Matt McCallister transferred to McNeese State in the hopes of making an impression there.

The former Louisiana Tech receiver didn’t have many opportunities to play in Ruston during his three years there.

He only played in 14 games, most of them on special teams. He had just two catches, both last season, for 27 yards.

“I was playing behind a great receiver and wanted to show what I could do,” McCallister said. “I was looking for a place where they wanted me and where I could help.”

So he entered the transfer portal and went shopping. He found that he didn’t have far to go.

“McNeese was a perfect fit,” McCallister said. “I liked the coaches and everything they want to do. I want to be part of their comeback.”

McCallister tried to spark a comeback for the Cowboys in the season opener at Tarleton State last Saturday, and he showed what he can do with his first touch of the ball at McNeese.

McCallister took a slant pass at his own 32-yard line, broke a tackle and outran the rest of Tarleton State’s defense into the end zone. The play covered 80 yards and cut the Texans’ lead to three (26-23) with 4:15 left to play.

“As soon as I broke through the tackle, I knew I was gone,” McCallister said. “I knew they weren’t going to catch me because I gave them all the advantage.”

McNeese missed a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime moments later, but McCallister showed he is capable of making the big plays this offense has been looking for over the past few seasons.

“I think this offense is going to have some big plays,” said head coach Gary Goff. “We think Matt can be a big part of that.”

Although he won his race to the end zone, McCallister does not see himself as a speedster.

“I’m not a speed receiver,” he said. “I think I’m more of a possession receiver.”

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound redshirt junior is expected to be one of quarterback Clifton McDowell’s top targets this season, but he wasn’t the only one to make a big play in the opening game.

Redshirt freshman Jamaal Levi also made a big splash the first time he touched the football as a Cowboy. Levi scored on a 43-yard pass from McDowell in the opening quarter.

Levi is a fast guy. Everyone knows he can run, but not McCallister.

“I don’t think anyone thinks I’m fast,” McCallister said. “I think that really surprised them last week.”

McCallister likes to lurk in the shadows, working in the middle and helping to move the chains.

“I feel like I have a lot to prove and that I’m flying under the radar,” he said.

McCallister won’t be there much longer if he keeps running into the end zone.