For four years, Matt Slater was basically stuck in football limbo.
Injuries plagued him and positional changes kept him near the bottom of the depth chart, unable to take advantage of his natural speed.
Not satisfied with his lack of on-field production, the redshirt senior and former track star asked for a shot at special teams before this season ““ a move that has paid dividends for him and the team.
“I feel like I’ve found a home and a place where I can consistently contribute on this team, and that feels real good,” Slater said. “It’s been a long time coming. I had injuries and position changes, but it means a lot in my senior season to come out and be able to contribute to this team on a weekly basis.”
As a starting kickoff return man and gunner, Slater has taken advantage of regular playing time, letting his work ethic do all the talking.
This season, Slater has taken 17 kicks back for 451 total yards and owns 14 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble as a back-up safety.
“Matt’s always had a great attitude,” special teams and safeties coach Gary DeLoach said.
“He’s always worked hard. He’s just had the misfortune of having some injuries and that’s part of life and football. Nobody works any harder than Matt.”
Despite his limited contributions on the field before this year ““ he had a total of nine career tackles, all coming last season ““ Slater has emerged as an influential player in the locker room and on the field.
“I just try to come out there and be a leader to these guys, whether it be spiritually or by example on the field,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot here, the 25 (seniors) and some of us have been here five years. We try to just encourage the younger guys because we know what they’re going through, trying to get adapted. I just try to be there for my teammates if they want to come talk to me ““ just be that guy that they can come talk to.
“It’s an honor to be out there with these young guys. We have a lot of young talent. We have a bright future, and I’m just glad to have an influence, an impact on them in this stage in their careers.”
More than being a calming influence off the field, Slater has served double duty as both returner and special teams gunner, a task that he says helps him with each job.
“Being a returner helps me be able to identify schemes (as a gunner) on kickoffs and helps me get to the ball a little quicker. When I’m back there as a returner, I have a extra sense of urgency because I know what it’s like running down trying to take a guy’s head off. They go hand in hand.”
For the former runner-up in the California high school state championships in the 100-meter dash, his success this season will not be taken for granted.
“I’m just thankful they gave me the opportunity, and it’s worked out pretty well up to this point,” Slater said.
“I just feel very blessed and fortunate that things have gone the way they have so far.”