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Dallas Christian Star RB, Zach Hernandez, commits to SMU
Hernandez has racked up over 4,300 yards and 52 touchdowns in his high school career. After playing in Rockwall for his freshman and sophomore seasons, Hernandez transferred to Dallas Christian School up the highway in Mesquite, Texas where he helped play an integral role in leading the Dallas Christian Chargers to another state title. Hernandez was named First Team All-State and continues to put in the hard work and dedication that it takes to continue striving to be the best on and off the field. VYPE was able to catch up with Hernandez for an exclusive interview:
Staying close to home is always exciting. While you get to continue your football career, you already have a built-in fanbase ready to cheer you on. What helped influence your decision to choose SMU?
"It's obviously a close place to home, but I fell in love this visit and it's a great place to pursue my law degree!"
You've made quite the impact with Dallas Christian, what has been your favorite memory on the Chargers' squad?
"I think it's winning that state championship, but there's so many memories on and off: we won Coach Wheeler's 300th game, all the funny locker room moments, every day is a day to remember here at Dallas Christian."
When did you start playing football? Who got you interested in the sport?
"I started playing ball when I was around 8. My dad took me out to a select team practice for a team called the Panthers and I fell in love with football in that moment."
Which professional athlete do you look up to most and why?
"I wouldn't say I look up to anyone. I just follow God and I think I have the best work ethic and determination instilled in me. I don't have to look up to someone."
As you get ready to leave your high school career behind, what do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment?
"Some might say it's winning a state title, but I'd have to say it's just the durability of me breaking a 6A record. It's pretty cool. I don't know, though. That state title felt really good. I just enjoy the game."
As you get ready to prepare for the NCAA, what are your main goals?
"My main goal is just to show everyone 'me'. I know what I am capable of and I just have to do 'me' and they'll find out that I've been doing this my whole life."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"A game day routine for me looks like eating food and listening to music in my locker. Thinking about football and just visualizing success. I am the quietest thing on a Friday night. Then I go stretch before we warm up."
What do you do in the offseason to keep your skills sharp?
"I workout with my trainers Phillip and V who is a former Tech player; his son plays there now."
What has been your mindset going into each season?
"My mindset every season is to just be better than last year. I want to be the best at everything I do."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your success and your team's success?
"There is no secret. You get in the gym to lift weights and you put your head down to just run; do what you have to do to stay disciplined."
Photo provided by Zach Hernandez
Zach Hernandez running the ball during his senior season with Dallas Christian.
Hernandez has been active on social media expressing his gratitude to everyone who has helped him along his journey posting a special thank you to his parents, coaches, trainers, and more!
Back-To-Back: Dallas Christian Chargers post a state title shut-out
In the first half of the game, fans watched as two strong defenses faced off- ready to do whatever it took to set the tone for the rest of the game. Held to a 29-yard field goal by Zach Hernandez in their first drive of the game, the Chargers were on the board first. To start the second quarter, De'Mijae Lampkins returned a Warriors fumble 70 yards to the house for the first Dallas Christian touchdown of the game. The rest of the first half saw incredible defense on the field from both teams, preventing anymore scores and allowing the Chargers to head into halftime with a 10-0 lead over Cypress Christian.
With momentum coming out of halftime, Dallas Christian entered the third quarter ready to get the ball rolling. However, the Cypress Christian Warriors' defense was more than ready to continue putting up a fight. Midway through the third quarter, Luke Carney threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to Will Nettles; the PAT was good and put the Chargers up 17-0. The final score of the game wasn't until midway through the fourth quarter as Hernandez posted a 2-yard rush for a touchdown.
Leading 24-0, an incredible interception from Nettles sealed the victory for the Chargers.