'When The Opportunity Comes, I'll be Ready': Ex-Ole Miss QB Matt Corral Confident Entering New Season
OXFORD, Miss. -- Beginning your professional career on the sidelines due to injury is not how anyone envisions their rookie season going in the NFL, but it is how Matt Corral's went.
After being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, Corral came in ready to compete but unfortunately, suffered a foot injury during the preseason playing behind Caroliana's third-string offensive line. The former Ole Miss Rebel had to sit and watch as Carolina posted a losing record of 7-10, before trading away multiple assets for the first pick in the 2023 Draft. The Panthers took quarterback Bryce Young No. 1 overall in last month's draft, and now many assume that Corral's days are numbered in Carolina.
Despite everything that has happened in the last year, Corral remains confident in himself and his abilities heading into the new season. The second-year pro got the chance to speak with the media after participating in OTAs on Tuesday and talked about his mindset and how he has remained positive through it all.
"It was a rough year, a long one to say the least," Corral told reporters. "You got to have perspective and it's all about controlling what you can control, and honestly that's what has made me happy. Getting another opportunity to be here and play for the Carolina Panthers, I'm just blessed. I'm really happy to be in this position."
The Ventura, Calif., native mentioned that whether it is this season or somewhere down the road, he will be ready when his number is called.
"I'm in it for the long haul," Corral said. "When that opportunity comes I'll be ready."
Corral also opened up about everything that has challenged him on his journey, other than the injury.
"Just uncertainty," Corral said. "But you can't worry about uncertainty because that falls into the uncontrollable. As an athlete or human being, you can't be worried about something that's not in your control. You're gonna tear yourself down and mentally implode... Stay true to the game and the game will stay true to you."
Corral and Young have known each other since they were in middle school, and now they are competing against each other to lead an NFL roster. Corral talked about his relationship with Young.
"We've always been in the same area," Corral said. "We worked camps together growing up and that's how our relationship has been. It's been cool to see us both grow up from when we first met each other in seventh grade."
You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.
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