Two-way standout Baeza signs with WNMU

TOME — It was hard to miss Diego Baeza on the football field for Valencia, and not just because of his size at 6-foot, 2-inches tall, 310 pounds.

As a lineman for the Jaguars, Baeza was consistently opening or closing holes, depending on which side of the ball he was on.

“I played football my whole life,” Baeza said, and now that path will continue after signing with Western New Mexico University.

“It’s a very good program. I like the coaching staff,” said Baeza, who was recruited as an offensive guard, but wouldn’t object to being a two-way player. “I hope I can play some defense too because I’ll do anything just to play.”

Baeza received several offers from out-of-state schools, but he really wanted to stay in New Mexico.

“I’m happy that I finally got an offer in state,” said Baeza, who plans to study communication on the Silver City campus.