Feature story on Michael Wadsworth

LVS = Las Vegas Sun

About her son's love for football, his Mom Patti Wadsworth said:
"He has such a passion for football. It's just unbelievable to watch him play, knowing that is my son out there doing so well. At first, I was nervous because he was so small, but he knew the game so well and was always one of the fastest. Nobody could catch him." (LVS)

LVS Note: "Not many players Wadsworth's size — he was 5-foot-9, 120 pounds as a freshman — go on to play in college. But, then again, not many have the drive of Wadsworth."

LVS Note: "Wadsworth — who thanks to natural growth and his dedication to weight training is now 6-foot-1, 190 pounds — made a name for himself as one of Nevada's top players as a junior in 2007. He had eight kickoff or punt returns for touchdowns to help Silverado win the Southeast Division title."

About how he learned to play when he was smaller than the other players, Wadsworth said:
"I always thought I would grow, but I wasn't sure when it would happen. When you are smaller, you definitely have to find a way around the bigger kids. I learned how to maneuver. I just like trying to make something out of nothing." (LVS)

LVS Note: "Following a breakout season in 2007, just when Wadsworth was receiving considerable interest from colleges, he found himself again pleading with his parents to play football. His dad's three-year commitment as a missionary leader with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ended, and the Wadsworth family — Michael has 10 siblings — was set to move back to Provo. Michael did not want to bail on teammates in their quest for a state title and argued that relocating would hurt his chances of playing Division I football. He convinced his parents to let him stay, moved in with family friends and had a stellar year. He was named first-team All-Sunrise Region."

About being away from his family during his senior year in high school, Michael said:
"There were definitely some late night talks before they finally let me stay." (LVS)

LVS Note: "With the scholarship to Hawaii set, it was agreed Wadsworth would move back to Provo after the season. But he convinced his parents to let him stay the remainder of the year because he has some unfinished business. Hit with injuries, Silverado struggled last fall and did not make the playoffs. Wadsworth hopes to make up for that disappointment with the basketball team, on which he is a top defender for a squad near the top of the Southeast standings."

About Wadsworth, Siverado football coach Andy Ostolaza said:
"Let's put it this way, I have never coached a more complete player who did everything for the team. From the kick returning to playing multiple spots on each side of the ball, I haven't had a kid do so many different things. And, as a student, how can you beat a 4.0 guy?" (LVS)