Greater Moriches coverage is funded in part by Angels of Long Island, a charitable nonprofit. Shopping at the Angels’ Mastic and Patchogue thrift stores helps Long Island families in need. Or, click here to donate.
Pitt football offensive lineman Matt Goncalves of Manorville has decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
The red shirt senior out of Eastport-South Manor High School had the option to exercise another year of eligibility with the Panthers. But the lure of “a lifelong dream” was too much to pass it up for Goncalves.
“I will be looking to fulfill a lifelong dream and declaring for the 2024 NFL draft,” he posted on Instagram and X. “As one chapter comes to an end, a new one begins.”
The Long Islander’s announcement came at the conclusion of his heartfelt social media post, in which he thanks his coaches, teammates and family for their support and pays homage to the city of Pittsburgh.
Goncalves has spent five seasons with Pittsburgh, becoming an important part of the Panthers’ offensive line for the last four seasons, after red-shirting his freshman year. He was a team captain this fall, though a leg injury forced him to miss all but the first three games of the season.
Pitt offensive line coach Dave Borbely said earlier this season that Goncalves is ready for the NFL.
Goncalves, who is 6-foot-6 and weighs 330 pounds, played in 35 games, with 24 starts. He was an All-ACC third-team selection in 2022.
With Eastport-South Manor, Goncalves was the consensus No. 1 offensive line prospect in the state of New York, according to scouting services. With the Sharks, he played offensive tackle, tight end and defensive end during his varsity career.
“I’m so proud of everything Matt Goncalves has accomplished in his collegiate career,” Goncalves’ offensive line coach, Christopher Prokesch, posted on Facebook. “I was fortunate to be his offensive line coach at Eastport South Manor High School from 2015-2018 … I’m excited to see what he can accomplish next as he chases his dream to play professionally as he has declared for the 2024 NFL draft.”
Click here to see highlight of Goncalves’ days at Eastport-South Manor.
