football team but a serious prospect in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Enfield, Maine native has always been a fan of the game, but grew up playing basketball as his sport of choice. He attended Husson College in the fall of 2003 on an academic and basketball scholarship.
In his second year at Husson College, while playing for the basketball team, he was approached by the football coach who encouraged him to leave the hardwood floor for a new life on the gridiron.
“Gabby Price came and talked with me about playing. He told me he wasn’t going to tell me to play because he didn’t want to steal me from the basketball team at Husson, but he said if I did play I’d have the potential to be good,” said Mulligan.
The decision to change sports, from the game that he grew up loving to a new experience was thought out carefully.
“It was extremely difficult for me to walk away from basketball. I already had teammates on the basketball team, and basketball was my favorite sport,” said Mulligan. “I knew I could play basketball and succeed, but with football it was a little intimidating because I had never played it before, nor did I know if I would be good at it.”
Mulligan decided to join, and his first football season at Husson was a learning season and a great start for the former basketball standout. Not only did the season open Mulligan’s eyes to football and teach him the game, it impacted his team with 13 catches for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns.
“I definitely had to work harder than the average guy because I wasn’t familiar at all with football and because I got such a late start. There was a lot of making up to do,” said Mulligan.
After his first year of playing football, Mulligan was interested in what he could do with his new talent – could he take it to the next level?
“I went into Coach Gabby Price’s office and asked him straight up if I could play at Maine. He told me I could,” Mulligan said. “He still wanted me to stay and play at Husson, but I wanted to see if I really could play at Maine.”
With a highlight tape in hand, he crossed over the town lines from Bangor to Orono and showed the UMaine coaches that he could handle the next level of play.
“I came over and showed my tape of Husson to Coach Comish, and he then showed it to Coach Wilder. He watched it and came and told me they wanted me to transfer and they would do whatever it took to make that possible,” Mulligan said.
From the first time the coaching staff at UMaine saw him, they were not skeptical about his lack of experience, but rather interested in what his physical size and strength could bring to the Black Bear team.
“When we were made aware of Matthew’s ability and development at Husson College, we were very excited about the opportunity to work with him and continue that development,” said UMaine football coach Jack Cosgrove. “Nate Clark, a former player here and the top assistant at Husson, promoted him to us. He knew what it took to play Division I football and saw those qualities in Matthew. Not only did he possess the size and athletic ability, but his work ethic, especially in the weight room, was a major factor.”
Because of the transfer from schools, Mulligan had to redshirt during the fall season in 2005. During this time off the field, he built his strength and became more familiar with the game.
“We worked with Matthew in all areas of his life. The NFL will only recruit great students, athletes and young men. They do not have to take the risk on a young man who does not possess intellect, ability or character. They simply move on to the next guy,” Cosgrove said.
Just like his first season of football at Husson College, Mulligan came into the 2006 season and made an impact on the UMaine football team right away with 10 receptions for 111 yards. After his first year playing, it was evident to pro scouts that he could have a real future in the game.
“In the spring of 2007 the Arizona Cardinals came back after they had already been here for junior day and talked with me,” Mulligan said.
This past fall he stepped his game up a little more with 13 receptions for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“My two seasons here at Maine were great and very stressful at times,” Mulligan said. “There was so much to learn and expected from me that sometimes it was very stressful. I had a great time here though and learned a lot from the coaches and players.”
“We think Matthew’s best days are in front of him,” Cosgrove said.
Although the season has been long over, Mulligan’s football career is not. Pro Day was held at the Mahaney Dome on campus, and Mulligan put his skills to the test to impress scouts from the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons – benching 225 pounds 34 times.
“The Pro Day here was incredible. I was nervous but also extremely excited. It was really good to see my teammates at the Pro Day supporting all of us who participated,” Mulligan said.
Since the season has ended Mulligan has spoken with 20 NFL teams, who according to Mulligan, praise his strength and size and the fact that he hasn’t been playing football for that long.
“They say I need to learn the game a little better and also work on my speed. However, they do say I am quick for a big tight end,” Mulligan said.
Mulligan stays in contact with UMaine alumni who offer support as he approaches the 2008 NFL Draft.
“One of my best friends is Mike Devito [of the New York Jets]. I talk to him about four times a week and he always gives me tips on what I should expect and what I could be doing,” Mulligan said.
For now, Mulligan continues to train for his upcoming visit from the Indianapolis Colts on April 8 and is making sure to stay on top of his classes so he can graduate this May.
“The only thing that would keep me from graduating is if a team signs me and they want me to report to the team the day after. With the NFL draft being the 26th and 27th of April, I would have to leave before I could graduate,” Mulligan said.
As for as his draft day status, Mulligan plans to keep it low key.
“On draft day, I will be home in Enfield watching it with my family. Nothing too big – just hopefully waiting for the phone call to say I am invited to a camp,” Mulligan said.
