Advertisement
Now, if only he could figure out how to embellish.
Bordeau described the biggest play of his career so far, a 46-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter, as really no big deal at all.
“That one just kind of worked out,” Bordeau said before Tuesday’s practice. “I didn’t even necessarily make a move. The (defender) kind of missed as I caught the ball because (Nick) Anker made a good pass and I got outside and (Dan) Sellers made a good block.”
When it comes to playing his position, or re-enacting a catch, Bordeau prefers to keep things straightforward. Run a crisp route, make the catch, go for more if it’s there.
“He runs the most disciplined routes out of anybody I’ve ever thrown to,” quarterback Nick Anker said. “His routes are phenomenal. What he does each time is so consistent, a lot of times I don’t need to see him and I can let the pass go.”
Bordeau, a sophomore, doesn’t shy away from being labeled as a possession receiver. As the 5-foot-11 guy among wideouts who are 6-3 and 6-5, it’s a role that fits.
“Throughout high school, it was the same thing,” Bordeau said. “I caught the short passes, and in my senior year I got to break out and run some deeper routes. For me, I don’t have the size, but I’ve got some good quickness, not necessarily speed, and I’ve worked really hard at making sure I run good routes because that helps me get open and make space.”
Bordeau leads the Eagles with 17 receptions for 228 yards (13.4 avg.) and two touchdowns this season. Against Eau Claire, he caught TDs of 12 and 35 yards and had the long gain that set up the Eagles at the 11, but they failed to score.
“He’s not big and tall, but you know what, he’s a tough kid, he runs great routes and he catches the ball well,” UW-L coach Larry Terry said. “He’s been consistent for us.”
Anker, also a sophomore, played with Bordeau last season as the two paid their dues on the scout team. Anker said he’s not surprised to see Bordeau stepping up this year.
“It’s definitely kind of a breakout year for him,” Anker said. “He got stronger, faster, smarter. He’s a great receiver.”
Before Saturday, Bordeau had two four-catch games and two two-catch games. Not bad, but not what Bordeau expected of himself.
“I needed it,” Bordeau said of his first 100-yard receiving game in college. “I was telling my roommates and some of the guys on the team all week that I needed a game I could actually show I’m not just holding places for somebody, I can actually go out and contribute a little bit. At the same time, I’d trade it in and have one catch for 2 yards every game if we were 5-0.”
QB SET: Terry said Anker will start Saturday against Platteville.
It will be Anker’s second straight start. In three games this season, Anker has completed 15 of 43 passes for 222 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
