KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN—Senior quarterback Ryan Cortez secured his college future by signing his letter of intent to play football at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. Cortez made it official by signing his name on the dotted line during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
“This is a little nerve wracking; this is something I have worked my whole life for,” Cortez said. “This is all a surreal moment for me to get an opportunity. This is what I love to do and it has been an amazing journey and I’m excited to continue it.”
Cortez, who plans to major in kinesiology, made a campus visit and loved the campus and feels their education was the right choice along with the football program.
“It was a little rough; I wasn’t looked at as much,” Cortez said. “But with the TLU coaching staff, they really hit it off with me and just the way the program has been over the last few years, they are amazing and I’m excited to join them.”
TLU is no stranger to recruiting here in the Rio Grande Valley.
On the current roster, there are five Valley athletes on the roster from McAllen, Los Fresnos and Harlingen.
In fact, Cortez will be joining former teammate, defensive end Brandon Bennett, who is currently a freshman for the Bulldogs.
Along with Bennett, is former Harlingen Cardinal Justin Davis, who also is in his freshman season and plays along the offensive line.
“I haven’t talked to Bennett yet, it has been a while since I talked to him,” Cortez said.
Heading into his freshman year, Cortez plans to play the under center next fall.
“The work ethic will be a challenge at the level of football I will have to play, but I do plan on playing the QB position,” Cortez said. “My advice to the younger guys on the team would be to not give up and to continue working.”