Villanova’s versatile Szczur: tough to say, tough to stop

The other day, a woman pronounced the last name of Matt Szczur "SUE-sher."

Said Szczur, who had heard just about every pronunciation but that one: "Cracked me up."

The correct way to say this interesting last name is "Caesar," like the Roman emperor. To the University of Richmond's defensive players, Szczur is No.4, the valuable, versatile Villanova junior who may be the key to Saturday's Colonial Athletic Association showdown. The Spiders (6-0, 8-0), top-ranked in the FCS and defending national champions, can clinch at least a share of the CAA title with a victory over fourth-ranked Villanova (4-1, 7-1).

UR coach Mike London calls Szczur "electrifying" and "dynamic." Andy Talley, Villanova's coach since 1985, recognizes the 5-11, 195-pounder as "a spectacular player. The most talented that I've had since [Philadelphia Eagles' star and VU alum] Brian Westbrook."

Already this season, Szczur has accounted for touchdowns as a runner (4 TDs), receiver (3) and kick-returner (1). Also, the resident of Erma, N.J., passed for a touchdown. No other player in Division I football -- FCS or FBS -- can match that eclectic scoring line.

"He's a very shifty guy," said UR defensive tackle Martin Parker. "As a defense, we come in with the mindset of when we get our hands on him, we have to tackle him to the ground. We can't have any missed tackles on him. If we're out in open space, we have to make that big tackle to stop him."

Szczur's unusually extensive duty began with him on special teams as a Villanova freshman. The high school option quarterback immediately became such a factor that Talley looked for additional ways to involve Szczur. He became a starting wide receiver who generally lines up in the slot, and the Wildcats eventually developed their version of the wildcat offense, with Szczur taking direct snaps. That's the role that appeals to him most, Szczur said.

"We put some pass plays in for him. We put some option in for him as well," Talley said.

That "option" part may grab the attention of the Spiders' defense, which has exhibited some vulnerability vs. option-style plays.

Szczur still is a member of virtually every Villanova special team (he has two tackles), and ranks second nationally in kickoff return yardage (29.6), behind James Madison's Scotty McGee (30.3). Szczur also is an accomplished baseball player (catcher/outfielder) who was chosen in the 38th round of the 2007 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Szczur batted a team-leading .346 for Villanova with 18 stolen bases last spring, and is draft eligible again next summer.

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 6496233 or .