By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
MISSION — At the beginning of last season, Mission Veterans coach David Gilpin had concerns about the future. More specifically, the starting quarterback job.
After three years under center, Santos Villarreal was preparing to graduate, and Gilpin began to wonder about his successor. Diego Hernandez, who was a sophomore at the time, seemed like a natural fit. He’s a gifted passer and, at 6-foot-2, surpasses Villarreal by three inches. But unlike his predecessor, questions began surfacing about Hernandez’s ability as a dual threat.
The Patriots got an extended look at Hernandez, though, while Villarreal was sidelined a couple games midseason. During that time, Hernandez posted a 2-0 record as a starter, leading Mission Veterans past Roma and Sharyland Pioneer. And just as importantly, Gilpin said, Hernandez’s performances help put his mind at ease.
“By the end of last season, there was no doubt in my mind that we’re not only going to not miss a beat (with Villarreal gone), but that Diego can hopefully take us another level,” Gilpin said.
This offseason, Hernandez has helped the Patriots amass a 33-2 record as they prepare for the 7-on-7 state tournament Friday in College Station.
Mission Vets qualified last year for the first time in the program’s history, before leaving with an 0-4 mark. This time around, there’s optimism for a better outcome.
Where Villarreal was using 7-on-7, in part, to build a rapport with a new crop of receivers, Hernandez is growing even more familiar with his targets. Mission Veterans is set to return three of its top four wideouts — players Hernandez observed and connected with as a backup last season.
“We have a lot more chemistry as a team than we did last year,” receiver Roman De Leon said. “Diego’s coming in, leading the way. Of course, you’re not going to see him run as much (as Villarreal), but he has great vision on the field.”
That vision — reading the defense, in particular — is what Hernandez is being lauded for this offseason.
At times last year, Hernandez stood alongside Gilpin as Villarreal took snaps during practice. As the play was in motion, Hernandez often shouted out the coverages.
“He was able to tell Santos, ‘He’s going to be open, Roman’s going to be open,’” Gilpin remembers. “And that was a sophomore that hadn’t spent much time on a varsity playing field. That told me that he gets it. He reads coverages very, very well. He knows where everyone in our offense is supposed to be doing and what they’re going to do.”
Hernandez’s vision carries over to his passing, as well, where he connected on 62.5 percent of his attempts last year, including seven touchdowns and only three interceptions.
During a practice game Tuesday, Hernandez flicked two midfield bombs for touchdowns as Mission Vets handled Valley View.
Gilpin, who was in attendance as a spectator, refutes the notion, though, that Hernandez is simply a drop-back pocket passer. His spread offense, he said, won’t allow for it.
So Roland De Leon, who is coaching Mission Veterans’ 7-on-7 team this summer, is working to improve Hernandez’s explosiveness, hoping to shave tenths of a second off his 40-yard time. They’ve done it through resistance training and working on his agility, balance and footwork.
“Knowing the young man, I say, ‘You’re not going to have 4.6-, 4.7(-second) speed, but you can be fast by learning how to set your feet,’” the elder De Leon said. “His burst is going to come from how he positions himself. It’s just about learning the motions and the pre-snaps. And by doing that, he’ll be able to run.”
With Hernandez as the full-time starter now, Mission Vets has won the McAllen and Mission leagues, going 10-0 each time, in addition to 4-0 in the Corpus Christi state qualifier.
It may only be summer now, a couple months removed from the start of the season, but Hernandez believes “it’s a very serious time” for the team, as they transition to a new central figure in their offense.
“This is what 7-on-7 is all about,” Hernandez said. “Mainly just coming together, learning how to do it without the coaches. Learning the timing, the routes, getting comfortable with the receivers and just doing it by ourselves.”
“My strength is in the pocket,” he added, “but as the season comes along, I’ll take what the defense gives me.”
Mission Veterans
7-on-7 State Schedule
At Veterans Park
College Station
Pool B
July 10
Plano East, 1 p.m.
Katy, 3 p.m.
Belton, 5 p.m.