At various points of his college career at UCLA and during his decade-plus in New England, Matthew Slater has been seen as both a wide receiver and a safety. In reality, though, Slater is simply a Hall of Fame-caliber special teams contributor for the Patriots.
Now, an undrafted rookie out of Texas looks like he might be trying to pursue a similar career path in Foxborough.
According to the University of Texas Twitter account Brenden Schooler signed with the Patriots after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. Schooler began his six-year collegiate career starting 10 of the 12 games he played as a freshman safety at Oregon in 2017. A year later he switched to receiver for the Ducks, catching 43 passes over the next three seasons in addition to his role as an All-Pac 12 special teams player.
After a quick stop as a transfer at Arizona, Schooler moved on again to Texas in 2020 where he caught 12 passes with a pair of touchdowns over nine games. He then closed out his college career last fall with a “super senior” switch back to the safety position where he started seven games, notching 50 tackles, a half sack, a forced fumble and two passes defensed.
Given his unique background and skills, Schooler continued to show his two-way versatility this offseason in the pre-Draft process in the College Gridiron Showcase, the Tropical Bowl and Texas’ pro day.
“It kind of made sense for me to do both so I can show all these teams that I'm versatile and I can do both,” Schooler told 247Sports.com. “Plus, with my special teams background, it was just another opportunity for me to showcase what I can do.”
At 6-2, 203 pounds while running a 4.4 40 and 6.71 three-cone drill, Schooler certainly brings NFL measurables to his shot at a pro career. Given his unique playing experience and road to Foxborough, his versatility may not have been able to find a better home as he pursues NFL hopes.
“You only get one shot at this, so you give it your all or it's a waste of time,” Schooler told 247Sports.com after his impressive Texas pro day. “Being focused and being locked in and dialed into every day leading up to this, every day is as important as today. Just coming out here and being able to showcase your talents is what all of us ask for.”
The Athletic ranked Schooler as the 30th best safety prospect in the draft class, listed a priority free agent. In summarizing his talent and possible NFL future it declared that he was at his best as a “special teams ace” with 774 snaps covering kicks over his college career.
“Overall, Schooler bounced between offense and defense over his career, but special teams could be his NFL ticket thanks to his speed, toughness, and experience on coverages,” wrote The Athletic.
No NFL team puts more emphasis on the kicking game than Bill Belichick’s Patriots where Schooler will get a chance to learn from maybe the best that’s ever done the job in Slater.
