Stamps would like to be on throwing end of TD
<blockquote><p align=justify><b>Louisiana faces SBC foe New Mexico State tonight 6.p.m.</b>
LOUISIANA La. -- Despite catching 2,400 yards worth of passes in his University of Louisiana career, Fred Stamps still feels a bit unfilled.
Before his eligibility ends in five games, Stamps would like to throw for a touchdown instead of catching one.
"It's something I've always dreamed of, throwing a touchdown in college. I've talked to the coaches about it a bunch of times.
"All they've said about it so far is they would see what they can do," Stamps said.
The moment to showcase Stamps' passing skills might come true at 6 p.m. today at Cajun Field when ULL plays host to New Mexico State in a televised Sun Belt Conference game.
ESPN's regional network will televise the game in Louisiana on all Cox cable affiliates, according to ULL officials.
Stamps, who has caught at least one pass in every college game he's played since his freshman season, has 150 career ULL receptions and 15 touchdowns.
Occasionally Stamps said his mind drifts back to his middle school days in New Orleans, a time when he played quarterback.
"All throughout my middle school years I was at quarterback, but then my coach saw me catch the ball and I was moved to receiver," said Stamps.
As it's turned out, the coach's decision has worked out well for Stamps, who has receptions in 39 straight college game.
Currently Stamps is tied for fourth in consecutive game receptions behind leader Kunie Patrick of Northwestern University (41), Wes Welker of Texas Tech and Roy Williams of Texas (40 each).
Kentucky's Derek Abney has also caught passes in 39 straight games.
Stamps is also second on the Cajuns' career list in yardage and third in receptions and TD's.
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By BOBBY ARDOIN
Special to The Advocate <!--
During his final two seasons at Carver High, Stamps was a two-time all-state selection and caught 103 passes for over 2,500 yards.
In high school Stamps said he was courted by numerous recruiters and had opportunities to receive scholarships at other universities, including LSU.
The Cajuns have won just seven games since Stamps' freshman season, but he's not disappointed at his choice of schools.
"I consider it a blessing that I'm here. I really love being a Ragin' Cajun. I think there's a reason why I'm playing here," Stamps said.
The one thing that has amazed Stamps this season is the way the Cajuns have continued to exhibit a positive work ethic, despite a 0-7 overall record.
"In order to understand what I'm saying, people need to come out here to every practice and see what it's like," said Stamps.
Stamps said he once considered transferring to LSU early in his ULL career, but he eventually decided to stay in Lafayette.
He said one reason was the hiring of Rickey Bustle as ULL's coach in January of 2002.
"I think I've really improved as a receiver the last two years since coach Bustle and his staff have been here.
"Now I've learned how to watch tape and study tape to make the adjustments that I need.
"I can look over the defense now and learn how to attack. Before coach Bustle came, I never did study tape," said Stamps.
Stamps said his receiving numbers have forced opposing secondaries to make specific adjustments to limit him.
"Teams have played a lot of Cover 2 in the secondary, where they might slide over the safety over on top of a linebacker.
"When teams do that, it opens it up for our other receivers like (Bill) Sampy and (Eric) Bartel. I've even been triple teamed this season," he said.
Stamps said he was single covered during most of the Cajuns' (56-3) loss at Oklahoma State.
"They were playing man (coverage) on me and then as the game went on, they started to play more double coverage," he said.
Stamps said the Cajuns spread him all over the field, something which he really likes.
"In the past two years they've really opened up the offense and I became more productive because of that," Stamps said.
New Mexico State (1-5) like the Cajuns, hasn't won a SBC game this season.
The Aggies are 0-2 in conference play, while the Cajuns are at the bottom of the league (0-3) standings.
In order to defeat NMSU, the Cajuns will have to stop the Aggies' rushing attack which ranks No. 1 in the conference (218.2 yards per game) and No. 9 in Division I-A.
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