By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
One of the top linemen in the Rio Grande Valley is heading north.
Michael Mendez, a standout offensive lineman from Los Fresnos, has signed a national letter of intent to play NCAA Division I football for Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
The senior was selected the District 32-6A lineman of the year, first-team All-Metro and second-team All-Valley. Mendez graduated mid-term and actually signed his letter last week on campus. He will begin the 2015 spring semester next week at Purdue.
“They showed a lot of interest in me, they called during the season. They wanted to keep in touch with me,” Mendez said. “I just thought it was the best opportunity. I just knew I wanted to play Division I. I didn’t care what conference it was, it didn’t matter.”
Mendez, the 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman, received a full athletic scholarship to play for one of the 14 teams in the Big Ten Conference.
For Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley, it marks the second player in as many years playing at college football’s highest level. Brandon Colon, the Falcons’ top receiver last season, is playing football for Navy.
“I means a lot, it means we do a lot of things right around here,” Finley said. “There are a lot of people that played a role, but he had the tools, he had the physicality, he is the whole package.
“I’m just happy for him.”
Mendez is excited to get a head start on college and spring practice with the Boilermakers’ squad.
“I think the best part is going early,” he said. “I’ll be able to be as big as some of the other guys since I’m going a few months early. I wanted to match the (two other) linemen that came from Los Fresnos. I wanted to go Division I, and now that I’m in the Big Ten, even better.”
Mendez plans to study math education with intentions of being a teacher and a coach in the future. But that doesn’t mean Mendez hasn’t modestly thought about advancing his career in football.
“I’m going to take it one year at a time, and if I can go pro that would be great,” he said.
Finley was happy for his player, but saddened by the lack of opportunities that come toward high school athletes in the Valley.
“A lot of people hesitate to pull the trigger on Valley players, and that’s unfortunate,” Finley said. “(Mendez) dominates whoever he plays against. He had some other offers, but not before it was too late. Fortunately someone pulled the trigger for Mike.”
Finley addressed those gathered for the celebration for Mendez, urging his star player to make his mark during his new journey.
“There’s a million reasons to fail and give up,” Finley said. “But you have to fight through all of that, grow up fast and persevere.”
And the Falcons’ coach had no doubt that Mendez would be successful.
“He’s a winner. He’s been raised the right way,” Finley said. “He has two parents that have shown him how to be successful, and he knows what it takes to be successful.”
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.