Driven to be the best

Senior linebacker Frankie Fuentes continues to prove people wrong as he continues to solidify himself as one of Laredo's best linebackers

By Garrett Kroeger

Frankie Fuentes understands why people underestimate him at first glance.

Fuentes, a senior and one of this year’s captains for the Alexander Bulldogs, doesn’t fit the traditional mold for a linebacker. He isn’t 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds. He’s maybe 5-foot-10 – at best – and weighs around 175 pounds. And for those who know football, that doesn’t scream “menacing linebacker.”

“When people look at me, they definitely undersize me,” Fuentes said.

Yet, despite his smaller frame, Fuentes has proven himself to be one of the most fearsome linebackers in Laredo over the past few years. And he has done so thanks to his drive to be the best.

“He has a lot of heart,” Alexander defensive coordinator Fernando Lemus said. “He is one of the most humblest kids I’ve ever coached. Just his dedication and work ethic is second to none.

“He is one of the few kids in my career in which I know he’ll show up every day. He will bring it every day, whether he is sick or not, tired or not, that guy will give everything he has every single day.”

Ask anyone within or around the Alexander program about what makes Fuentes so good is his determination and work ethic. These are traits Fuentes knew he had to develop early on in his career, especially once he was moved to linebacker.

Fuentes never expected to be a linebacker. He actually started his high school career as a defensive back, which made sense for his frame. 

However, when head coach Edwin Garcia took over the program three years ago, he and defensive staff saw the tenacity Fuentes brought to the gridiron. And with the linebacking core needing a few more extra bodies, Garcia and his assistants felt it was a good move to try the now senior at the position, which ultimately shocked Fuentes.

“I was practicing one day and then (the coaches) told me they were moving me to linebacker,” Fuentes said. “In my head, I was like, ‘Coach, what are you talking about? I can’t compete with those guys.’”

Luckily for Fuentes and the Bulldogs, he’s proven time and again that he can compete at that position. So much so that is arguably one of, if not the best linebacker in the Gateway City.

“His heart and hustle – his passion for the game, his passion to be the best he can be for his school, that is what carries him,” Garcia said. “He has a chip on his shoulder to try and show he belongs on the field. His drive to be the best amazes me.”

Last season, Fuentes made a name for himself as he finished with 106 total tackles – 62 solo and 44 assisted – 18 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He just always seems to be around the football, either making the tackle himself or assisting his teammates taking down the opposition. And this year is no different.

Despite missing one game earlier this season due to a concussion, Fuentes leads the team with 86 total tackles – 34 solo and 52 assisted. He has eight tackles for loss and two sacks, too. He even has a defensive touchdown as he scored on a fumble recovery against Del Rio.

According to Fuentes, what has allowed him to have a knack for the ball is him simply knowing his keys. He takes film study seriously. He wants to be as prepared as possible whenever he takes the field. So, knowing his keys – especially at linebacker – is extremely important to his success. Plus, his drive to be the best motivates him to be part of every tackle, too.

“We are excited whenever he’s on the field,” Garcia said. “He maximizes his potential. Whatever his height and weight is, he plays above that. He falls in line to what we want out of a captain.”

Earlier this season, Fuentes set a goal for himself to record 125 tackles. And with three games left, that might be hard to accomplish. However, he’s averaging nearly 15 tackles per game. So, he could realistically fulfill that dream.

Fuentes understands why people might underestimate him at first glance.

The senior doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a linebacker. Yet, he’s proven he’s one of the best in all of Laredo.

Fuentes never expected his career to pan out the way it has. When he was a freshman, he anticipated himself to be a defensive back. However, he’s glad Garcia and the staff moved him to linebacker when he was a sophomore. They saw the potential he had, and he was able to reach it and more. And he has done so thanks to his drive to be the best.

“You got to put in the work to be better,” Fuentes said. “At the end of the day, I trusted God through the process, I worked hard, I got my opportunity and now here I am.”