BOULDER — There’s no middle ground for a kicker such as Colorado’s Diego Gonzalez. His job boils down to make or miss. A kicker can be an afterthought until, suddenly, everyone is counting on him.
Gonzalez, who arrived in Boulder three years ago, played soccer growing up in Mexico and first learned about American football at age 12.
“We have football back in Mexico but I wanted to play at the highest college level,” he said. “That’s American football. I wanted to see if I was good enough to play (in America) and obviously I am.”
At first, the 6-foot, 215-pound senior wanted to play wide receiver but he soon realized his power kicking the ball translated well from futbol to football. Gonzalez began his college career at Monterrey Tech in his hometown, Nuevo Leon, where he drew the attention of Buffaloes special teams coordinator Toby Neinas. He transferred after one season and took over the top spot last fall.
“He has an extremely strong leg and showed that at times last year,” CU head coach Mike MacIntrye said. “We’re all looking for him to have a really big senior year.”
Colorado needs reliable kicking as it was involved in several close games a season ago, losing four by less than a touchdown. Gonzalez’s season highlight came when he drilled a 32-yard field goal to defeat Colorado State, 27-24 in overtime.
Gonzalez, who came to the United States on a student visa, is playing football amid the backdrop of a contentious election year where the issue of illegal immigration from Mexico has been at the forefront.
“Some (immigrants from Mexico) may be illegal or bad people but most I think are hard-working and just need to make a living,” Gonzalez said.
He is focused on football and his future. A business and economics major, he said he enjoys his teammates and the support he’s received to make the cultural transition.
“Diego made the assimilation and adjustments and has fit in really well from the start,” MacIntyre said. “He loves Boulder and loves CU.”
As his career winds down, he can start to think about who might follow in his footsteps. And ultimately, he wants to see more players from Mexico play NCAA football.
“I’m actually talking to a few kids now that want to come over,” he said.
Ready to boot
Background: Diego Gonzalez was the final recruit of head coach Mike MacIntyre’s first Colorado class. He sat out the 2013 season due to NCAA requirements to spend a year in residence. In 2014 he played in one game, the season opener.
2015: A year ago, he won the starting placekicking job in fall camp. He was 18-of-29 on field goal attempts with a long of 52 (twice) during the season. His 89 points were fifth best in school history for a kicker. CU coaches selected Gonzalez as one of two players to receive the Bill McCartney Award which recognizes the most improved player on special teams.
