The UTRGV Football Team finish a sprint session Aug. 14 at the practice field at Vaqueros Performance Center in Edinburg.
After making history in its inaugural season, UTRGV football enters its second season with a new challenge, building on what the program accomplished and proving that last year was only the beginning.
The Vaqueros return with more experience throughout the roster, including several defensive starters, while coaches continue to prepare the team for the situations it may face once the season begins.
Head coach Travis Bush said the focus during training camp has been on putting players through as many game-like situations as possible.
“Guys, we’re just getting after it, getting after each other, taking care of each other at the same time, competing in a lot of different scenarios,” Bush said. “Really just putting them in as many game situations.”
That preparation has also revealed areas where the team has grown since its first season.
Bush said the defense has pushed the offense throughout camp, creating a daily challenge that he believes will benefit the team once games begin.
“Every inside drill, every team drill, everything’s a headache, but again, it’s making us better,” Bush said. “We’re not gonna see anything in the season that we don’t see on a daily basis.”
The competition has been especially important for a secondary that entered fall camp with questions after losing several starters from last season.
Players such as Carter Hewitt, TJ Neal, Alijah Prosser and Keion Bryant have stepped into bigger roles, while the return of experienced players has helped the group develop confidence.
Bush said confidence has become one of the biggest differences during camp.
“The biggest thing: they got confidence. They play with that confidence every snap,” Bush said.
That growth on defense has been noticeable to linebacker Jaiden Haygood, who said the team’s chemistry is stronger than it was a year ago.
“This team is amazing, man. It’s almost close. I would say it’s closer than last year’s team, definitely,” Haygood said.
That connection extends beyond the field. The team recently spent time together at Main Event, where players participated in activities such as bowling and laser tag.
Haygood said the relationships being built away from football have carried over into the locker room and onto the field.
“Everybody’s friends with everybody. There’s no loners, there’s nobody sitting by their self. We’re all really laughing, really playing around with each other, on and off the field,” Haygood said.
But once the ball is snapped, Haygood said the team takes a different approach.
The linebacker said he believes the defense is further ahead than it was at this point last season, with players understanding more of the playbook and making more adjustments against the offense.
For Haygood the goals are also bigger this season.
After earning All-American recognition last year, he wants to repeat that accomplishment while earning another All-Conference honor. As a defensive unit, the goal is to become one of the best in the country.
For running back Jamal Polley, the focus is more personal. After a difficult first season, Polley said he is entering this year feeling better and waiting for his opportunity.
“Around my position group, I feel really good. We’re all connected with each other,” Polley said. “We’re super close, and I’m just waiting for, like my coach, Coach Regulada, says, just waiting for my hero moment.”
Polley’s goal is not centered only on individual playing time. He wants to contribute wherever the team needs him, including on special teams, while helping the Vaqueros reach their larger goals.
That team-first mentality mirrors the larger expectations surrounding the program.
Bush said the work toward this season began by rebuilding the foundation and unity of the team after last year’s inaugural campaign.
“Really everything. Just building, you’ll start from scratch, you start over, you start building the unity, you start building the foundation of everything,” Bush said.
The Vaqueros are also looking to improve offensively, with players such as Corey Holmes emerging during camp. Bush said Holmes’ development has been noticeable after getting his first true offseason to become stronger and more physical.
Special teams also return experience, with the team’s kicker, punter and long snapper all receiving preseason recognition.
But while there is plenty of anticipation surrounding future matchups, including the upcoming UTSA game, Bush said the team is keeping its attention on the immediate task.
“We’ve got UTPB coming here on the 29th, and that’s going to be our first focus once that week turns,” Bush said.
For Haygood, one game later in the schedule carries special meaning. The San Antonio native is looking forward to returning to the Alamodome, where he played during high school.
But his motivation goes beyond one game. Seeing his cousin DeMarvin Leal reach the NFL has given Haygood a personal example of what is possible.
“Just seeing him in the league really gives me hope that I can make it there,” Haygood said. “I have someone in my family that’s done it, so it gives me hope that I can go out there and do what he did.”
The Vaqueros will begin their season at home on Saturday, giving the team its first opportunity to show how much it has grown since its inaugural campaign.
And Haygood has a simple message for the fans as the season approaches.
“All I’ll ask is y’all to pack the Vac, and we’re gonna do what we did last year. We’re gonna try to go undefeated at home again. So pack the Vac and let’s have fun,” Haygood said.
