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Army's Villanueva has lofty NFL goal
Army's Alejandro Villanueva runs for yardage after a catch.Times Herald-Record/DOMINICK FIO
By Sal Interdonato
Times Herald-Record
December 05, 2009
Can a 6-foot-10, 286-pound, former offensive tackle play tight end in the NFL?
Army senior Alejandro Villanueva is getting a chance to state his case in front of NFL scouts.
Villanueva, a wide receiver, has been selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 23 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
"I can definitely play as a tight end or a tackle and put the weight back on," said Villanueva, who is one of two tight ends listed on the East team, said. "I can definitely see myself playing out there (in the NFL)."
Villanueva will need to leave a lasting impression.
Department of Defense policy doesn't allow cadets to pursue professional sports immediately after graduation. Cadets must serve two years of active duty before applying for a release to play.
"Two years after being deployed for 18 months, having to go to Ranger school and (basic officer infantry training), if they still want me, sure I would do it," Villanueva said.
Army coach Rich Ellerson's unconventional experiment has produced Army's best receiving option this year. One season removed from starting all 12 games at left tackle, Villanueva leads the team in receptions (29), yards (460), and has caught all five of its touchdowns.
At first, Army would just throw up the ball to the college Football Bowl Subdivision's tallest player. Now, Villanueva is running most routes and making catches by keeping his feet inbounds.
Villanueva's emergence has forced opponents to plan for more than just Army's triple-option.
Yet, Villanueva's frame could return him to the offensive line if he gets a shot at the next level.
"I saw it (pro potential) a little bit more last year," Villanueva said. "I think I was a solid tackle. It was my first year and the option's speed didn't benefit a 6-10 guy like me. But whenever we threw the ball, I found myself extremely comfortable.
"If I put 20 more pounds on, get in some workouts and get away from Academy life, I could definitely see myself playing tackle for a big football team."
sinterdonato@th-record.com
Army's Alejandro Villanueva runs for yardage after a catch.Times Herald-Record/DOMINICK FIO
By Sal Interdonato
Times Herald-Record
December 05, 2009
Can a 6-foot-10, 286-pound, former offensive tackle play tight end in the NFL?
Army senior Alejandro Villanueva is getting a chance to state his case in front of NFL scouts.
Villanueva, a wide receiver, has been selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 23 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
"I can definitely play as a tight end or a tackle and put the weight back on," said Villanueva, who is one of two tight ends listed on the East team, said. "I can definitely see myself playing out there (in the NFL)."
Villanueva will need to leave a lasting impression.
Department of Defense policy doesn't allow cadets to pursue professional sports immediately after graduation. Cadets must serve two years of active duty before applying for a release to play.
"Two years after being deployed for 18 months, having to go to Ranger school and (basic officer infantry training), if they still want me, sure I would do it," Villanueva said.
Army coach Rich Ellerson's unconventional experiment has produced Army's best receiving option this year. One season removed from starting all 12 games at left tackle, Villanueva leads the team in receptions (29), yards (460), and has caught all five of its touchdowns.
At first, Army would just throw up the ball to the college Football Bowl Subdivision's tallest player. Now, Villanueva is running most routes and making catches by keeping his feet inbounds.
Villanueva's emergence has forced opponents to plan for more than just Army's triple-option.
Yet, Villanueva's frame could return him to the offensive line if he gets a shot at the next level.
"I saw it (pro potential) a little bit more last year," Villanueva said. "I think I was a solid tackle. It was my first year and the option's speed didn't benefit a 6-10 guy like me. But whenever we threw the ball, I found myself extremely comfortable.
"If I put 20 more pounds on, get in some workouts and get away from Academy life, I could definitely see myself playing tackle for a big football team."
sinterdonato@th-record.com
