Del Valle graduate Steven Montez stays focused on NFL Draft
Felix F. Chavez
The past few months have been a learning experience for Del Valle graduate and former University of Colorado quarterback Steven Montez as he prepares for the NFL Draft, which is set for April 23-25.
He had week long practices and a showing in the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., which was followed by the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis and then it was his pro day at the University of Colorado earlier this month.
"It's about taking one challenge after the next," Montez said. "I learned from everything I went through. I took what I learned and went right to the next event. I felt I have grown in the past month. I had a good combine and my pro day went well."
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez runs official 4.68 second 40-yard dash at 2020 combine
Montez had been working with former UTEP quarterback Jordan Palmer in preparation for the draft and they worked well together. But with the COVID-19 virus that that has become a pandemic around the globe, Montez is currently in Boulder, Colorado, the home of the University of Colorado.
"I'm working out as much as I can, getting in work throwing the ball wherever I can," he said. "But I'm staying positive and we'll see how the draft goes. I can just do what I can to prepare myself and work hard. I'm excited about the future and whatever team I land with, I'm going to give everything I have."
The 6-foot-5 Montez finished his career at Colorado with 10,555 yards of total offense and 9,569 yards passing. As a freshman, he helped lead the Buffaloes to the Alamo Bowl.
At Del Valle, he earned Class 5A All-State honors and helped lead the program to the third round of the playoffs as a junior.
Montez has teamed with agent A.J. Vaynerchuk to help him with his professional career.
"Steven is a great person and it's been great to work with him," said Vaynerchuk, who has known Montez for about a year. "He's handled every step of this journey great and he has a wonderful attitude. There are lots of teams interested in him, but it's impossible to say this point where he might go in the draft. Steven has worked hard to get to this point and he's driven to make it in the NFL."
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Felix F. Chavez may be reached at 915-546-6167; fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.