By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
St. Joseph Academy’s Abraham Caram found a new place to continue his football career.
The Bloodhounds’ left tackle will play football for Texas Lutheran University, an NCAA Division III school in Seguin. Caram announced his decision via Twitter a few days ago, but made it official Wednesday during a signing ceremony at St. Joseph.
“I went on a visit and I really liked the environment, the community, they’re very supportive,” he said of the campus. “It was a small campus, similar to St. Joseph. I saw myself there.
“It was a good academic opportunity and a good athletic opportunity.”
St. Joseph coach Tino Villarreal said he was thrilled for Caram, a three-year starter that helped anchor the Bloodhounds’ potent high-tempo offense that averaged more than 400 yards and 58 points per game.
“I couldn’t be happier. It couldn’t have happened to a better kid,” Villarreal said. “We have some really good seniors we’re going to miss, but Abraham has always been our vocal leader. He really represents what St. Joseph football is all about.”
Caram, a two-time, academic all-state selection will receive academic scholarships for more than half the costs of tuition. He plans to study business and accounting at the school.
The Bloodhounds’ senior also chose to play for the Bulldogs for their athletic prowess. Texas Lutheran has won three straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference titles in football.
“The football program is a really good program,” Caram said. “One of the top teams in Division III.”
For Caram, it was something he had hoped to achieve, especially after not getting to see any of his teammates going to college to continue playing football.
“It was always a dream,” he said. “I’m delighted I get the opportunity to go play.”
For Villarreal and St. Joseph, it is certainly a step in the right direction.
“It’s a huge step for us,” he said. “We establish a good foundation, and younger kids see that. It hasn’t happened in football here a long time. It’s a new hope for the younger players and a good message. I hope it continues to help kids buy into the system here.
“When they see something like this, that’s a glimpse of one of the end results of what we’re shooting for.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.