Prospect Spotlight: Highland’s Lopez Puts Loyalty First

Rising senior Highland linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135135" first="Abraham" last="Lopez"]</strong> is serious about football. So much so that he’s attended a bunch of camps this summer (four in June alone) in order to be evaluated by college coaches and enhance his chances of playing at the next level. But his love for football doesn’t surpass his loyalty to his Highland Hornet teammates. As one of the state’s top linebackers (2nd team All-State ILB in the spring), Lopez would have been welcomed with open arms at virtually any school in the city of Albuquerque, or beyond. But he’s stayed at Class 5A Highland, a school without a grand history of success in football, especially in recent years, and one often overshadowed by the large number of bigger 6A  programs within the Duke City borders. “Highland is my community,” Lopez told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “The football team doesn’t just play football. We help around the community. We clean people’s yards, we move houses for them and other stuff. It’s that involvement in the community, that’s why I stay at Highland.” In June, Lopez attended camps at the University of Redlands in California, Texas Tech, Air Force and the Top 200 camp at Albuquerque Academy. “I’m just trying to get my name out there by participating in camps,” Lopez said. “Coaches have told me I’m a pretty good player and keep working. I’m hoping to hear from some schools.” Lopez is well regarded by coaches, teammates and opponents for his knowledge of the game, how to read offenses and getting the Highland defense into the right formation. “Abraham’s knowledge of the game is such a big factor for us,” Highland coach Phillip Lovato told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “He’s always in the right place and makes sure the other guys are in the right places, especially with our young guys. He’s the true leader. His impact is felt all over the place. He has come a long way. He does a lot of work in the off-season on his own. He has incredible parents that support and push him in a positive way.” Make no mistake, Lopez is the undisputed leader of the Hornets. “I have to set a good example by trying my best at everything,” Lopez said. “I lead by my work ethic and showing the others how it’s done so they can follow in my footsteps.” Lopez is also an elite wrestler, finish second in his weight classification (195 pounds) at the recent state tournament and capturing the district title. “If somebody is willing to give him a shot, they won’t regret it,” Lovato said. “He’s a wonderful kid. He can play the game. He makes up for any lack of size with his intelligence. He’s in the right place at the right time. His parents are doing everything they can to give him the opportunities. That’s all you can ask for.” <strong>HIGHLAND HORNETS CAPSULE</strong>: Head Coach: Philip Lovato Mascot: Hornets Twitter: @HHS_HornetsFB, @CoachLovato Colors: Navy Blue, Gold Enrollment: 1,128 (Class 5A) Spring Record: 0-3 Overview: Junior <strong>Eliab Lopez</strong> returns at quarterback for the Hornets, but he could be challenged by one or more incoming freshmen. Lovato is trying to figure out what’s the best scheme fit with so many new players. Six-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore <strong>Xhane Williams</strong> is a promising running back and could be a difference maker with his toughness and quickness. Six-foot-2 junior <strong>Joseph Padilla</strong> is the top returning wide receiver. He also plays basketball and baseball. Lovato wants to find ways to get Padilla the ball more and showcase his abilities. Possessing soft hands, Padilla has the potential to play at the next level. Lopez anchors the offensive line as well as being the focus of the defense. Three-year starter <strong>Diego Torres</strong> is the center. Schedule: Because Highland is a Class 5A program located in a city filled with 6A teams, the Hornets always face a demanding non-district slate, and this season is no exception. Aug. 19 at Eldorado (W) Aug. 26 at Albuquerque (M) Sept. 3 FARMINGTON (M) Sept. 11 at Organ Mountain (FOD) Sept. 17 BYE Sept. 24 at Cibola (C) Oct. 1 LOS LUNAS (M) Oct. 8 VALLEY (M) Oct. 16 at Del Norte (M) Oct. 22 at Belen Oct. 30 RIO GRANDE Coach’s Comments: We’ve had a real positive showing as far as attitude and work ethic. We’re going to be extremely young. This is one of our biggest incoming freshmen classes I’ve had in a long time. They’ve had a real high rate of showing up for our summer workouts. I’m excited as far as that goes. But inexperience will be a big problem for us. We’re going to be freshmen and sophomore driven. We only have about three seniors and maybe four juniors. For a program like ours, every year is a rebuilding year. Keeping these freshmen around for four years will be big for our program.” – Phillip Lovato https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1378923607078793217 https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1408887229473189893 https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1406734001444818945 https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1404611757616795648 https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1403420219188473860 https://twitter.com/Abe58Lopez/status/1396196686477754370