Football: Tres Barboza is a Force to Be Reckoned with on UConn Team
The Castroville, Tex., native started his football journey in the seventh grade, having never playing a snap of football until that point. Growing up, Barboza wanted to be a wide receiver or any position involved in scoring a touchdown. Instead, he was put on the offensive line.
“I remember being upset because I wasn’t gonna be able to score touchdowns,” Barboza said. “But once I got into high school that all changed. I grew to love not just the position, but the sport of football.”
Barboza soon learned that he would have the most important position in football. Without the offensive line, there is no play, and they have to keep the quarterback “upright.” This is something that Barboza and the rest of the offensive line take pride in.
Coming out of high school, Barboza attended Tyler Junior College. He had the opportunity to play with a great group of guys and after his first season, he committed to Texas-El Paso, where he was for three years. Barboza reflected on his time at UTEP and how it “really changed my game and my knowledge of football.” He did, however, experience a lot of injuries during his time there.
“My time at UTEP really changed my game and my knowledge of football which was something I’m very grateful for,” Barboza said. “I came to a point where I wasn’t sure if playing football was something I should continue to do or even wanted to do anymore.”
Barboza noted that strengthening his faith and praying helped him find his drive and get back to where he wanted to be as both an individual and a player.
Barboza will now be playing at UConn under the direction of head coach Jim Mora. When deciding where he wanted to go, Barboza was drawn to the fandom the most. Barboza heard and felt the energy from the fans walking to the arena of a men’s basketball game.
“On my official visit, I was able to watch the men's basketball game and the fans were awesome,” Barboza said. “There's so much tradition and love.”
Barboza also looks forward to getting a quality education and getting involved while playing for UConn.
“UConn is a very prestigious university and I know I’m making my family proud by playing football and getting a great education here,”
An aspect of the game that Barboza looks forward to is the brotherhood.
“They’re ready to work and turn this program around.” Barboza said. “We have so many great leaders and that’s the most important part to have in a program which is having it led by the players and not only by the coaches.”
Gordon Sammis, the offensive line coach, is someone Barboza is excited to work with. Sammis brings energy to their position group, like the other coaches.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be challenging for Barboza, but he pushed through.
“COVID was tough. I was still able to play but a few of the games were canceled which became very frustrating especially when you’re practicing and preparing all week and at the last minute the game is canceled.” said Barboza.
On the upside, Barboza talked about getting better mentally because it was a tough time. He discussed getting a dog.
“I definitely bounced back by getting a dog,” he said. “She helped me get my mind off things and have something to do. Shout out to my dod Daisy.”
Barboza is ready for the upcoming season with the new and improved UConn team, especially as he gets to be an integral part of the offensive line.
“I’m excited for what’s to come for the 2022 UConn Huskies,” Barboza said.
