Harlingen, TX (KRGV) — A Harlingen alum is back home with UTRGV's defensive line after starting his college football career at University of Texas San Antonio.

For Nathan Huerta, the journey to Division 1 football started miles away, but the end goal was always finding his way back.

"I’m glad to be back, it’s home,” Nathan Huerta said.

Huerta grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and got the chance to walk on at UTSA. He said that stop gave him his first experience in Division 1 football and let him learn from older players on the roster.

Now with UTRGV, Huerta said he wants to bring that experience to the defensive line.

“Just bringing all the knowledge from UTSA to them with playing the big games,” Huerta said.

During his time in San Antonio, Huerta shared part of that journey with Eddie Lee Marburger, who was already at UTSA. Huerta said that experience mattered because Marburger was the only kid from the 956 there before him.

Back in front of his hometown crowd, Huerta said he wants to prove players from the Valley can compete with anyone.

“That all the Valley kids can play football, even though some might be small, some might be big, but we all have the heart and we can play,” Huerta said.

Coach Travis Bush said Huerta brings pride in the Valley and in the team.

“He has pride in the Valley and he has pride in this team and being here, so it’s been great to have him,” Bush said. “He’s an older guy, does a good job of being a leader, being a role model off the field and things like that with those guys."

Bush said he is proud Huerta can finish his career at home.

Nathan Huerta is Made in the 956 Vaqueros Edition.

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