Matlock, donning his gray jersey, has been full go throughout training camp as he enters his second year occupying a role on both sides of the ball plus special teams.
It was a role that he was approached with and took over in the middle of last year’s training camp having been strictly a defensive lineman before.
Matlock took the opportunity and contributed in every way he could, finishing the regular season with 362 offensive snaps, 137 defensive snaps and 231 special teams snaps.
Adapting to the offensive side of the ball took a lot of work as he went, but having a full offseason has had a positive effect on his role.
"It was definitely a lot at once, and I think we managed it pretty well," Matlock said. "Obviously, having a full offseason, OTAs, summer, training camp was very beneficial and we hit the ground running. I'm really excited for this year.
"Just continuing to grow, we took what we did last year and building off that," Matlock added. "We're fine tuning other things and I'm trying to expand my role and do even more. I think it's been good to have a year under my belt."
The work started in the offseason when Matlock said he got a film cutup of all his plays from the 2024 season.
"Trying to see where I could grow, see where I can improve," Matlock said. "If you're not improving in this league, you're not going to go very far. Constant state of improvement every day."
The third-year player rotated days, spending one day working on offense and the next on defense throughout the offseason as he continued to chase growth not only on offense, but also in his defensive role.
But just as important as his role on the field, the offseason allowed Matlock to spend more time getting down both the offensive and defensive playbook.
"In the offseason it's more about getting your body ready for the long haul and making sure you're physically prepared," Matlock said. "Mentally, that's a strength of mine knowing the playbook on both sides.
"Obviously you have to fine tune and reinstall everything, but that was the biggest thing on my plate this year, the mental part of it," Matlock added.