THE NOT-SO SECRET WEAPON RETURNS

Running back Ryan Mathews hopes to have an injury-free 2009 for Fresno State.

By Andrew Marden
VSP Senior Writer

FRESNO – He spells his name with one ‘t.’ The missing ‘t,’ common in most people with the same last name, might as well stand for ‘touchdown.’

Ryan Mathews is back.

And all of Fresno State’s 2009 opponents are close to breaking out in nervous sweats.

If they haven’t already.

“I’m feeling good,” said the Bulldogs’ junior tailback, taking the field with the rest of his team this week during spring practice. “I’ve been out too long and it’s just time to get out here and play football.”

Mathews missed five games in 2008 because of what he called “a freak injury.” He got stepped on in the Bulldogs’ September win at UCLA.

Said Mathews, “Enjoy every moment you’re out there because you never know when it could be taken away from you.”

The Bulldogs got by with Anthony Harding and Lonyae Miller shouldering most of the workload. They combined for 1,634 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Mathews, who led the WAC and was ranked in the top ten in the NCAA in both rushing and scoring before his injury, still managed to rush for 606 yards with six rushing touchdowns.

“Us running backs are gonna do our thing,” he said with a smile.

Mathews’ “thing” is the reason head coach Pat Hill recruited him out of Bakersfield’s West High School in the first place. He’s scored more touchdowns (22) than games played (19). In fact, when he scores a touchdown the Bulldogs are 12-2.

“I’ve been working hard,” said Mathews. “I’ve been in the weight room a lot, working on my speed. I should get back to that level pretty soon.”

A level he certainly was at two years ago.

Mathews was the NCAA’s top freshman rusher in 2007 with 14 touchdowns (more than twice any other Bulldog) and an average of 5.97 yards. Assuming he’s healthy, he’ll get the bulk of the carries this season.

“Everybody’s healthy,” smiled wide receiver Marlon Moore. “We’re all here, we’re all healthy, we’re all strong.”

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