Mateo Verdugo '17 Recruiting Profile

My name is Mateo Verdugo. I am currently 18 years old and set to graduate with the class of 2017.  I was born in California but raised in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  I am fluent in English and Spanish.  My family moved to Sacramento, California in 2013 so I could play football in an American high school.  I grew up playing soccer but was encouraged to play football because of my size.  I joined my first football team in 6th grade and found that I really enjoyed playing.  Football is now a regular part of my life.

I believe I am a determined and an outgoing person. I enjoy trying new things but I have high expectations for myself and I want to succeed even on the first attempt. I sometimes struggle with asking for advice but I am very open to any feedback headed my way. Football is a passion of mine and my goal is to continue to play ball. The amount of pleasure I receive from playing beats everything in its way. The way I am on the field I believe correlates strongly with who I am as a person. I am respectful, emotional, compassionate, and a leader. I like to be heard and provide my opinion. I'm very respectful and like to be respected in return, due to the fact that's what I give to people.

I've overcome a lot of obstacles through high school and I will not let simple situations throw me off path. I have goals set for myself and I wish to reach them. I am in full awareness that some dreams don't become reality but I need to keep trying.

My immediate plan is to find a Junior College football program in California where I can grow as an athlet and as a person.  I would like to find a team that will motivate me and give me an opportunity to strengthen my skills. I like to win and I believe that drive makes me a good asset for my next team. My future plan is to transfer to a 4 year, continue to play ball and finish my degree.

My preferred major is Criminology and my second field of interest is to be a Clinical Therapist.