Los Angeles (Calif.) Salesian receiver Matthew Villasenor had his senior year all planned: have a big season and see the offers roll in.
But because of a still-pending appeal with the CIF-SS offices, Villasenor hasn’t even been able to see the field in his final season.
“I had a medical issue and missed a lot of school, but I didn’t miss as many days as I had to for them to let me have another year. I’m working on a fifth year of eligibility and I just barely turned 18 so everything else should let me play. I’m just trying to fight the ruling. It’s frustrating knowing that other players have gotten a fifth year to play,” said Villasenor. “But a lot of people at school have been helping me clear my mind.”
Fortunately for Villasenor, that hasn’t stopped schools from getting in touch with him.
“I’ve been talking to Colorado State and Montana State has called a couple of times. Nebraska has been sending me mail and I also like Oregon State, Oregon, UNLV and Colorado State and I like Cal,” said Villasenor.
Louisiana-Monroe has also been in recent contact with Villasenor.
As he waits for the verdict from the CIF offices, he’s still putting in the time with his team.
“In the meantime, I’m still practicing with the team and I’m just doing scout team, whoever the best player on the other team is, I’m playing him on the offensive side of the ball.”
Villasenor said that when he gets back, he’ll be reinserted into the lineup on offense.
“I’ll probably focus on the offensive side of the ball, but wherever the coach wants me, just the opportunity to play would be an honor itself.
Villasenor attended the UnderArmour/Scout.com Combine in Los Angeles as well as the UCLA 3-Day Camp and he’s also camped at the DeBartolo Sports University.
“Coach (John) Blake at North Carolina saw me and wanted to see some of my game film this year,” said Villasenor.
Alas, he doesn’t have any film, and he realizes the longer he waits, the less he gets to play.
“I’m hoping to play but it was two weeks before the first game of the season that they told me,” said Villasenor. “I’m hoping that something works out and God-willing, I’ll have a chance to play. Otherwise, I’ll try to play at a local JC and be a qualifier or try to play at a smaller school."
Villasenor is in fine shape academically, carrying a 3.2 GPA and taking the SAT in October.