Playing defense on a team coached by Washington State's Mike Leach is always one way to fly low, and being a redshirt freshman backup is certainly another.
On the other hand, having a superstar name like Hercules Mata'afa is going to gain attention and so is being a freshman All-American, an honor USA Today gave to the defensive tackle from Lahina, Hawaii after a six-sack season.
Mata'afa has a ways to go to fulfill his immense potential - pretty much all freshmen do - but fans watching him take on Miami Saturday in the Hyundia Sun Bowl can see a playmaker on his way to a special place.