Rehobeth’s Mendez signs with Maryville College

Rehobeth High School senior Gabriel Mendez made his college decision official Thursday night, inking a national-letter-of-intent to play football at Maryville College in Tennessee. Surrounded by family members, coaches and trainers in a celebratory signing ceremony, Mendez shared a light moment with his father before putting pen to paper, closing a recruitment process defined by persistence.

Over the past two varsity seasons, the defensive standout often returned home from grueling practices with little energy left to spare. Yet instead of resting, Mendez devoted his evenings to compiling highlight clips and crafting introductory emails, determined to attract attention from college coaches. His efforts ultimately earned an invitation from the Scots, who compete in NCAA Division III.

Mendez did not take up football until his sophomore year, but he quickly developed into a reliable contributor for the Rebels, using speed and instincts to make plays on the edge. Maryville’s coaching staff projects him as an outside linebacker who can also contribute on special teams.

With the signing, Mendez becomes the latest Rehobeth athlete to advance to the collegiate level, providing a tangible example for underclassmen that late starts and limited exposure can be overcome through consistent work and proactive outreach.