One of Tony Hernandez’ favorite hobbies is to have some of his
San Benito High football buddies over to the house for some serious
video football games.
Fortunately for the Haybalers, Hernandez likes the real-life
variety of pigskin even more. Hernandez, at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds,
has been the anchor of the Balers’ defensive line this year from
his strongside defensive tackle position. This season has been a
great revelation for the senior Hernandez, who, a year ago, split
time at offensive guard and DT with mixed success. He did have a
sack in each of final two games of the ’02 season.
One of Tony Hernandez’ favorite hobbies is to have some of his San Benito High football buddies over to the house for some serious video football games.
Fortunately for the Haybalers, Hernandez likes the real-life variety of pigskin even more. Hernandez, at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, has been the anchor of the Balers’ defensive line this year from his strongside defensive tackle position. This season has been a great revelation for the senior Hernandez, who, a year ago, split time at offensive guard and DT with mixed success. He did have a sack in each of final two games of the ’02 season.
“Tony made a decision to be better this year,” said Baler line coach Steve Zenk. “He chose to be an impact player this season. His whole attitude has changed. He wants to be the best player he can be. He’s become more aggressive, more physical. And he never makes a mental error.”
“Tony has played well,” added Baler defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher. “He gives you everything he’s got every game. You can count on him.”
Hernandez is one of the team’s leading tacklers, which is rare for a defensive lineman in the Balers’ defensive scheme, which is more suited for the linebackers to make the tackles. The general consensus is that the Sherman Tank-like Hernandez is a run-stopper first, whose pass rush is improving all the time.
“I’m a better run-stopper,” said Hernandez, who has played football all four years at SBHS. “I like the contact. I like hitting guys.”
“Tony is good against the run and the pass,” said Baler defensive tackle Bret Brennan. “He always plays to the best of his ability, too.”
Baler offensive tackle Cameron Murray has squared off with Hernandez in practice.
“Hernandez always gives 100 per cent,” said Murray. “When he puts his helmet on, he’s completely serious. He has improved 10-fold since last year.”
“Going against our offensive line in practice has made me a better player,” said Hernandez, who wears No. 63. “Guys like Jonathan Lopez, Ty Doty, Oscar Correa, Phil Leonard and Murray. They’re the best offensive linemen around.”
Hernandez has excelled in head coach Chris Cameron’s weight program, which is virtually year-round. At the end of last season, players are tested on strength with 1-rep maximum lifts. Hernandez squatted 465-pounds, benched 275-pounds, power-cleaned 245-pounds and dead-lifted 505-pounds.
“Tony has always had a great work ethic,” said Cameron. “From his freshman year to now, he never missed a weight training session. He’s completely committed to the program. Getting all the reps he had at camps this summer gave him confidence and maturity. He lacked aggressiveness before, but he cut himself loose and now he’s grabbed the role. He’s getting better every game and he’s putting all the pieces together.”
Hernandez is the ultimate team player. First off, he’s disappointed in the team’s 1-1-1 record.
“We shouldn’t have tied with Wilcox,” said Hernandez. “Our team had the ability to beat them, but we came out flat in the beginning.”
And as for possibly making all-Tri-County Athletic League this season, Hernandez said that’s not a priority for him.
“The most important thing is that our team goes deep into the playoffs,” said Hernandez. “If we do that and I don’t make all-league, I’ll be just as happy.”
Hernandez feels this Friday night’s game at Seaside is “a must win”.
“We need to get on a roll,” said Hernandez. “That will boost our confidence going into league.”
Before Monday’s practice, Hernandez was entertaining a few of his Baler teammates with what looked to be like some sort of dance.
“I usually do something to lighten the mood before practice if we seem a little flat,” said Hernandez, who hopes to flatten opposing runners this season on a regular basis.
