KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — Rio Hondo senior running back Danny Vasquez is in the middle of one of his best years as a Bobcat. Vasquez brings a unique skill set to the Bobcat offense. The senior is as physical a runner as you will see, but also has the ability to make defenders miss in space.
Vasquez leads the back field with 104 carries and 751 yards along with five touchdowns. Rio Hondo will kick off district play tonight at Raymondville.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Vasquez.
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Q: What dose the Raymondville rivalry mean to you?
Vasquez: The rivalry means a lot to me because I have family in Willacy County and it’s always fun for them to go out and watch me and my teammates play.
Q: Talk about your road to recovery and you being able to bounce back your senior year?
Vasquez: My injury held me back from playing most of the season last year, but I was lucky enough to be able to play at least three games. I knew as soon as I got released to play again I wasn’t going to cut myself short on anything I did to better myself. I got to work with constant lifting, running and footwork. I wouldn’t be in the position I am without the motivation of my friends, coaches, and family.
Q: Playing for Rio Hondo, and representing your school what does that mean to you?
Vasquez: It means a lot to me, especially being the last Vasquez of the three that played in the program. It’s always a blessing being able to wake up every morning going to a great school with a great athletic program.
Q: What is the toughest part about playing the RB position?
Vasquez: The toughest part I would say is reading the right holes to run through. When you’re in the moment of everything you can’t be hesitant and make second guesses. Like Coach Alvarez always tells me “Stick your foot in the ground and go!” But every play where my number is called I have complete faith in my lineman. We wouldn’t be in this position offensively without them.
Q: What stadium is the toughest to play in?
Vasquez: The toughest stadium to play in is our own, because it is hard to walk off the field with a loss.
Q: What are your hobbies off the field?
Vasquez: My hobbies are spending time with friends and helping my parents with chores.
Q: What is your favorite cereal?
Vasquez: My favorite cereal is Fruity Pebbles.
Q: Who is your role model?
Vasquez: My dad is my role model.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
Vasquez: My favorite athlete has to be Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen because he’s full proof you can turn nothing into something, as he is now living the dream as a professional football player.
Q: What is your dream ticket?
Vasquez: My dream ticket is to go see a Travis Scott and Drake concert.