Athlete: Josh Gonzalez

Position: In football, he plays safety, middle linebacker, and quarterback, in basketball he is reserve, and in track, he performs high jump, long jump, 300 meter hurdles, and runs the 400 meters, 4×100 relay, and 4×400 relay

Experience: He is a three-year varsity starter and a co-captain for football.

Background: Gonzalez is a standout athlete who plays football, basketball, and runs track. In football, as the anchor of the defense, Gonzalez led the team in tackles with 124 last season. Although he didn’t record any interceptions, the ball hawk still managed 26 pass deflections. Gonzalez is also known to be a ferocious and punishing hitter; he broke an opposing quarterback’s thumb last season. At the end of the season, Gonzalez was recognized for his excellence on the gridiron when he was named team MVP.

In basketball, Gonzalez was a reserve for the team that won the 2011 CIF Division III title. In track, he came in first place at the First Annual Willie Banks Invitational for high jump by clearing a career best of 6’4″ (athletic.net). Gonzalez also made the All-Western League team for track this year. He succeeds in the classroom as well, having made the All-Academic Team three separate times.

This fall, Gonzalez will attend Arizona State University and compete for a spot on the football team with his speed of 4.6 seconds for a 40-yard dash and 36″ vertical. Gonzalez is certain that he can beat out scholarship athletes for a spot on the team.

Gonzalez’s leadership and experience will certainly benefit next year’s football team. Junior Free Safety Abraham Jimenez had the opportunity to start alongside Gonzalez. “It was fun playing with him because he knows a lot about the game and he taught me how to read opposing offenses. It was a privilege to play with him.”

Quote: “I’m not being cocky. Some people may think that I am, but they don’t know me. I am very confident in myself; that’s just the way I am,” said Gonzalez.