Jacob Maldonado gets an offer to play football at UNM

RIO RANCHO — After the conclusion of the University of New Mexico prospect camp June 14, Cleveland High School senior Jacob Maldonado received an offer to play collegiate football for the hometown Lobos.

“Got good news from UNM, they just gave me an opportunity and I couldn’t be more blessed,” said Maldonado, who has also attended camps for New Mexico State University, University of Texas El Paso, Utah Tech, and University of Louisiana Monroe.

Last season, Maldonado led the Storm in all receiving categories, finishing the season with 50 catches, 960 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also a First Team All-District selection, a First-Team All-Metro selection, and an All-State selection.

“I am just blessed to be at Cleveland with the coaches that I am surrounded by,” Maldonado said.

Funny enough, one could say the best has yet to come for Maldonado, who spent most of his life as a gymnast before playing high school football.

“I started gymnastics when I was 3,” Maldonado said. “I’ve only been playing football for three-and-half, four years. I have always been fond of football: watching it, playing backyard football with my buddies.”

As a receiver, Maldonado is known for his athleticism, body control and balance, route running prowess, and his leadership. He credits a lot of his game to his gymnastics background.

“I think it has done so much for me. It helped with flexibility, control of my body, and in strength; massive in the strength aspect,” Maldonado said.

It was during his eighth-grade year when Maldonado finally put on some pads.

“I really begged my parents to play; they didn’t want to put me in until I was a freshman, and I am really blessed they kept me out of the game for so long,” Maldonado said.

Maldonado is listed at 5 feet, 11 inches, and weighs in at 174 pounds. He is the third Cleveland player to receive an offer from UNM.

Other Storm players receiving offers include offensive tackle Moses Sparks, and tight end/edge Elijah Richards; Richards has already committed to UNM.

Maldonado will suit up for the Storm and be crucial in their quest to repeat as state champions.

As for any newcomers to the Storm football team, Maldonado had this to say: “Just be fully committed. You don’t have to be special in any way. I’m not special; I’ve just bought into what the coaches expect out of us. Most importantly, just have fun. This is a fun sport to play.”