PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Unable to play in post-season all-star games and not invited to the NFL Combine, Pitt tackle Matt Goncalves worked hard to get good enough to participate in the Pitt Pro Day. Indianapolis took notice, moving up in the third round to get the Pitt tackle.
Listed preseason All-ACC, Goncalves started his first three games last season with impressive results. But an injury against the Mountaineers ended his last year and his opportunity to impress.
The 6'6", 317-pounder started 11 games at left tackle, 13 at right tackle at Pitt. He was used as an extra tackle. He's played guard and was even briefly preparing to play center because of injuries. Now he'll work to show that versatility with a young Indy offense.
"My versatility definitely has given me an advantage over some people who are predominantly one side," Goncalves said. "Having the ability to bounce from the right to the left, it's a new position. It's something that I picked up quickly."
Goncalves credits his Pitt offensive line coach Dave Borbely as he would flip them into different positions at practice. He said for as much as he hated it at the time, he realizes now the benefit and he actually grew to like switching around.
Coming out of high school in Long Island, New York, no other Power Five schools offered Goncalves other than Pitt. Pat Narduzzi took that chance. Now he's got his next opportunity to prove people wrong with the Colts.
