George Awaits Next Call From the NFL

So far, there’s not much in Matt George’s NFL scrapbook, but he’s working on it.

The former Chapman kicker, filling in for injured Pittsburgh kicker Norm Johnson, had a field goal attempt from 36 yards blocked in the Steelers’ 23-14 loss to Tennessee on Nov. 15.

“After I talked to some people, I understand why they blamed me,” said George, who played for Chapman in 1996-97, and is currently finishing work on his degree in film and TV. “I know the field goal would have been good if the guy hadn’t come through the line like that, but the bottom line is that I didn’t make it.”

But there were bright spots: George had four kickoffs, all inside the 10-yard line, and two PATs.

Last fall, the New York Giants scouted George, who last season kicked nine field goals, including a 52-yarder, for Chapman. In April, the 5-11, 185-pound George signed a tryout contract with the Steelers and participated in rookie camp.

George made two field goals in exhibition games, including a 47-yarder, but he was cut. Afterward, Denver flew him in for a four-man tryout when Jason Elam was hurt, but George wasn’t signed.

When Johnson strained his right calf muscle Nov. 9 during the game against Green Bay, the Steelers flew George to Pittsburgh and signed him to a contract for the league minimum (in the mid-$100,000 range.) The money will help pay tuition, and the experience will make a good story to relate to classmates.

“Pittsburgh was up-front about the whole situation,” he said. “They told me right away that I was just there until Norm got better, probably just the one game.”

Johnson returned for the Steelers’ game Thanksgiving day against Detroit.

George’s contract contained a clause allowing the Steelers to terminate it at any time, and the salary is prorated. George was cut the day after the game, but the story doesn’t end there.

“I think this still helps me get noticed and makes my chances of getting another shot in the NFL better.”

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Freshman Taryn Commins has made an immediate impact on the Concordia women’s basketball team. The forward, who was a two-time all-South Coast League selection at San Clemente High, is averaging a team-leading 11.7 points for the Eagles (3-3).

She had 14 points and five rebounds Nov. 13 against Cal Poly Pomona in her first college game.

Twice she has scored 16 points, in a 91-18 victory over La Sierra on Nov. 17, and in a 70-62 victory over Northwood (Mich.) Friday at the Mesa State College tournament in Colorado. The Eagles visit La Verne at 7:30 p.m. Friday.