When the slew of UCLA�s experienced wide
receivers is mentioned, the last name to come up is redshirt senior
Matt Willis. That�s because, despite being older
than other seniors Joe Cowan, Andrew Baumgartner and Junior Taylor,
and being in his fifth year of school, Willis is only beginning his
second year as a member of the football team.
�I�m the young one of the group
in football years,� Willis said.
�It�s great to have the older
guys around, because they have been there and they know how
it�s done.� Willis began his UCLA
career as a member of the track and field team and competed in the
2004 NCAA West Regionals. But after two years on the track team,
Willis decided he wanted to give football a try.
It�s a risky proposition, especially considering
that Willis hadn�t played competitive football
since his sophomore year of high school. �I really
missed the game, and the competitive spirit,�
Willis said. �I knew it was going to be a
challenge, but this is what I wanted to do.� On
Saturday against Utah, Willis showed that he is a quick learner,
recording four receptions for 40 yards and one touchdown. The
performance was especially remarkable considering Willis only had
three receptions during the 2005 season, his first with the team.
�It was very validating to go out there and prove
I could get it done,� Willis said.
�I struggled last year, and to have this
performance right away will only help me this
season.� Having that renewed confidence will
certainly help the Bruins, as Willis is expected to play a bigger
role at the wide receiver position with returning senior Cowan out
with a knee injury and junior flanker Marcus Everett slowed by a
hamstring injury. Willis showed his value on Saturday against the
Utes, catching the touchdown pass in the third quarter that put
UCLA ahead for good. �It was a great pass; Ben
(Olson) couldn�t have (thrown) it any
better,� Willis said. �That
feeling when I scored the touchdown was just
amazing.� The challenge for Willis now is to
maintain the level of play he showed against the Utes and be a
consistent performer that the team and quarterback Olson can count
on. That�s when, according to wide receivers coach
D.J. McCarthy, Willis will provide his real value.
�Anyone can have one good game,�
McCarthy said. �The key is to improve and keep up
the performance.� If Willis�
transition from 2005 to 2006 was any indication, he
shouldn�t have a major problem.
AUSTIN AVAILABLE: Freshman wide receiver
Terrence Austin said on Tuesday he is open to the possibility of
returning kicks or punts if the team needs him to. Austin, who
played the second half against Utah, might get that chance as UCLA
coach Karl Dorrell has announced he is exploring different options
at the return position for this Saturday�s game
against Rice. �Whatever the coach needs me to
(do), I�m open to it,� Austin
said. �I just want to be out there on the
field.�