Fox 16/VYPE Top 16 — No. 3: Monticello running back/safety Brishen Mathews

Brishen Mathews has come a long way from the buzz cuts he received as a middle schooler in the Tennessee-Chattanooga player dorms.

“They liked it, and the $10 was a bonus,” Mathews said. “I had a lot of fun hanging out with them.”

Mathews’ game and hair has grown a lot since his mom since then. Now, his long mane flows out of his helmet as he stars at safety and running back for Monticello.

Mathews ranks No. 3 in the Fox/VYPE Top 16 Central Arkansas senior football players’ countdown.

The younger Mathews spent a lot of time on the UTC campus, as his dad, Gwaine, served as defensive coordinator. Gwaine Mathews has since become the head coach at Arkansas-Monticello.

It was around the time the family moved to Monticello that Mathews quit cutting his hair.

“I got those $10 haircuts in sixth grade, then I quit cutting it,” he said. “I haven’t cut it since.”

He’s as known as much for his metal-band roadie do and goatee, as he is for his two-way versatility on the football field.

“People talk about (the hair on the field), but it goes in one ear and out the other,” Mathews said. “People talk about it, but I just laugh. I don’t get worked up over it.”

The 6-foot, 180-pounder with 4.4 speed doesn’t need long hair to stand out. He is the Billies’ most valuable player rushing for more than 900 yards last fall. He also racked up 120 tackles and five interceptions at safety and blocked three kicks and a punt.

“I know I’m not a great offensive player, but I just like being on the field,” Mathews said. “I like all the responsibility being in my hands. If something goes wrong, you can blame it on me. I just like playing and constantly being on the field.”

The VYPE Super Squad member committed to Ole Miss in July, choosing the Rebels over Arkansas.

His mission is to help Monticello to the 5A State championship after falling to Helena-West Helena 8-7 in the semifinals last fall.

“Helena was probably the most athletic team in the state last year,” Mathews said. “It was tough. It doesn’t matter how close it was, it was still a loss.

“(Winning a state championship) us Goal No. 2 after winning the conference,” Mahtews said. “We have to make it to Little Rock.”