If we’ve learned anything in the 21st century, it’s that Latinos continue to transcend the sports world. One sport where this is happening at a rapid pace is college football. With another year of college bowl season behind us it made us think. Hispanics have made their presence felt on the collegiate gridiron for many years. Jim Plunkett set passing records and won awards at Stanford, while Anthony Munoz powered Southern California’s offensive line in the 70’s (both men are Hall of Famers).
As a teenager, I saw Tony Gonzalez revolutionize the tight end position at California (1994-96); I read about Roberto Garza proving that offensive lineman can turn pro from any school (Texas A&M-Kingsville, while Moses Moreno put Colorado State on the map. Since then, countless other players from schools all over the country have made their mark on the game. They’ve shattered stereotypes, caught the attention of national media, and many have transitioned into the professional ranks (NFL, AFL, CFL, etc.)
Here are some current student-athletes who are doing the exact same thing in today’s game…
Zane Gonzalez
This Arizona Sun Devils senior placekicker just may be the greatest college player at his position. That’s because he now holds the all-time Football Bowl Subdivision (formally Division-1AA) scoring record for kickers with 477 points. He surpassed former Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins to get the record against Colorado back in October and hasn’t skipped a beat since. In December, he captured another All-American honor, making him the third unanimous All-American in school history. He may also have a future in the NFL with his spot-on accuracy. During his time in Tempe, Gonzalez has only missed 19 of 112 career field goal attempts. He’s also converted 196-of-201 career extra points.
Josh Banderas
This linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers senior is carrying on a family tradition. Josh’s father Tom, was a Nebraska tight end under legendary coach Tom Osborne in the 1980’s. Now the 21-year-old linebacker is leading the second best team in the Big Ten Conference. He ranks in the conference’s top 20 in total tackles, and he anchors a defense that has helped this team to a 9-4 record. The Huskers finished second in the Big Ten’s western division.
Adam Nunez
The Horned Frogs freshman punter has one of the stronger legs in the game. He easily averages 38 yards per punt [this may have changed to 40.5] and has had at least one punt of 44 yards or more in every game this season. He hasn’t allowed any touchbacks, none of his kicks have been returned for touchdowns and his leg is so strong that Oklahoma and Kansas decided to call for a fair catch as opposed to attempting a return. Thankfully for TCU, they get to use Nunez’s leg for another three years.
San Diego State Offensive Line
Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey put his name in many record books this season. He leads all active FBS running backs this year in total rushing yards. His career rushing yards puts him fifth on the all-time FBS list, and at the top of SDSU’s all-time list, ahead of the only Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. Of course, a running back can’t do much without his offensive line. And in the case of the Aztecs, two linemen, in particular, have been the unsung heroes for Pumphrey’s record-breaking season….
Senior center Arthur Flores (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) and senior guard Nico Siragusa (6-5, 330) both possess the ideal size and strength that NFL teams covet. Flores was named to the preseason All-Mountain West Conference first-team back in August, while SB Nation listed Siragusa among its top 50 players in the MWC. Pumphrey may get all of the glory, but Flores and Siragusa lend a big assist in that regard.
Ricky Aguayo
The Aguayo family has started a dynasty within the Florida Seminole’s football program. Last year, Roberto Aguayo (now in the NFL) and his 21 field goals were a big reason why FSU went 10-3 and earned a berth in the Peach Bowl. This year, Roberto’s younger brother Ricky, a freshman has taken the place kicking reigns. He’s made 19 field goals, 51 extra points, and has 108 points on the season. He’s been a significant contributor to FSU’s 10-3 record. But don’t just believe what we say, watch for yourself. This kid can kick.
