Head Coach Andy Talley can rest easy at the end of the day knowing junior wide receiver Matt Szczur will step up to help the No.2-ranked football team when called upon.

The 5-feet-11-inch, 195-pound wide receiver has proven himself among the most talented players in the league this year.

“He is a versatile threat for us,” Talley said. “He can do a variety of things and keeps the defense on its toes.”

At this stage in the season, Szczur has lived up to his preseason honor of first team All-CAA.

Last week’s game against Towson University was an illustration of the unique dimension Szczur adds to the game whenever he sets foot on the field. He rushed for 44 yards on four attempts, caught two passes for 20 yards, and threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to junior quarterback Chris Whitney en route to a 49-7 stomping of the Towson Tigers.

Szczur’s touchdown pass to Whitney marked the second touchdown pass Szczur has thrown this year.

“Szczur went in motion from the slot, and Whitney tossed the ball to him,” Talley said.  “Szczur ran to the right, Whitney came back out to the left and Szczur threw it back to him.”

All year, Szczur has confused, flustered and scared defenses with his multifaceted ability to run, catch or throw the football at any given time. He has embraced the wildcat offense by showing his ability to take a direct snap and plunge ahead for yardage, or line up in the slot and carve up defenses with underneath routes that typically end up in yards after the catch.

His value is also felt on special teams since he returns kickoffs for the Wildcats. In a Nov. 7 heavyweight bout against the defending national champion Richmond Spiders, Szczur amassed 75 yards on three kick returns, consistently giving Whitney and the Wildcat offense optimal field position.

Talley will lead his 9-1 Wildcats to battle against rival Delaware Blue Hens at home this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Villanova Stadium in a game that has major playoff implications.

As per usual, Szczur will be ready, willing and able to perform any task necessary to catapult the ‘Cats to a victory in their final regular season home game.