El Paso High football player chooses academics over the game

El Paso High football player Fernie Briones was one of the best to play for the Tigers. During the 2015 season, Briones led the entire city in tackles with 132 and was 1st team all district.

But Briones is choosing to pursue a degree in electrical engineering instead of continuing his career on the football field.

“Instead of wasting 2 years playing football and not focusing on academics, I will just focus mainly on grades and finish faster,” Briones said.

Briones not only dominated on the field, but many took notice of his hard work in the classroom.

Head Football Coach, Robert Morales, said he was a leader in more than one way.

“He just went 110% on every play, he never rested, he never complained,” Morales said. “We had to do extras, he was always leading the team in extras.”

“Coach would always tell me, ‘if you want this you are going to have to work for it,’ and that’s what I did,” Briones said. ” I worked for what I want.”

Briones will pursue his degree in electrical engineering in the fall at UTEP.