U.'s Madsen aided by catch at Texas A&M

One night — check that — one play in Texas expedited John Madsen's college football career.

Nearly a year later, the Utah wide receiver still can't believe it happened. Considering he didn't play high school football and had to walk on at two colleges, Madsen didn't expect to be on the field with the game on the line at Texas A&M, of all places.

With the Utes trailing 28-20, and a crowd of 74,019 fans watching at rowdy Kyle Field in College Station, Madsen reeled in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Brett Elliott. It came on fourth down with just eight seconds remaining. Though disappointed that the ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed when Elliott was stopped short of the goal line, the clutch reception is still paying dividends.

"I got a little taste of success last year with that touchdown catch," said Madsen. "Once you get that little taste, you want the whole thing, so I worked this offseason."

So much so, in fact, that Madsen has earned a scholarship and a starting job. Utah and Texas A&M square off in this year's season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"I'm really excited," he said. "I can't wait for Thursday night."

Tagged by Utah head coach Urban Meyer as one of the most improved players in the program (along with defensive lineman Tevita Kemoeatu and Jonathan Fanene), Madsen has drawn praise for picking up his level of play.

"Our offseason program is one of the toughest in the nation," said Madsen, who joined many of his teammates at 5:30 a.m. workouts. "I give all my respect to the strength coaches for getting me better in the offseason."

At 6-foot-5, with a 38-inch vertical leap and 4.5 speed in the 40, Madsen has what Meyer considers the athleticism to make inaccurate passes accurate.

"I've not coached many of those guys," said Meyer. "He's a gifted guy and he's a great kid on top of that."

Meyer, who acknowledges Madsen was pressed into duty a bit prematurely a year ago because the Utes lacked depth, anticipates the 21-year-old junior will make 30 or more receptions this season.

Though he only played baseball and basketball at Hunter High, Madsen always felt capable of contributing on the football field as well.

"I had a lot of people out there who always told me I couldn't do it," he said. "But I always knew inside that I had the talent and the ability to do it."

After making just three catches last season, including two at Texas A&M, Madsen's offseason focus began a rapid development. He led all Utah receivers with six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.

Madsen followed it up with an impressive training camp.

After seeing the rewards of hard work, his confidence has also blossomed. Madsen won't be using words like "unbelievable" this time against Texas A&M. The team, as a whole, is taking a businesslike approach to the next meeting.

"I think we trained harder than them," said Madsen. "So we'll see what happens."

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com