Burnet football’s Peyton Lopez signs NLI
CAPTION: Burnet senior running back Peyton Lopez is ready to use his hand to keep his balance and get out of the grip of a Brownwood defender. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
Burnet High School senior Peyton Lopez signed his National Letter of Intent to play football for Schreiner University recently.
Lopez, who was a District 4-4A Division I honorable mention running back, caught the eyes of the Schreiner staff in person.
“He went to one of their camps and they really liked what they saw,” Burnet head coach Ben Speer said. “His hands, his size. I’m not even sure he’s done growing yet, and so I think they see the possibilities. They can use him in certain situations.”
Burnet used Lopez in a variety of ways last season.
As a running back, he had 141 rushes for 809 yards and four touchdowns. He also was a blocker, helped protect the quarterback or helped open running lanes for his teammates.
Lopez also played linebacker for the Bulldogs.
Speer said the player’s multiple skills gives Schreiner plenty of options.
“Not for sure where they’re going to put him, but I think he has some versatility,” he said. “Take a look at the possibilities of him and what they think they can use with him.”
When senior running back Josiah Coronado was out because of an injury, coaches knew who was stepping in.
“He did a good job for us filling in when Josiah was out,” Speer said. “He kind of toted the load for us. When Josiah was in, he’d come and give us a different changeup. Josiah is more of a tough slasher; Peyton is more of downhill runner. I think (Schreiner coaches) look at him and project him to do some great things.”
Lopez is continuing a busy spring. In addition to keeping himself in shape for the next level, he remains committed to the track program where he uses his speed and athleticism to score points for the Bulldogs in a couple of challenging events.
“He’ll be running the hurdles,” Speer said. “He’s still running track for us.”
Overall, Speer believes Lopez will be an even better player for Schreiner because of his desire to be great.
“I think they’d like to have him,” he said. “I think they’re very optimistic about his ability to help them. There’s definitely still a role and need for him. And they’ll help him be a better football player.”
