Athlete profile: Matt Pelesasa

Matt Pelesasa is third string quarterback on the Bulldogs, but he looks forward to starting next year, whether it is here, or at CSM's rival, Foothill.

Pelesasa, 19, has been playing football for 10 years. He lives in Redwood City, and came from Woodside High School, where he was a three sport athlete all four years. He played football, along with baseball and basketball.

Pelesasa decided to go to CSM originally because he was impressed with the coaches and the program.

"(I liked) the way that the coaches embrace you on the visits," Pelesasa said.

He is now a second year student athlete and a communications major.

Although CSM is a great program, lately Pelesasa has been wavering between continuing on at CSM and transferring to Foothill.

"I want to go play for a division one program, get a scholarship," he said. "I don't want to walk on."

Although he is third on the depth chart right now, he is behind two sophomore quarterbacks, JT Ramos, and Wes Price, both of who are in their last year of eligibility.

Pelesasa, who is accustomed to starting, looks forward to an opportunity to start next year, but knows it requires hard work.

"I need to work on my fundamentals, my drop, things like that," Pelesasa said.

Pelesasa's decision is not etched in stone, however. He said that he is "pretty sure" he is coming back."I'm about 75 percent sure," he said.

He is currently the frontrunner for next year's starting job, as he is the only quarterback on the team who will be eligible past this year, but nothing is guaranteed.

"I don't think about next year, nobody has a guaranteed spot," said head coach Larry Owens.

Pelesasa will attempt to take advantage of CSM's reputation for an excellent football program.

"They do a good job of sending people out (on scholarship)," Pelesasa said.

As for now, Pelesasa is going to continue to hold on for field goals, as well as continue to work hard, and be ready to play at any time.