USD FOOTBALL: Toreros hope Matthews makes big noise now

By By Tom Shanahan - For The North County Times | Friday, September 5, 2008 7:09 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- University of San Diego senior running back J.T. Rogan, considered the team's vocal leader, is gone for the season with torn knee ligaments suffered last week in the Toreros' season-opening victory.

But John Matthews, Rogan's roommate and teammate, doesn't expect the Toreros to be any quieter without contributions from their career leader in touchdowns (46) and rushing yards (2,967).

"J.T. is a loud kid," Matthews said. "He's our vocal leader, so we'll need some guys to step up and fill that role. It's going to kill him to not be out there with us, but he'll be rooting us on harder than anybody. We know he'll still be around."

The Toreros (1-0) seek their 26th straight victory at home ---- the longest streak in the nation among NCAA Division I schools ---- when they host Azusa Pacific (0-1) at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Torero Stadium.

Rogan's loss, along with the departure of star quarterback Josh Johnson, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, puts more focus on Matthews, a senior wide receiver who has emerged as an NFL prospect.

The 6-foot, 203-pounder from Littleton, Colo., caught 16 touchdown passes in 2007 to set a single-season school record. His two receiving touchdowns in last week's victory over Marist gave him 31 for career, five shy of the school's career record set by Adam Hannula (2002-05).

A year ago, Johnson brought the NFL scouts to Torero Stadium. They're still coming to USD practices and games this season, and Matthews is the primary reason why.

USD head coach Ron Caragher said scouts from eight to 10 teams have visited this season. They're also were looking at Rogan and tight end Mitch Ryan.

"They love his speed," Caragher said of Matthews. "He's only got average size for the NFL, but he's strong, he's got good hands and he's very quick. He's definitely on the radar. It's tough to get drafted. But maybe if he gets in a [senior] all-star game, like Josh did last year, and he gets in the [NFL] combine, he can show what he can do."

One of Matthews' strongest attributes is his ability to use his strength to beat bump coverage off the line of scrimmage. That's a trait many star college receiver lack and one that prevents them from succeeding in the NFL.

"I've always felt that's been a natural thing for me, but you still have to work on techniques," Matthews said. "You got to incorporate that into things you're good at to get off the line."

Caragher acknowledged it will be tough emotionally for Matthews to continue the season without Rogan, but he doesn't expect Matthews' production to suffer.

"I'm sure it breaks John's heart to see his buddy and roommate out for the year," Caragher said. "But when it's all said and done, I'm confident John will be ready."

Added Matthews: "We'll use J.T. as motivation ---- to win for him. We'll also know, from his example, that the game can be taken away from you at any moment. You have to appreciate you're out there and play hard."