Footballer claims catch of the year

Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Francis Owusu has delivered a candidate for catch of the year after a brilliant grab from behind a rival's back during a college football game.

Playing against the UCLA Bruins, Owusu showed stunning skill and awareness to foil defender Jaleel Wadood, despite being caught in a bear hug, and complete an amazing touchdown play.

With the Cardinals leading 36-17 and in possession deep in their half, the youngster hared upfield to reach the end zone as quarterback Kevin Hogan unleashed a 50-yard pass.

Running backwards, he kept his eye on the ball, but appeared destined to miss the grab as Wadood grabbed him in an embrace.

But despite being held, the wide receiver somehow managed to reach around his rival and get his hands to the ball, holding it against the defender's back to claim the catch and touchdown.

Owusu effectively caught both Wadood and the ball.

The play was hailed by commentators and left his coach and teammates in disbelief with the grab immediately anointed catch of the year.

Owusu later admitted there was plenty of luck in the remarkable catch.

"I saw the ball in the air just for a little bit," he said.

"I wrapped my arms around him (Wadood) , and I felt it. And then I squeezed my arms around (the ball) as hard as I could."

The Cardinals went on to win the match 56-35.