Re: good write up here:
UCLA's Matthew Slater finds a way to contribute
September 15, 2007
By KEVIN PEARSON
The Press-Enterprise
.... From the time Slater entered UCLA, his career had been marked by setbacks. First, the numerous injuries that never seemed to end. Then the position changes. Blessed with superstar speed, Slater began his time in Westwood as a wide receiver. Then he was a cornerback. Then he was a safety.
Through all of this, all Slater ever wanted was to be able to contribute to the team and find a role he could thrive in. Finally, Slater has found that opportunity.
... Slater has emerged as a force on special teams as a kick returner for the 11th-ranked Bruins ....
"I've finally found my niche," said Slater, one of the most respected locker room presences on the team. "In my mind, special teams is about relentless effort. I thought about all the hard times I've been through here, and said, 'Now I have a chance, let me make the most of it.'
....
Slater finished second in the state 100 meters his senior season at Anaheim Servite High. ....
With Slater's emergence as a reliable kick returner, the Bruins have found an answer for one of their biggest problems a year ago. ....
"He kind of reminds me of Devin Hester, the way he hits it," said running back/kick returner Kahlil Bell. "A lot of returners, myself included, they will dance around and try to juke 11 guys.
"Slater sees a crease, and with his speed he just hits it."
And just like Slater hits a crease, he delivers his share of hits on special teams, as well. Against BYU, he forced a fumble on a kickoff, and over the past two seasons he has earned a reputation as a big hitter as a gunner on punt and kickoff coverage.
"Matt Slater might be the best special teams player ever, in the history of football," said UCLA punter Aaron Perez, who at first was skeptical of having Slater as a gunner but was convinced after one play.
"I'm going out on a limb to say that, but the kid will go from returning a kick, three plays later go out and bang someone playing gunner, and when they go three-and-out, he will squash them at the line so they can't get down and we return a punt. He's amazing on special teams."
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