Seyi Ajirotutu, an undrafted free agent wide receiver, has his heart set on being a San Diego Charger.

“I am in it for the long haul,” says Ajirotutu. “I want to make this team. People say I am trying out for this team and 31 other teams. No, I am trying out for this team only.”

Seyi Ajirotutu.

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Nearly every year at least one undrafted free agent player beats the odds and makes it onto the Chargers active roster. This year Ajirotutu might be the one holding the winning ticket.

Coming into camp, the media and fans were initially inquisitive about Ajirotutu because of his size (6-foot-3 and 211 pounds) and for his connection to first-round draft pick Ryan Mathews. The two were roommates on the Fresno State football team.

“Ever since we met, we have always gotten along,” says Mathews of Ajirotutu. “Having someone like him on my team helps out a lot, so I always find myself rooting for Seyi.”

Now Ajirotutu is receiving recognition for his play on the field, and like Mathews, many are rooting for him to make the team. Against the Cowboys, Ajirotutu led all receivers with 3 catches for 71 yards, including a long of 56-yards that set up the Chargers second touchdown.

Although Philip Rivers has not had an opportunity to throw to Ajirotutu in preseason games, the starting QB is taking notice. “He’s played well,” says Rivers. “He reminds me of a young Malcom [Floyd], just the way he goes up and gets the ball.”

Floyd also sees similarities between Ajirotutu and himself. “He’s long and lanky,” says Floyd. “He does a good job of adjusting to the ball well in the air and he is a deep threat as well.”

Ajirotutu enjoys the comparison to Floyd. “Being a young Malcom Floyd is awesome,” says Ajirotutu. “It means that I am making a step in the right direction. Malcom is such a great and talented receiver right now. He’s the number-one target.”

However, Ajirotutu realizes that he still has a lot of work in front of him and a long road for him to be truly equal to Floyd. “He didn’t get there by doing nothing,” says Ajirotutu. “He got there by working hard, and so I need to work hard, if not harder. I just want to be the player that he is one day, if not better.”

Not only does Ajirotutu want to be like Floyd, he is passionate about being a Charger.

“I want to be on this team and this team alone,” says Ajirotutu. “I want to prepare myself and work myself so that it becomes a reality.”

Both general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner have an infatuation with keeping around physically gifted free agents who also have the right work attitude. Ajirotutu fits that bill. It is too early to know if he will make the final cut or end up on the practice squad, but one way or another, Ajirotutu will likely realize his goal of being a Charger.