In August, freshman Matthew Bergeron’s welcoming to United States football came against the equivalent of many NCAA offensive tackles’ nightmare. Alton Robinson, who tied for the 11th most sacks in 2018, lined up against the freshman offensive lineman from Canada.
On the snap of the ball, Robinson exploded his arms into Bergeron, who came into the block standing too tall, an unpowerful position for an offensive lineman. The Senior Bowl-bound defensive end barreled the new Syracuse offensive tackle into the ground.
“I’ve stayed low since that day,” Bergeron said.
Around two months after his learning moment with Robinson, Bergeron was sprung into another uncomfortable situation — his first career start as a true freshman at Florida State.