"Electric Routes and Fierce Hits "

Felipe Sotolongo

@Felip_Sotolongo

5'7, Class of 2029

St. Joseph Catholic School, TX

Felipe is making noise on both sides of the ball with a gritty, agile game that combines sharp technique with fierce intensity. Now in his sophomore season, he's embraced a move from quarterback to receiver while still bringing a hard edge to the defense. The change has given Felipe a new way to show his versatility, and he's making every chance count.

In Week 2, Felipe caught 4 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later, he pulled in 8 catches for 105 yards and another score. In his latest game on October 2, he caught 5 passes for 3 touchdowns, adding another electric night to a season that has him grateful for every chance to compete. He credits his teammates for giving all they have day after day, and that shared drive means just as much to him as his own numbers.

Felipe has been a force at linebacker as well, piling up 40 tackles through three games, including 20 solo stops and 3 tackles for loss. He also picked off a pass and forced 2 fumbles, showing how quickly he can change a play once he finds the ball. Last season, his work on defense earned him first-team all-district honors as a defensive back, giving him an early achievement to build on as his role continues to grow.

Playing both sides has helped Felipe understand what defenders try to take away when he lines up at receiver. Before the snap, he checks the corner’s shade and the positions of the linebackers and safeties, then pictures his route and where he might find an opening. That vision, mixed with improved speed and smoother route running, gives him a dynamic way to attack the secondary.

The switch from quarterback meant learning a different job while adjusting to a new head coach and a new system. Felipe met that challenge by spending the offseason on his footwork and routes, determined to catch up at his new position. He still heads to a field with his friends to work through plays and build chemistry, while speed work in the weight room helps him sharpen his movement. His goal is to earn all-state honors at receiver, and his family remains the reason he pours so much into the game.

I assess that Felipe has shown he can take on a big change and still find ways to help his team. He plays with confidence, stays locked in, and gives his coaches plenty of ways to use him.

The road ahead gives Felipe room to make his timing and consistency even stronger. As he continues turning practice into execution on game day, his impact will become even harder for opponents to contain. Stay tuned.