Sergio Aparicio is one of the best players from the Pharr, Texas area in the Class of 2024.
The 5-foot-9, 143-pound Aparicio, who attends LBJ Middle School, is a dynamic player that works as a quarterback, wide receiver and safety for the TYFA Mission Mustangs.
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Aparicio has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding career, such as being selected as TYFA State Championship MVP and LBJ Knights Football Player of the Year, as well as being invited to the All-Star Showcase, True-Talent All-American, and Catch Cover Elite event.
Aparicio is humbled by the accolades.
“I am humbled and honored to have received such an award although I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and the guidance of my coaches,” Aparicio said. “To me it was such an honor to go up against such awesome and talented athletes that I had never seen before.”
No matter the opponent, every game Aparicio is determined to give it his all.
Aparicio is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Aparicio steps between the lines.
“I want to guide and lead my team to victory. If we come to any challenges during a game I hope to be able to make adjustments that will benefit us as a team,” Aparicio said. “I want to just be a leader on and off the field.”
Aparicio has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field Aparicio tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love to inspire my teammates, working to be the best I can be and it is just fun for me,” Aparicio said.
Aparicio has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing football has taught me to work hard and never giving up will lead you to a bright future on and off the field,” Aparicio said. “It’s all about having a positive attitude and keeping your spirits high.”
Aparicio recalls his favorite football memory.
“Winning the TYFA D1 State championship was very memorable to me due to the fact that it’s been my goal to win it since the age of 5, when I started with the Mission Mustangs,” Aparcio said. “It was an amazing feeling to come through for my team like that and I’ll never forget it.”
Mark Rendon is Aparicio’s coach for the TYFA Mission Mustangs.
Rendon explains the best parts of Aparicio’s game.
“He has been my quarterback on offense and plays safety on defense. When I need someone to guard the opponents best receiver, I put him out at corner,” Rendon said. “At quarterback, he is one of the best I have ever coached or seen. You have to respect his throwing arm but can also hurt you with his speed.”
Aparicio takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Aparicio makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by showing up to practice and helping my teammates at all times. Motivating them when they are down,” Aparicio said. “If you make a mistake don’t dwell on it and learn from your mistakes. A play doesn’t go as planned, know you are going to come back on the next one.”
Rendon adds that Aparicio is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“He leads vocally and by example. He has excellent leadership,” Rendon said. “He sets a positive example for his teammates to follow.”
Aparicio is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have helped make me a better player and person,” Aparicio said. “I’ve learned there is always room for improvement, so always keep training. Always get out there and lead your team with a positive mindset. You better be working hard because there is always someone working to take your spot.”
Rendon is an advocate of Aparicio’s capabilities.
“He has made so many big plays that affected the outcome of games for us. He’s a big-time player that isn’t afraid of huge moments,” Rendon said. “We wouldn’t have the success we did without his efforts.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Aparicio is developing a high level of football IQ as well.
Aparicio is growing into excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He knows how to read the defense well and comes back to the sidelines and let’s me know what he sees out on the field and what he feels will work,” Rendon said.
Aparicio is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He is one of the hardest working players I have on and off the field,” Rendon said. “He trains hard at practice and attends private training and numerous camps.”
Rendon explains why he compares Aparicio to this legendary quarterback.
“I compare him Tom Brady because of his IQ of the game, great accuracy,” Rendon said. “But unlike Brady, he will beat you with his legs as well.”
Aparicio patterns his mentality after this college player.
“I really look up to Spencer Rattler who plays for the University of Oklahoma,” Aparicio said. “He motivates me to work hard. Makes me want to become a better person on and off the field.”
Aparicio is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“My goal is to always be the best I can be and never give up no matter what obstacle crosses my path,” Aparicio said. “I want to make my family proud of me in everything that I do.”
Aparicio explains his collegiate aspirations.
“My dream college is either Texas A&M or LSU because they have a good education and a good sports program,” Aparicio said. “It would be an honor to play in the SEC.”
Rendon outlines the areas of improvement that will take Aparicio to the next level.
“What I am working on is getting him to release the ball sooner and look off the safety,” Aparicio said. “He’s still young so I know all of these improvements can and will be made.”
Rendon believes the sky is the limit as long as Aparicio continues to stay hungry.
“He has the potential to go D1 as QB or as receiver. The sky’s the limit for this young man,” Rendon said. “I am hard on him on and off the field and make sure his grades are in check and he stays on the right path.”
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