The Woodlands LB prepares for senior year

Entering his third season as The Woodlands, Texas, starting middle linebacker, A.J. Montalvo prepares for his senior season and the recruiting game.

Montalvo (6-0, 228-pounds) anchored a successful defense that reached the state finals last season, while earning several district and regional honors. He remains as the face of the prideful program as several Highlander stars have moved on to the college level.

“I didn’t even want to play football when I was in seventh grade, and the coaches made me,” he says. “I started as a sophomore on varsity and have seen a lot of great players come through this program, and seen them get recruited. I’ve always wished for the chance for it to be my turn to get recruited, and now we are here.”

While he has yet to receive an offer, Texas A&M, Rice, Baylor, Duke, Texas Tech, Dartmouth and Utah State are closing in.

“My top five right now are Texas A&M, Rice, Baylor, Duke and Texas Tech,” he said. “I’d love to play with some of my teammates who are currently at those schools. We have a pretty tight bond. All the schools are recruiting me as a middle linebacker.”

Montalvo had some interesting insights on his three year’s at The Woodlands.

Who’s the best offensive players’ you’ve faced?

“Bobby Reid for sure. Webster Patrick (Iowa State) was really good. Jason Alexander of Humble and McCollins Umeh at Klein Forest,” he said. “McCollins was a monster when they put him at tight end.”

What are the prospects for the 2004 season?

“We have a lot shoes to fill and our reputation is a stake. Our defense will be solid, but our offense will be a little shaky with all the new players.”

What did you think of North Shore during the state championship game?

“If we played them 10 times last year, they would have beaten us 10 times. They were huge, physical and well-coached. I know I got crack backed by a big receiver and was out for five seconds. It was the greatest high school experience I will ever be a part of.”