SAN DIEGO -- Corey Boudreaux walked off the San Diego State practice field toward the locker room late Thursday afternoon with a bounce in his step and a smile across his face.

He didn't look like a fifth-year senior that had been through this end-of-practice routine dozens of time before, and for good reason. The Aztecs' starting free safety is enjoying football after three years away from the game.

"Things happen in weird ways," Boudreaux said. "I'm happy; if I could take things back, I would have never quit. But I had my reasons, and things have worked out in the long run. I appreciate things more now. I don't take things for granted."

Boudreaux came to the Aztecs as a wide receiver recruit from Santa Ana Mater Dei in 2003 and spent the first year as a redshirt. He went through spring ball in 2004, but he missed the 2004-2006 seasons.

"I had some family issues, but I finally realized I can't control what happens outside of football," he said, declining to explain the family problems. "I had to look toward the positives things and realize everything else was in the past."

He's quickly making up for lost time. He worked his way into the starting lineup for the season opener at Washington State, and he's coming off his two best games at Colorado State, a 24-20 win, and last week's 23-7 loss at Utah.

Boudreaux's play at Utah kept the score close until the second half, even though the Aztecs' offense struggled and the defense gave up 514 total yards.

He made 13 tackles, including a forced fumble that prevented a touchdown when the ball went out of the end zone for a touchback. He also intercepted a pass, had two pass breakups and a tackle for a loss.

Only a player with natural football instincts could return so quickly to make an impact, but he also says he always remained close to the team. He kept up his school work while not playing and is on schedule to graduate in the spring.

"My teammates have encouraged me, and I've been able to catch on quickly," he said. "I've been through some hard times, but I'm showing I can still make something out of what's left if my career. I wanted to show I could play at this level."