Dec. 23, 2007

Perseverance is one of the qualities that best describes Daniel Lopez.

His football career at Baylor University would seem to be solid proof of that notion.

When Lopez, a 2003 Hanna High School graduate, joined the Bears' squad five years ago, he was one of 25 walk-ons. Before the 2007 season began, Lopez, a 5-foot-11, 231-pound reserve linebacker, looked around and noticed that he was one of only two walk-ons from the original group still on the Baylor roster.

Both Lopez, who redshirted as a freshman, and the other walk-on were awarded athletic scholarships as seniors, so their diligence finally paid off.

"A lot of players when they walk on don't get noticed, or they find it too tough and quit after a year or so," said Lopez, 22, who graduated from Baylor earlier this month with a degree in anthropology with a concentration in forensic science. He minored in criminal justice and will start graduate studies in sports management at Baylor in January. He would someday like to work for the FBI or CIA.

To read the complete story published in the Brownsville Herald click here.