It was always a dream to play Division I football for San Benito High alumnus Ryan DiSalvo. After a summer of workouts, the San Jose State freshman will get that chance this fall.
After competing against two other players, DiSalvo was named the Spartans’ starting long snapper last week. He will be a part of an all-freshmen kicking team, after kicker Austin Lopez and holder Daniel Bradbury won their jobs.
“It was really exciting,” DiSalvo said. “I came into here not knowing what was going to happen. I had to beat out a couple of guys for the job. So I did my best.”
It was a busy summer for the former San Benito tight end and defensive end. Coming off a season where he was selected to the Tri-County Athletic League’s first team, after grabbing 71 tackles and six sacks, DiSalvo committed to the Spartans with the hope of earning a scholarship for the 2013 season. DiSalvo went to San Jose State with the caveat that he need to earn a starting spot this fall to gain a 2013 scholarship. After the summer, he did just that.
“You just have to be consistent,” he said. “I’m not sure (what set me apart) but I just went out there everyday and tried to be consistent. It was hard, but I worked hard and did a good job.”
It didn’t come easy, though, he said. At the Division I level, players are faster and stronger.
“It’s a lot different,” he said. “It’s Division I football. Everything was different.”
He continued: “There are different formations. Different styles. But I accepted the challenge and I can’t wait to step out on the field against Stanford. There is a lot of excitement. I’m excited to be here.”
And his family will be able to see him at home, he said.
“It’s awesome to be able to have my family come out here and support me,” he said.
The Spartans open their season against No. 21 ranked Stanford at 7 p.m. Friday in Palo Alto. The game can be seen on the Pac-12 Network or heard at 1590 AM or 1640 AM.
San Jose State finished last season with an overall record of 5-7 and 3-4 inside the Western Athletic Conference.
