KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
SAN BENITO — A day after national signing day, San Benito senior Hector De Jesus Jr. secured his future by signing his name on the dotted line.
De Jesus will play football for Texas State this fall.
“I’m excited and I can’t wait to get to Texas State and get to work,” he said Thursday. “When I went on my visit, I felt at home. From the coaching staff to the players it all felt like a brotherhood. Another thing I liked was they talked to me about their academics and that is one thing I take pride in.”
De Jesus spent three years on the Greyhounds varsity and was a part of a playoff team each of his three years. This past season he was one of four seniors along the offensive line that helped pave the way for quarterback Erick Retta and running back Tyrone Harper. This year he was named to the Valley Morning Star All-STAR first team offense.
Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas Lutheran University in Seguin were also a potential landing spot for De Jesus, but Texas State won out.
“I want to wish everyone the best of luck with their signings,” he said. “I have talked to some of the guys and I know they have been working hard just like me. We all share the same excitement on being able to compete at the next level. This has always been a goal of mine. Ever since I was a kid I knew I could do this so long as I worked hard.”
Hounds head coach Dan Gomez had high praise for De Jesus.
“The relationships we build with our athletes is key for us and a No. 1 priority for us as a coaching staff,” Gomez said. “To have him take his talents to the next level is gratifying for us as a staff. He also takes care of business in the classroom. My message to him would be to not forget where he came from and to remember what got him there, which is hard work and self-confidence.”