MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If it were not for Jackson State’s 59–3 annihilation of Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic a week ago, many would have only the slightest glimpse of the man tucked inside of the No. 43 jersey on the football field.
But among his teammates, kicker Alejandro Mata’s presence is known. It’s special. And his Hall of Fame coach, Deion Sanders, knows that better than anyone. Rewind six days ago. Inside the Tigers’ locker room at the Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium, Sanders called on his freshman kicker to translate his congratulatory message to the team for an all-around dominant performance against the Rattlers.
Mata, who speaks both English and Spanish, answered the call and even transcribed Sanders’s request to play his theme music, a popular track from rapper Mystikal entitled “Here I Go.” But on Saturday, in JSU’s 16–3 win against a gritty Tennessee State team seeking payback from the Tigers’ domination in last year’s Southern Heritage Classic (SHC), Mata was the most valuable piece in the Tigers’ offense for more than 43 minutes in what could be the final clash between the historic HBCUs. “They call special teams special,” Sanders added.
