By Derrick Ow — Reporter
San Jose State kicker Matt Mercurio is a man of many nicknames.
Mercurio gets called “Matty Ice” and “Money” for good reason, leading the Mountain West Conference last season with 97 points scored and made 20 field goals.
He had three games where he tied the school record with four field goals, and only missed two extra point attempts last season.
However, you will have to drive an hour south of San Jose to truly get to know Matty Ice to his hometown of Salinas, California.
Mercurio initially played soccer at Palma High School. But he had a love for the gridiron which led him into football.
“It was a difficult transition,” Mercurio said. “After playing soccer for 14 years, it was difficult changing techniques to adapt to kicking a football.”
He credits his coach Doug Saucedo and a Palma version of arena football called “Chieftain Ball” for motivating him to play football. Saucedo — who also served as Mercurio’s PE teacher — was impressed at Mercurio’s kicking skills.
“We were kicking a field goal, and of course they let the soccer guy kick those,” Mercurio said. “I remember he told me there is no reason you should not be out there kicking.”
In his junior year, he made the transition to football. There were some long hours spent on the practice field trying to kick it through the uprights.
Two of Matt’s closest friends Richard and Robert Hernandez saw firsthand the work ethic that he brought to the field. They knew the potential he had when he first started.
“He worked every single day after practice and on weekends,” Richard said. “He made every field goal and it was awesome seeing him improve every single year.”
The Hernandez brothers saw his improvement on the practice field. Matt’s confidence started to develop. He was an integral part of the Chieftains winning the Monterey Bay Gabilan League in 2016.
“We always told him that he could play at the next level,” Robert said. “He is always the last one to leave the practice field and you can’t coach effort.”
It did help to have amazing teammates in high school that inspired Mercurio to do his part. Some are currently playing at the next level. The Hernandez Brothers are playing at Hastings College. Drew Dalman is the starting center at Stanford. Emilo Martinez is breaking rushing records at the University of San Diego.
He did have another nickname in high school. Robert remembers the car rides with him and having conversations about their futures.
“On the weekends, we would drive out to Monterey and he showed us all of the hidden spots on Monterey,” Robert said. “Our nickname for him was Mr. Monterey.”
Mercurio did feel like Palma prepared him for the next level. His teammates believed in his ability and it showed on the field.
“Going to Palma was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Mercurio said. “I met some of my lifelong friends there.”
He would only get two offers to play college football. One was a small Division III college in Oregon and the other was SJSU. The decision was a no brainer.
He did receive some advice from a Palma alum that influenced his decision to SJSU . The kicker met former Spartans punter Michael Carrizosa through Coach Saucedo, and the rest is history.
“Michael called me and said there was a coach who was interested in me,” Mercurio said. “As soon as I heard San Jose State, I was like ‘let’s do it.’”
Mercurio redshirted his freshman season, and was able to watch Michael work hard at his craft every single day. Working out with Carrizosa in the summer allowed him to see how much work it took to start at the collegiate level.
“The biggest takeaway I got from him is his incredible work ethic,” Mercurio said. “He still finds that drive to wake up in the morning and get better.”
Mercurio came into spring practices with a purpose last season, winning the starting kicker job as a redshirt freshman. His first full season as a Spartan was magical.
Mercurio was a perfect 15-for-15 inside 40 yards last season. He earned the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week award twice, for a pair of four-field-goal performances against New Mexico and Army. He also twice received the Lou Groza Star of the Week, one of six placekickers to earn that honor twice.
The legend of Matty Ice was born in San Jose. And his spectacular 2019 season ended in grand style.
The night before SJSU’s season finale against Fresno State, the football team had one last team meeting. It turned into a celebration after the team learned Mercurio had earned a full ride scholarship. His teammates carried him on their shoulders as Mercurio became visibly emotional.
The football team posted the scholarship announcement on social media. It represented a meteoric rise for Mercurio, who just wanted an opportunity to kick at the collegiate level. Both of his goals he achieved in a calendar year.
“There is something special about being a walk-on,” Mercurio said. “It gives you something to work for and I would not change a thing.”
The Hernandez brothers saw that video. They were happy for their friend and knew the struggles he was going through to earn the scholarship
“Everything he worked hard for came to fruition,” Richard said. “Seeing that video was awesome and he deserves it.”
Robert was not surprised that his friend became a contributor for the Spartans. He saw that potential in high school.
“I never doubted him because of his work ethic,” Robert said. “I cried a little when I saw that video because it is inspiring to see people who work hard and it pays off.”
Mercurio has been building his leg strength during this unique offseason. In the summer, he was able to work out with former Raiders punter Marquette King. He was in awe seeing King work his magic on the field.
“His personality and attitude fill the entire field,” Mercurio said. “He cares about the game and cares for guys like me trying to make it.”
Mercurio is following in the same footsteps as Michael Carrizosa. Going to the same high school and working their tails off to become the best special team specialists in Spartans history.
Matt realizes he can inspire a new generation of student athletes who don’t come from a football background. He knows his path can inspire kids from Salinas to follow their passion.
“If a skinny soccer player can switch to football and start for a Division I football team then anything is possible,” Mercurio said. “If you are willing to work hard for your dreams then it will come to you.”
He is no longer a skinny soccer player. He is now the best kicker in the Mountain West Conference. The legend of Matty Ice was born in Salinas, and is now making history at San Jose State.
Follow Derrick on Twitter @derrickq42