The Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award, now in its second year, has released its watch list, spotlighting 20 college athletes of Hispanic heritage who have made notable contributions both on the field and in their communities.
Among those recognized is Devin Fitzgerald, a freshman wide receiver who arrives in South Bend, Indiana, after a standout prep career at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona.
High School Excellence
At Brophy, Fitzgerald set school records with 149 career receptions, amassing 2,125 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, numbers that rank second all‑time in the program's history.
His achievements were complemented by honors including Navy All‑American recognition, Fiesta Bowl All‑State selection and two‑time first‑team all‑conference accolades, underscoring his impact as both a player and a leader.
The award, organized by the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, emphasizes not only athletic prowess but also community involvement and leadership, criteria that Fitzgerald appears to meet as he transitions to the collegiate level.
Family Legacy
Devin’s father, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., is a name that resonates throughout the NFL, having spent 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and holding the second‑most receptions and receiving yards in league history.
The elder Fitzgerald’s legacy adds a familial dimension to Devin’s story, highlighting a lineage of athletic achievement that the young receiver hopes to build upon as he begins his college career.