Priceless Details For The Fans: As EWU Electrifying QB Has Been Especially Explosive on kickoff Returns

Michael Wortham uses a mental checklist when deciding whether to return a kickoff. If the ball is too close to the sideline, he usually opts out, as it puts his blockers at a disadvantage. He also hesitates when the kick has too much hang time, since that allows the coverage team to close in before he catches the ball. If the kickoff goes out of the end zone, there’s nothing he can do.

During Saturday’s game against Idaho, after declining to return the first five kickoffs, Wortham was ready for the sixth, which he caught on the Eastern Washington 5-yard line and advanced to the 38. His seventh attempt was a standout moment: catching the ball about 7 yards deep in the end zone, he returned it for his first kickoff return touchdown and EWU’s first since 2019. “If I hit the front side, then I had a chance,” he said. “Instinct told me to keep going and trust my gut.”

Trusting his instincts has served Wortham well; he embodies the “slash” role in the Big Sky Conference. Now a senior, these next four games of Eastern Washington’s season, starting Saturday against second-ranked, undefeated Montana State (8-0, 4-0 Big Sky), will be his last in college football. Nevertheless, every coach in the Big Sky has acknowledged him, directly or by his number (13 last year, 6 this year), when discussing how to prepare for Eastern Washington (2-6, 1-3).

MSU head coach Brent Vigen commented on Wortham’s versatility, noting, “They list him as a quarterback, but he essentially plays running back. He returned a kick for a touchdown the other night.” Recently, Wortham’s offensive contributions have been limited, with the kickoff return touchdown marking his first score since September 7 against Drake and his first direct scoring contribution since throwing a touchdown against Nevada on September 21.

However, his impact on special teams has been undeniable. He leads the nation in kickoff return yards this season, with 821, while no one else at the FCS level exceeds 557. Wortham has returned 27 kickoffs, four more than any other player in the FCS, and his average of 30.4 yards per return ranks him fourth nationally, although the three players ahead of him have returned significantly fewer kicks.

“Mike has a green light every time,” said EWU special teams coach Danny McDonald. On his touchdown return, Wortham caught the ball 7 yards deep, which speaks to his trust in the blocking in front of him.

Wortham joined Eastern Washington before the 2023 season with the expectation of primarily playing quarterback. He had a successful run at Sierra (California) College, where he threw for 2,180 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2022 season, alongside 845 rushing yards and 13 scores. In contrast, he was mainly the backup quarterback in his freshman year, getting limited opportunities as a returner.

It wasn’t until spring practice in 2023 that EWU coaches suggested he try returning kicks. “I wanted to be on the field, and I know I can make somebody miss,” Wortham said.

During his high school career at Center High School in California, he was not given opportunities to return kicks as a starting quarterback. Transitioning to this new role at Eastern wasn’t an issue for him. “I know I’ve got to make something happen, no matter what position I’m in,” he said.

In his first season at EWU last year, he rushed for 269 yards and five touchdowns, caught five passes for 57 yards, and occasionally threw the ball. This year, through eight games, Wortham has more receptions (19 for 147 yards) and the same number of completions (4 of 6 for 44 yards and two touchdowns), albeit with fewer rushing attempts (27 for 111 yards and two scores).

As a returner, he has become even more dangerous, surpassing his own previous season record for kickoff return yards. He’s on track to challenge the program’s all-time records for kickoff return yards and touchdowns.

“It’s awesome to have a return guy like Michael Wortham,” McDonald said. “But it’s really the whole unit that’s doing great.”

In addition to their return game, EWU ranks second in the conference for kickoff coverage, with kicker Jackson Cleaver successfully executing a high percentage of touchbacks. While Wortham might not have many opportunities against Montana State due to their effective kick coverage, he remains undeterred by catching the ball in the end zone. Despite the team’s 2-6 record, he is focused on making the most of his final collegiate games.

“Our record is what it is. It’s not the best. I just want to embrace this moment and acknowledge my blessings throughout my career. I’m happy to be here and have another chance to compete. I’m trying to capture all these moments before it’s all gone. After this season, there’s no more going back to college football.”