Each year there are a handful of athletes who just want to get a shot at the next level. They put in the extra work, and though several external factors may be against them, their inner drive pushes them to reach the goal of ending up on a college football roster.

After talking with Sharpstown coach Devin Heasley, athlete Walter Barreda is the type of player described above. For the Apollos, Barreda plays on the defensive line, but this year has also been used as a short-yardage back on the offense.

With that said, that offensive experience could be key in Barreda’s recruitment.

“I play defensive line in high school, but most of the schools are recruiting me as a fullback,” Barreda said. “I have not gotten offered yet, but there are some schools evaluating me.”

Barreda, who stands 5-foot-10, and weighs in at 240 pounds said that schools like Tulsa and Southeast Louisiana are showing the most interest right now and he has made trips to both of them on unofficial visits.

He was also invited to University of Pennsylvania, but was unable to work things out with his schedule. But for the trips he has made, it left quite the impression.

“When I went to Tulsa everything was cool. The atmosphere and the coaches were great,” Barreda said. “The coach told me that they would come down and see me play in some games, but did not let me know when they would come. I still have to send them some more game tapes and highlight videos as well.

He spoke on SEW Louisiana as well.

“That was a nice campus too. But there are going to be a lot of changes going on there,” Barreda said. “They are getting a new track built and some football facilities. There will also be a 9 million dollar press box put in. That should be impressive. They also want to see more film on me.”

In the spring, team representatives from UCLA and Arkansas also inquired about him as well. 

While all of this is important for Barreda and what he wants to do with his future, helping Sharpstown to the district crown is the primary objective. Right now the team is 4-3, with a 3-0 District 21-4A record. 

There is still more ball to be played and all games are equally important. One could actually determine the district champ.

“We have three games left. Next we have Austin,” Barreda said. “Then, we have to face off with Yates. We are trying to win the district and we will have to get through Yates to do it. We finish off the regular season with Reagan.”

For the season, Barreda has logged about 35 tackles and recorded 11 sacks. He also has two fumble recoveries and an interception that he returned 25 yards in the game against Westbury.