David Soto Martinez, a junior at Cetys Universidad in Tijuana, Mexico, has been playing American football since the age of seven. Drawn to the sport by its team-oriented nature and the adrenaline of its physical intensity, David found his passion early and never looked back. Today, he stands as a focused and driven quarterback with both a short-term championship vision and long-term dreams of making it to the highest levels of the game.

“What I love most about being a quarterback,” David says, “is the responsibility of leading a group of players to a common goal—and the excitement of hearing the crowd roar after a touchdown.” That leadership instinct has helped define David’s approach on and off the field. For him, the quarterback position requires more than physical talent; it’s about character, concentration, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. “You have to be coachable, ready to study, and handle mistakes,” he adds. “Physically, you need accuracy, strength, mobility—and sometimes being tall helps too.”

David looks up to NFL great Ben Roethlisberger, not just for his playing style, but for the way he motivates those around him. That same mindset drives David to lead by example—whether he’s on the field or in the locker room. Off the field, he enjoys playing video games and going for long walks, which help him stay mentally balanced.

His football journey hasn’t been without obstacles. One of his biggest challenges was leaving the team he grew up with after accepting a scholarship to join another program. “It was like starting from zero,” he recalls. But with courage and resilience, David adapted—and thrived.

This upcoming camp marks his first, and he’s excited for the opportunity to meet new coaches, bond with fellow athletes, and grow in every way possible. “I hope to have a lot of fun,” he says. “I want to learn, improve, and get one step closer to my dream.”

David’s routine on game day is methodical and focused: warming up with bands, practicing snaps, working through routes with receivers, and locking in mentally before the kickoff. During the off-season, he prioritizes strength training, quarterback drills, and plyometric workouts to enhance his overall performance.

Two coaches have had a lasting impact on his development: Coach Alan Moreno, who first believed in his potential as a quarterback, and Coach Ernesto Campa, who continues to guide and mentor him today. “They’ve both helped me become the quarterback I am and the person I strive to be.”

David’s advice for younger athletes is simple but powerful: “Discipline beats talent when talent isn’t disciplined. You have to work hard consistently if you want to succeed.”

Even after breaking both arms at different points in his career, David refused to let injuries sideline his spirit. “I couldn’t practice, but I was still there—for my coaches, and for my teammates.”

With a junior high championship under his belt and a scholarship already earned, David has clear goals ahead. In the short term, he’s working to strengthen his body and help his team win a state title. Long-term, he hopes to earn a college scholarship and, ultimately, become one of the few Mexican players to make it to the NFL.

“I want to go far,” David says with conviction. “I want to prove that it’s possible.”