This is a first in a series of student-athlete features to run over the summer leading up to the start of the 2010 season on Sept. 2 against Western New Mexico in the Walkup Skydome.

By Steven Shaff, NAU Media Relations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona wide receiver Khalil Paden likes to play video games, especially the Madden football games. At Northern Arizona's spring game, he put up video game-like numbers that solidified his role on the Lumberjack team entering the fall.

“Like anyone that comes into the program, you have to solve the language barrier first,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers. “He is a real good athlete and a fine player. He made some nice plays during spring practice and we are excited about what he can contribute.”

Paden, a transfer from San Jose State, had three catches for 110 yards including a 70-yard touchdown pass from Chase Stangel to highlight the NAU Spring Game at Cromer Stadium.

Paden played for Dick Tomey at San Jose State, making six catches over two seasons. After seeing action in nine games last season, he was hoping for an expanded role in the Spartan offense this season. But after Tomey retired after the season, the new coaching staff did not guarantee a spot or playing time in 2010.

Paden talked to former Pop Warner teammate Austin Shanks and former prep rival Gionvannie Dixon, who were excited to help their friend come to Northern Arizona.

“I think he is going to be a deep threat for us,” said Wide Receivers Coach Francis St. Pail. “You could see from his performance in the spring game he brings some needed speed. I know we have some fast guys but he brings a different kind of speed.”

Paden was attracted to the potent offense and successful passing game led by Walter Payton Award candidate Michael Herrick.

“I knew they threw the ball a lot here and they had a couple good receivers leaving,” said Paden. “It is a good opportunity for me. I think we have a real solid receiving corp and we still have a couple more junior college and freshmen signees to join in the fall. It is going pretty well.”

With just 15 practices to get to know his new teammates this spring, Paden left impressed with Herrick and the quarterbacks on the roster.

“He is real accurate and more accurate that the quarterbacks at San Jose State and they have some good quarterbacks too,” said Paden. “I am really excited to have the chance to play with him and he is going to have the ability to spread the ball around and give me a chance to make a play.”

Paden joins returning starter Daiveun Curry-Chapman, who recorded 27 receptions for 227 yards and four touchdowns last season, junior Michael Czyz and redshirt freshmen Ca'leve Deboskie and Jeremy Dang among the group heading into fall in the challenging to catch passes from Herrick.

Paden also had to adjust to the Flagstaff weather that brought one of the snowiest winters of all-time this year.

“Being from California, I have never been in the snow,” said Paden. “At first it was, 'Yeah, snow'. But then it changed into 'Aw, man, snow again'. But I like the snow.”

The Chatsworth, Calif., native will look to build on his spring performance with a strong summer in Flagstaff.

“I think you have to put it all together,” said Paden. “I am not extremely fast but I am fast enough and put that together with solid route running and good hands. I would not say I am really outstanding at one thing but when you put it all together it works for me.”

DID YOU KNOW…The student-athletes recorded a 3.0 GPA overall for the fall semester, the fifth time in the last six semesters the department has had a 3.0 or better GPA for the semester.