By MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer
The Hanna Golden Eagles took a big hit when do-it-all wide receiver Miguel Payan graduated last spring.
Completely replacing the impact Payan had may not be in the cards, but Hanna has benefited from a similar impact from junior Ryan Trinidad.
Trinidad not only hauls in passes but also plays safety and serves as the holder on placekicks, which has been a little bit more than he first anticipated coming into the year.
“It’s fun and I like doing it,” the junior wideout said. “I just expected to come in and play receiver. I didn’t expect to play defense and have to tackle and stuff. I expected to hold for field goals and (extra points), but I never really pictured myself on the safety side.”
Trinidad is second on the team in terms of receptions and yards with 18 catches for 275 yards and one touchdown, helping make up a productive tripod of receivers that also includes Josiah Meyers (18-295) and Alex Gracia (21-225).
The Eagles’ receiver also helped lead the team to their first victory with five catches, 118 yards and one score in a 21-19 win against Weslaco East.
On defense, Trinidad also has four pass deflections, an interception and a forced fumble on defense.
Hanna coach Mark Guess said being able to have another plug-and-play guy this season obviously has been a plus, noting how balanced he has been playing on both sides.
“Myers, Gracia and Trinidad have all come up and made some good plays, but Trinidad has had more of an impact for the fact that he also plays defense,” Guess said. “He does a good job of it. The impact that he has on both sides is that he helps move the chains offensively, and that he does a good job of having a nose for the ball in the passing game when we’re on defense. We just look for him to keep contributing and do the best that he can.”
It’s been a tall order for Trinidad, as he lends a hand on a defense that lost so many starters and key contributors from a solid group last season.
The bar has been set high for the junior receiver/safety, but he said the key is to be a team player and try to live up to expectations.
“I just try to do my job out there and read the quarterback,” Trinidad said. “I want to do what they taught me when it comes to reading the quarterback and tackling. I’m just trying to do my job and live up to the expectations of last year’s team, which are pretty high. So I have to try and fill in their shoes.”