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Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Following his script: Mr. Hollywood in Fresno for tonight's WAC showdown

Mr. Hollywood doesn't worry too much about his football script and where it's taken him.

He's happy in Logan, Utah, starting at one of the most demanding positions on the field for the Utah State Aggies.

Chris Randle, the pride of Golden Valley and one of the most electrifying players to ever wear the red and gold, is a cornerback in head coach Gary Andersen's man-on-man scheme.

That means on every play the 5-foot-10 junior is locked in a one-on-one battle with one of the opposing team's best wide receivers.

No help.

No room for error.

Nowhere to hide.

"We have the abilities to make plays," said Randle, who returns to the Valley tonight when Utah State takes on Fresno State at Bulldog Stadium.

"We are on guys covering man to man and we know it is on us. I am glad to take that challenge. I love to be in a position where I can help my team and accomplish things on my own for my team."

But Bulldog receivers Seyi Ajirotutu and Devin Wylie won't be Randle's only concern. He must also account for running back Ryan Mathews, a nightmare in the open field and a terror to tackle one on one.

Mathews leads the nation in rushing with 1,131 yards and nine touchdowns.

"He does things with the ball that backs don't do," Randle said. "Most backs play a certain way, they have the speed game or the power game. He has the overall game, so we have to plan hard and play hard."

Utah State ranks near the bottom in the nation in rush defense -- No. 109 out of 120 teams -- allowing nearly 200 yards per game. The Aggies are 61st in pass defense.

Andersen believes Fresno State will try to soften the Aggies with heavy doses of Mathews, and then look for the big play through the air.

Ajirotutu is quarterback Ryan Colburn's top target, leading all Bulldog receivers with 24 catches for 356 yards. Wylie has a team-best four TD receptions.

"What they do best is what we do worst. That is the bottom line," Andersen said. "That should concern you, if it doesn't you are crazy. They want to run the football first.

"It's basic one-on-one football. If you have eight guys in the box to stop the run, your corners are basically back there by themselves. They have got big, physical receivers that can run.

"You have to pick your spots. It is a strategic game."

The challenge excites Randle, who earned the nickname "Mr. Hollywood" in high school for his showmanship and flair on the field.

Back then, he hoped his script would keep him in California, near Merced, close to his mother.

He grew up in the heart of Pat Hill country, a section in the Valley from Fresno to Turlock coveted by the Fresno State football coach, and attended all the Bulldog camps.

Randle was one of the Valley's best athletes, a two-way player who essentially played three positions for then-GV coach Dennis Stubbs.

The shifty Randle was a lockdown cornerback and run-and-gun quarterback, who had 2,175 passing yards, 613 rushing yards and four interceptions as a senior in 2006.

"I might have gone there if they had offered," Randle said of Fresno State. "I am happy where I am now. God gave me the opportunity to play here and I am happy for it."

It was never part of the script, so Mr. Hollywood packed his bags and headed to Utah, a part of the country revered for its small-school football.

There was just one problem: Randle wasn't playing at Utah or BYU. He was a prized recruit for Utah State, a team known more for its futility than power football.

The program has earned a measure of respect under Andersen. The Aggies are just 2-5, but have played Utah (6-1), Texas A&M (4-3) and Nevada (4-3) close in losses.

The Aggies picked up their first Western Athletic Conference win last weekend against Lousiana Tech, 23-20.

Randle has been a steady contributor. He ranks fourth on the team in tackles (32), has one interception, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups.

Tonight he hopes to deliver a vintage performance for a large contingent of friends and family.

"I am really looking forward to Fresno State, personally," Randle said. "I get to play in front of my mom, and I haven't been able to do that all year. Playing in front of her always brings extra excitement for me.

"My friends get to see me play. It just brings back the whole high school feeling for me."

Mr. Hollywood doesn't worry too much about his script, but he's sure glad it brings him home tonight.

James Burns is sports editor of the Sun-Star. He can be reached at jburns@mercedsun-star.com.