NCAA Football Spotlight on Kevin Jurovich
San Jose State Senior Wide Receiver Returns From Extreme Illness
"It was unlike an injury, where you could still come to practice and be with the team," Jurovich said as San Jose State (1-3) prepared to open the Western Athletic Conference with a home game against Idaho (1-0, 4-1). "I was told not to come around. It was hard enough not playing; to be told I couldn't be with my teammates was a double negative."
A Receiver Without a Cause
Jurovich, who came to San Jose State as a defensive back, was limited to two games last year as a result of the illness, which could have put his playing career in jeopardy.
He was granted an extra year of eligibility, though, and has picked up where he left off in 2007, when he set the school's single-season reception record with 85.
He enters WAC play following three consecutive contests with at least 100 receiving yards. He has 128 receptions and 10 touchdown in his 17 career games as a wide receiver.
Although he was a quarterback and safety in high school, Jurovich thought he could help the Spartans more as a receiver.
"As a freshman I was willing to do anything," Jurovich said. "My position coach and I bonded and I trusted him. Then he moved to tight ends the next year and for whatever reason it didn't work out between the new coach and myself."
Following San Jose State's victory in the 2006 New Mexico Bowl, Jurovich went to the coaches to ask for the position change. The Spartans graduated their top two receivers.
"We didn't recruit him so when he was a safety, that's what we assumed and put him there," San Jose State coach Dick Tomey said.
"When those guys were drafted, the door was wide open," Jurovich said. "I missed not having the ball in my hands. I wasn't used to sharing it. I didn't expect them to think I could do it but I believed in myself and I just wanted the chance."
Causing Things to Happen
Tomey has said Jurovich is a big play about to happen. Not only does he possess sure hands and quickness, he's also fearless in any situation. He also returns punts.
"He's had a meteoric rise as a wide receiver," Tomey said. "He adjusted to his new position as fast as I've seen anybody. He's done a tremendous job for us."
Jurovich has yet to catch a touchdown pass this season but he's set up several scores with clutch receptions. He has 28 receptions for 388 yards, averaging 13.9 yards per reception and 97.0 yards a game.
His previous experience as a wide receiver came while at Valley Christian in San Jose. For the first offensive play in each of the first seven games of his senior year, he would line up at the receiver slot and run a deep post. It worked all seven times.
Scouting Idaho
The Vandals are off to their best start in 15 years and Jurovich thinks one of the main reasons is the play of junior free safety Shiloh Keo, who also returns punts.
"He's a good player who makes big plays," Jurovich said. "I remember watching him return a punt for 107 yards. I'd never seen that before."
They will likely be seeing a lot of each other on the field at Spartan Stadium during the game. It's likely a matchup that will determine the victor.
"This is a huge test for our football team," Tomey said. "Idaho beat two bowl teams from last year and they've come back in the fourth quarter. Idaho and Boise State are clearly the two best teams in the WAC right now."
Junior quarterback Nathan Enderle passed for 333 yards (15-for-38) and three touchdowns in Idaho's win over Colorado State. Senior Max Komar caught 12 of those passes for 152 yards and a touchdown.
"The thing that impresses me most is that after five games they have not lost a fumble," Tomey said. "They lead the WAC in rush defense and third-down conversions. They convert 54 percent of the time. That's almost unheard of in college football."
San Jose State has won the last four games played between the schools. The contest also serves as the Spartans' homecoming.
Injury Update
Tomey reported that running backs Brandon Rutley and Pat Perry are ready to go, as is safety Dominique Hunsucker.
The defensive line should also get a boost with the return of junior Justin Willis and sophomore Joe Nigos. Kalvin Cressel is still a week or two away.
Kevin Jurovich
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles