In any sport, including the NFL, versatility and durability are invaluable assets for a coach. Players who can perform well in multiple positions provide flexibility and help teams adapt to different situations. For example, players like Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers and Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers are primarily wide receivers but are also utilized in the running game. Additionally, the New Orleans Saints’ Taysom Hill is known for his ability to run, pass, and catch the ball. On the defensive side, some players excel in various roles, such as defensive ends who can also play outside linebacker.
The Los Angeles Chargers, however, have a unique player who contributes not only on offense and defense but also on special teams: Scott Matlock. In his rookie season with the Chargers in 2023, Matlock appeared in 12 games, primarily as a defensive lineman and on special teams. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Matlock is now taking on an additional role in 2024 under new head coach Jim Harbaugh — playing fullback. This position change has led Matlock to switch his jersey number from 99 to 44, signifying his expanded role in supporting the Chargers’ running game.
Matlock’s journey to becoming the Chargers’ fullback began during the offseason when Harbaugh recognized his potential beyond the defensive line. In the team’s second preseason game, Matlock took the field with the offense for the first time, something he hadn’t done in his rookie year. He was utilized as an extra tight end in a third-and-goal situation at the 1-yard line. This opportunity opened the door for Matlock to play more offensive snaps, and by the third preseason game, he had taken six offensive snaps, along with 27 defensive snaps and seven on special teams.
His offensive responsibilities evolved from playing as a tight end to lining up behind the offensive line as a fullback. Fullbacks serve as key blockers in the running game, and Matlock’s combination of size and mobility allows him to be an effective force in this role. His impact has been particularly evident in the Chargers’ ground game, helping create opportunities for running backs like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to break through defenses.
While Matlock is making his mark on offense, his primary position remains as a defensive tackle. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Boise State, Matlock learned from experienced players like Morgan Fox and Austin Johnson during his rookie season. As the 2024 season progresses, Matlock continues to contribute on defense, playing over two dozen snaps so far. In the Chargers’ recent game against Carolina, Matlock earned a high Pro Football Focus grade of 85.3, the fourth-highest on the team, and was recognized as the best-performing defensive tackle.
Matlock’s versatility is rare in the NFL. Through two games in the 2024 season, he has played 45 offensive snaps, 23 on defense, and 29 on special teams. He is the only player in the league this season to have played at least five snaps on both offense and defense. His ability to contribute across all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams — showcases his unique value to the Chargers.
Matlock’s role as a fullback has already had tangible results. In the Chargers’ Week 2 game against Carolina, he made a critical block that helped spring a 44-yard touchdown. His blocking skills, honed since his early days as an offensive lineman in peewee football, have translated into success at the highest level of the sport. As Matlock himself stated after the Chargers’ Week 1 victory against Las Vegas, “I’ve been blocking all my life… so it kind of comes naturally.”
As the Chargers enter Week 3 of the 2024 season with a 2-0 record, Matlock remains a key asset. His willingness to take on any role that helps the team reflects his mentality and commitment to making an impact, no matter the position.
