CREVE COUER - Former Bearcat athlete and Chaminade standout Matthew Greer has signed to play college football for the Bulldogs of Drake University.

Greer departed Dexter to follow his father's career to the St. Louis area. Quickly making the adjustment to the metro area, he joined the strong football program of coach John Davis at Chaminade College Prep School.

A naturally gifted athlete, Greer was extremely focused on extending God-given abilities and overcoming the obstacles of his small stature and average speed. His goal was to not only compete, but to prove that he had the ability to become a competitive player at the high level of St. Louis-area high school football.

With countless hours in the weight room, a strict diet program and a dedicated training regimen, everyone started to see a significant change in his overall size and quickness.

During his career at Chaminade, Greer became known throughout the St. Louis region as the dangerous 5'9", 185 pound wide receiver that could not only catch, but could also hold his own while blocking linebackers and defensive ends. His concentration and sharp pass routes allowed him to find open areas on the field, burning opponents while making difficult receptions look easy.

His commitment to the game marked his character. His perseverance to overcome his limitations set him apart and helped him earn First Team All-Metro Catholic honors in the highly competitive St. Louis region. Greer's work ethic proved to be one of his greatest assets in high school. On any given day or night, it was easy to find him at the field catching passes with former Chaminade teammate and Boston College quarterback, Christian Suntrup.

Drake University is a private, fully accredited, coeducational university in Des Moines, Iowa; the school is consistently recognized as one of the very best universities in the Midwest for academic excellence. The Bulldogs compete at the NCAA Division I FCS level (formerly known as Division I-AA) as members of the Pioneer Football League, where they face off against opponents such as Butler, Valparaiso, Morehead State, and Jacksonville University.

"The football program is a very family team oriented group", Greer said. "I'm honored to have this opportunity to continue my football career as a Bulldog."

Finishing 9-2 overall in the 2011 season and 7-1 in the Pioneer Leage, the Bulldogs enter the 2012 season with high hopes of defending their PFL co-championship. Drake's only conference loss last year came on the road at the University of San Diego with a 31-24 final score.

The Bulldogs will return their 2011 Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback, Mike Piatkowski. The Bulldogs will bring back six total starters on offense, as well as six more on the defensive side of the ball from the 2011 campaign.

While most freshmen face the high probability of a redshirt season Greer's tenacious attitude toward achieving his goals, you never know what the 2012 season might hold in store for him.

The Greer family will travel to Des Moines, Iowa this weekend to participate in the Bulldogs' Blue-White Game and Youth Day. Drake opens the 2012 season on August 30th at home against the Grand View Vikings, an NAIA program also located in Des Moines.

Greer comes from a long line of quality Dexter athletes. The Greer | Espey | Hunter family was unique and were all driven competitors. This family of athletes provided great sports memories for Bearcat fans throughout the 70's and 80's, capturing many conference, district and all-state honors throughout their careers.  

Matt is the son of Matt and Lisa Greer, formerly of Dexter, residing in Creve Cour, Missouri.  He has one sister, Gabrielle, and one younger brother, Marcus.  His proud grandparents are Beverly Hunter and Gary and Judy Crump. 

Greer is the type of young man that we should all follow, encourage and become a fan. His enthusiasm for life and desire for excellence is contagious. His qualities will be a great addition to the Drake Bulldog football program.