By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
It takes a tough person to be a football lineman, and the hard work never bothered Brownsville Veterans Memorial senior Alex Villarreal.
Though his position doesn’t usually garner a big spotlight, the defensive lineman has earned his fair share of attention through his impressive play, and he got one more chance to enjoy that as a Chargers player Thursday. With a lecture hall full of teammates, coaches, friends and family there to celebrate him, Villarreal signed his intent to play football for North American University.
“It feels great, to play football for the next four years has always been a dream of mine,” Villarreal said. “It all started off just trying to be the best, trying to start as a sophomore. Then it kept carrying over, and this is where it got me.”
Villarreal had a decorated career with the Chargers, earning all-district honorable mention as a sophomore, first-team all-district and second-team All-Metro in his junior season, and claiming the title of District 32-5A defensive lineman of the year as a senior. He played in the Texas high school all-star game and participated in the 2019 national combine, both invitation-only events held in San Antonio.
A lot of time and hard work went into those accolades and Villarreal’s lifelong dream of getting to the next level. He began playing the sport when he was 9 years old, and as his love began to grow he started attending numerous FBU camps every summer to improve his game.
Getting to this point was a family affair, and Villarreal thanked his uncles and aunt for taking him to camps and helping with his development. His uncles both played for Brownsville Veterans defensive coordinator Dave Evans when he was a coach at Brownsville Hanna in the ’90s, and Evans spoke highly of all three of his former players.
“You can see size runs in the family, and they were all outstanding players and outstanding young men,” Evans said in a speech. “(Villarreal) worked hard, great football player. He’s got the best hands, and that’s a great compliment. He demanded respect from other teams. He should have success at the next level.”
Villarreal said growing up in a competitive family pushed him to challenge himself and never shy away from hard work. Chargers coach David Cantu said the dedication and work ethic Villarreal showed to not only football but basketball and track as well will continue to inspire the program after he is gone.
“His passion for the game of football fueled him to work all summer long. He has great initiative, he takes the bull by the horns in any situation and is a leader by example. This gives (the young guys) hope. He’s a great inspiration for us,” Cantu said.
Villarreal will be studying criminal justice when he joins the Stallions and wants to become a game warden after graduation. North American University isn’t too far from home —it’s located in Stafford — and he’s ready to begin the journey.
“Ever since I was little, I’d watch (college football) and knew that’s what I wanted to be,” Villarreal said. “I’ve gone against five-star (recruits), and it never really fazed me. I’m looking forward to the competition, to see where I’m at and how I need to get better.”