Grootegoed Says He Most Likely Will Remain at Mater Dei

Matt Grootegoed, an all-county defensive back who was also a punishing rusher, said Tuesday he probably will remain at Mater Dei.

Grootegoed’s father, Russell, considered moving his son to Fountain Valley for Matt’s senior season because of concerns over the manner in which he would be used.

“It looks like I’m going to Mater Dei,” Matt Grootegoed said. “I could change [schools], but I don’t think I will. I’m happy--it’s the school I started at.”

Russell Grootegoed wanted his son to get a fair chance to compete for the quarterback’s job this season amid rumors that other quarterbacks were transferring to Mater Dei.

“He’s unbelievable,” Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said of Grootegoed’s abilities as a quarterback. “He has one of the quickest releases and tremendous velocity--and he’s got great touch.

“We really feel blessed to have an athlete of his caliber.”

Grootegoed (6-0, 190) moved from quarterback to tailback and rushed for 1,238 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. He was The Times Orange County’s back of the year, the South Coast League’s most valuable player, and rushed for 244 yards in leading Mater Dei (13-1) to the Southern Section Division I title against Long Beach Poly.

As a free safety Grootegoed caused six fumbles, intercepted two passes and had 90 tackles.

Grootegoed’s defensive coordinator last year at Mater Dei, Eric Johnson, became the head coach at Fountain Valley. Grootegoed’s older brother, John, is an assistant coach at Fountain Valley.