Opportunity knocks on Eafon's door

Aaron Wickenden Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior running back Kelvin Eafon (38) looks for an opening in UCLA's defensive line as UCLA's Brendon Ayanbadejo (50) and Ryan Nece (47) close in. Eafon leads the Wildcats with 10 touchdowns and is second in rushing yards with 295.

"This is my last year," Eafon said. "And with five games left, you have to get up for each game."

Eafon leads the team with 10 touchdowns on the season and is second in rushing yards with 295, trailing only junior tailback Trung Canidate's 404.

Although Eafon's stats have not been as high in the scoring area over the past few years, he sees no difference in his past play in comparison with this year, he said.

"It's the same as it was last year," Eafon said. "It's just that this year most of the opportunities have been around the goal line."

Arizona head coach Dick Tomey said Eafon's role for the team is clearly defined.

"He's our short yardage guy," Tomey said. "So we rush him on first-and-goal when it's short yardage."

Eafon, of Seagoville, Texas, High School, said he is used to this type of competition in the red zone.

"It's been this way since I was a child," he said. "My mom always taught me whenever you're going to compete, compete hard and the more opportunities will come your way. All I need is the opportunity and I am going to give."

In high school, Eafon earned three letters in football as a running back and four letters in basketball. He was also named All-City Athlete of the Year as a senior.

"In high school I scored and led in touchdowns rushed, too. Not many people saw me going to do what I have done this year," Eafon said. "But all I needed was for someone to give me more. And the coaches gave me more, so I did it. I got the opportunity."

Eafon will have another chance to test his scoring opportunity at home on Saturday night at 7 when the Wildcats (6-1) take on Northeast Louisiana (2-4).

"They're going to play real, real hard," Eafon said of the Indians.

UA offensive coordinator Dino Babers seems to have confidence in Eafon and the other Wildcat runningbacks, as well as the offensive line, based on their performance last week.

"I was impressed with all of them (Eafon, Leon Callen, Canidate)," Babers said of last week's game. "They all ran pretty well, but it's not just them, it's how the offensive line blocks that really helps."

Eafon is a family studies major and plans on settling in an entrepreneur career.

Kate Longworth can be reached via e-mail at Kate.Longworth@wildcat.arizona.edu.