Jackson alum catches 1st career TD in loss to Huskies (VIDEO)

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 20, 2018

SEATTLE — Daniel Arias likely won’t ever forget the first catch of his college career.

Playing in front of family and friends Saturday afternoon in a homecoming of sorts at Husky Stadium, the former Jackson High School standout and University of Colorado true freshman hauled in a 37-yard touchdown reception on a fade route to cap the Buffaloes’ opening drive.

“It was really special,” Arias said after Colorado’s 27-13 loss to No. 15-ranked Washington. “It was really special just doing it in front of all of my family and friends that were here to watch me play, and especially (in) my hometown.”

Arias has been a regular on special teams this season, but entered the game with only a few offensive snaps.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver said the coaching staff told him he’d take the field Saturday to run that one specific play, and the 2018 Jackson graduate certainly made the most of his opportunity.

Lined up on the far left side of the field on one of the first offensive snaps of his college career, Arias burst by Washington defensive back Jordan Miller and made the touchdown grab while falling to the purple end-zone turf, giving Colorado an early 7-0 lead.

“I just told myself, ‘I’ve got one play, I’ve got one shot,’” Arias said. “‘If I’m going to go in, I’ve gotta catch this ball.’ … I wanted it bad, so I just went up and got it.”

Here's a look at that 37-yard touchdown pass from @Airmontez12 to Daniel Arias

WATCH on FOX#GoBuffs #CUvsUW #BeatUW pic.twitter.com/Tyyr4zVsza

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@RunRalphieRun) October 20, 2018

Arias’ scoring reception was the only touchdown of the game for Colorado, which was missing standout receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. due to a toe injury. Arias led the Buffaloes with a team-high 37 yards receiving on that one catch.

“I’ve just gotta keep working and just keep getting better,” he said. “I’m not satisfied with just that one catch. I want to help my team win, so I want to do whatever I have to do to help them.”

Arias, who was born in the Dominican Republic, starred at Jackson in football and won the Class 4A state title in the 400 meters this past spring.

“I think (the touchdown) means extra special to him,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said. “I know his mom and family was probably going nuts. They’ll treasure that forever.

“That won’t be the last touchdown Daniel Arias scores at the University of Colorado, though. He’s going to be an excellent football player.”

“He’s going to be a good player at CU here in some time,” Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez added. “He’s going to be a damn good player.”