Matt McCallister transferred to McNeese State hoping to make an impact.
The former Louisiana Tech receiver didn’t get much chance to play in Ruston during his three years there.
He played in just 14 games, most of that on special teams. He had just two catches, both last season, for 27 yards.
“I was playing behind a great receiver and I wanted to show what I could do,” said McCallister. “I was looking for a place that wanted me and I could help.”
So he entered the transfer portal and went shopping. He found out he didn’t have far to move.
“McNeese was a perfect fit,” McCallister said. “I loved the coaches and everything about what they want to do. I want to be a part of their comeback.”
McCallister tried to lead a Cowboy comeback last Saturday in the season opener at Tarleton State. With his first touch of the football at McNeese, he showed what he can do.
McCallister took a slant pass at his own 32, broke a tackle, and outraced the rest of the Tarleton State defense into the end zone. The play covered 80 yards and cut the Texans lead to three (26-23) with still 4:15 remaining.
“As soon as I broke that tackle I knew I was gone,” said McCallister. “I knew they were not going to catch me because I had the angle on them all.”
McNeese would miss a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime moments later, but McCallister showed that he can provide the big play this offense has been looking for the past few seasons.
“I think this offense will have some big plays,” said head coach Gary Goff. “We think Matt can be a big part of that.”
Despite winning his race to the end zone, McCallister doesn’t consider himself a speedster.
“I am not a speed receiver,” he said. “I think I’m more of a possession receiver.”
The 6-foot, 194-pound redshirt junior is expected to be one of the top targets of quarterback Clifton McDowell this season. However, he was not alone in making a big play in the opener.
Redshirt freshman Jamaal Levi also went the distance the first time he touched the football as a Cowboy. Levi scored on a 43-yard pass from McDowell in the opening quarter.
Levi is a speed guy. Everybody knows he can run, but not McCallister.
“I don’t think anybody considers me fast,” McCallister said. “I think that really surprised them last week.”
McCallister is more than happy to lurk in the shadows, work over the middle, and help move the chains.
“I feel I have a lot to prove and I feel like I am under the radar,” he said.
McCallister won’t be there much longer if he keeps racing into the end zone.
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