Arnold Doesn’t Like Being on Ice, Wants Quick Return

Aaron Arnold watched practice from close range Wednesday at Cal State Northridge, his right shoulder bundled in a bag of ice.

While the Matadors prepared for a Big Sky Conference game Saturday against visiting Cal State Sacramento, Arnold, the Matadors’ career receiving leader, looked on in discomfort. He will not play because of a separated shoulder sustained last week against Montana.

“It feels better every day,” Arnold said, giving his shoulder a wiggle. “I have some pretty good mobility.”

Arnold initially was expected to be sidelined at least three weeks, but he said his goal is to return next week when the Matadors travel to Montana State.

“That’s just my personal goal,” Arnold said. “If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s getting better. They said it wasn’t as bad as they originally thought. It was just the way I landed on it, I guess. It just happened.”

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Arnold’s absence has allowed Northridge coaches to take a closer look at freshman Joe Gilliam from Fresno Edison High.

Gilliam will start in place of Arnold against Sacramento. In the coming years, Gilliam is expected to replace Arnold as the Matadors’ top receiver.

“He looks like Arnold as a freshman,” interim Coach Jeff Kearin said.

Gilliam, 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, caught three passes against Montana, including a seven-yard reception for his first touchdown.

“I’m ready,” Gilliam said. “I’ve waited for this all my life. I really don’t feel any pressure. I just need to go out and do what I do in practice.”

Gilliam earned praise from Arnold.

“I think he’s going to be a great one,” Arnold said. “He reminds me of me.”

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Ryan Beckwith will split duty with Drew Amerson at a receiver spot against Sacramento.

Amerson had four catches against Montana but dropped several passes. Kearin said changes are being considered at several positions.

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Shawnbay Jones will go nose to nose with familiar faces against Sacramento.

Jones, a senior defensive end for the Matadors, played two seasons at Sacramento City College and knows several Cal State Sacramento players, including tight end Jon Morrissey and guards Lonie Paxton and Jon Osterhout.

“I have a lot of friends who go to school there,” said Jones, a native of Fairfield. “I’ve seen a lot of those guys in high school all-star games.”

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Sean McElroy, a senior outfielder for El Camino Real High, has committed to Northridge, assistant Grant Hohman said.