By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
Senior, Luis Ramos (5’-10”/175lbs) is currently in his fourth season playing running back for the Port Isabel Tarpons. During his freshman year, Ramos wasn’t physically imposing, but his speed on the field was undeniable, so the coaches elevated him to the varsity squad. In his early years, Ramos was primarily used as a “change of pace” speed back. But as he matured physically, he eventually became an “all-around running back”, accounting for about 65% of the Tarpons’ offense during his junior year.
Under the tutelage of running backs coach, Alejandro Canul, Ramos has blossomed into one of best running backs in the Rio Grande Valley. During his freshman year he recorded 629 rushing yards on 45 carries, as a sophomore he ran for 455 yards on 45 carries, and during his junior year he rushed for 1176 yards on 144 carries.
As the Tarpons concluded their regular season games, Ramos is currently at 1441 rushing yards on 122 carries for an average of 11.8yds/carry. He also leads the team with 19 touchdowns. And on occasion when they have involved him in the passing game, he has contributed 142 yards on five receptions with three touchdowns.
This season, Ramos has also benefited from the expertise of PIECHS coach Johnny Nieto who has been assisting coach Canul coaching the halfbacks. Coach Nieto, known as “Nitro” back during his football playing days, was an exceptional running back in his own right, helping his team reach the State Semi-Final round back in 2003.
Entering this season, Offensive Coordinator, John Calvillo expected Ramos to have an even bigger season. “Ramos came in the best shape I have ever seen him in all his four years. He will be a two-way starter on offensive and defense. He is a rare talent that you don’t see year in and out but one every 4-5 yrs.” Said coach Calvillo. “I’ve been around the Slot- T offense since I played in HS from ‘98-01. He is in the same classification as a Misak Rivas, Michael Blackmon, Eric Gonzalez, and Brian Guerra, the exceptional backs from Weslaco that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching and watching over my 18 years coaching the slot T offense.”
Overall Ramos stats rank up there with some of the longtime PI greats of years past as he has accumulated 3701 rushing yards on 356 carries with 51 touchdowns so far. As the playoffs begin, look for Ramos to go out with a bang and leave it all on the field.