By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO— The Rio Hondo Bobcats are sending another Rhyner brother to play football at the next level.
Last season, Ty Rhyner signed to play football at Southwestern University. This time around, younger brother Jake Rhyner signed with Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
“Today is pretty nerve-wrecking, when I was on my way over here,” Rhyner said. “I think I made the right decision on where I want to go and take the next step and play college ball. Not many people get to do that. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m pretty excited.”
Rhyner spent three years on the varsity and played the guard position along the offensive line. Also, he was a part of a team that won a district title his junior year, and he was a part of two playoff runs his junior and senior years in which Rio Hondo brought home a bi-district title.
“You always want to outdo your brother,” he said. “You want to do a little bit more, and what helped me was this has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was little this is something I wanted to do, and I didn’t think it would happen.”
Once the offers came in, Rhyner knew he was fit and ready to play at the college level.
“Yes, it will be nervous when I sign, but what else can be more exciting that playing college football? It’s special for sure,” Rhyner said.
Bobcats coach Rocky James mentored both Rhyner boys throughout their high school careers and has seen each sign to play at the college level.
“(Jake) played a huge role for us this year,” James said. “His brother graduated and Jake kind of came out of his shadow. Everyone knew Ty, and when he left (Jake) became his own man and became a great football player, and we are happy to see him take off and play college ball. We knew that it was one of his goals to play college ball.”