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Faith Academy football player Jonathan Reyes signs with Trinity

Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior Jonathan Reyes (seated, middle) signs his letter of intent May 11 to play for Trinity University while Faith Academy head football coach Randy Denton (seated, left), younger brother Jacoby and parents Jeff (standing, left) and Cyndi Reyes look on. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior Jonathan Reyes (seated, middle) signs his letter of intent May 11 to play for Trinity University while Faith Academy head football coach Randy Denton (seated, left), younger brother Jacoby and parents Jeff (standing, left) and Cyndi Reyes look on. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

MARBLE FALLS — Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior athlete Jonathan Reyes will play football for Trinity University in San Antonio.

Reyes will be a walk-on to the program and is penciled in to compete for a defensive back position.

He celebrated his decision with family and friends during a May 11 signing ceremony on the Faith campus.

Reyes said he is excited to play football at a university that will help him obtain his goal of being a doctor. The son of Jeff and Cyndi Reyes will major in biochemistry.

He was a four-year varsity letterman in football, basketball and track and played baseball when Faith restarted that program two years ago.

As a member of the school’s first 11-man football team, Reyes was part of a squad that had a 22-game regular season winning streak.

During his tenure at Faith, Reyes played football for Russ Roberts and Randy Denton, who both emphasized competing and fighting until the end.

“I learned about hard work and never giving up,” he said.

Those traits are what propelled Reyes to obtaining his walk-on status, Denton said.

The athlete handled much of his own recruitment by contacting coaches, editing his film and sending them to programs.

“I’m proud of Jonathan,” the coach said as he looked at his athlete. “If you really want to do it, you can find a way to do it.”

Denton said Reyes is a natural leader.

Reyes has found the end zone as a running back, receiver and kick returner. He also was the team’s kicker. It seemed that whenever the Flames needed a big play, he provided one.

But what sticks out is his loyalty and love for his teammates and school, Denton said.

“His willingness to do what he needs to do to be a leader on campus,” he said. “They look up to him and like him.”

Because of everything the player has accomplished, the coach said he is confident Reyes is ready for the next level.

“He’ll find a place to play; he’ll put in the work,” he said. “He’s multi-talented. Before he’s done, he’ll be doing some sort of kicks for them.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com