‘I beat the odds.’ Keller all-state linebacker headed north to continue football career
Richard Silva was always told he was too small to play linebacker at the college level.
The offers slowly came in, but Silva never lost hope.
Finally in January, he stepped foot on the campus at Southwestern Oklahoma State.
He was home.
Silva, who was an all-state linebacker at Keller last season, announced on Wednesday that he was continuing his career at SWOSU. He then signed his letter of intent during National Signing Day.
“Today means so much to me,” Silva said. “I’ve been dreaming about this day since I first started playing and for it to finally be here, I’m so happy and grateful and to be in the position I’m in.”
Despite his short stature, Silva came through in the largest classification.
As a sophomore at Keller Central, he was voted Class 6A first-team all-state. Then he was TAPPS all-state while at Nolan Catholic in 2018. He capped his career off with an honorable mention all-state selection last season. He recorded 108 tackles, 10 for loss and 11 sacks.
“But I beat the odds and it’s a big day in my eyes,” Silva said “It’s a blessing to sign and play the sport you’ve been playing since you were little.”
SWOSU told Silva during his visit that he could make a difference right away.
“They said I can come and make a big impact and be apart of a great team as well as a great university,” SIlva said. “The culture there is different and everyone is so warming. Feels like home.”
Silva was also named Fort Worth Star-Telegram all-area second-team defense.
