Out of the blue, into the Blue: Eric Munoz’s path to Utah State
Utah State redshirt junior linebacker Eric Munoz stood behind a podium, addressing the media after USU’s 26-21 win against Wyoming on Saturday afternoon. At first, his manner is rather subdued, especially given how Munoz led the defense with 13 tackles and picked off two passes. One of those passes he stole from Wyoming quarterback, Tyler Vander Waal, ended the Cowboys’ attempt at a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Munoz was the hero of the game. He held the coveted trophy — Bridger’s Rifle — symbolic of victory in the rivalry between the Aggies and Cowboys. But in the middle of answering a question, the facade broke. Tears welled in his eyes and the emotion of the day carried.
Just a few weeks prior, such a scene could hardly be predicted, even by Munoz. For years, Munoz’s career remained in a state of continuous flux. From Upper Iowa University to junior college at San Diego Mesa and now as a walk-on in Logan, uncertainty has been the constant companion of the Illinois native. With each decision came the possibility that it would spell the end of his career. A lot of sacrifices came with each passing choice.
Redshirt junior Eric Munoz’s statistics from Utah State’s win over Wyoming. Graphic via @StatesmanSports – Photo by Chantelle McCall
“Transferring three different times is tough,” Munoz said, “financially, academically, mentally and physically.”
His decision to leave Upper Iowa had been particularly bold. It meant giving up a scholarship, his avenue to success after football. It was a decision that didn’t come without opposition from his parents.
“My dad was pretty mad at me at first,” Munoz said. “We kind of butted heads for a good amount of time.”
Standing in the team room, facing a small crowd of media members, Munoz held the proof that he had been right. Right to leave Iowa and later San Diego for the unknown that lay in Cache Valley. His parents didn’t wait for that proof, however, rallying behind their son in his quest for gridiron glory.
“When your parents are behind you and believe in you when you are rolling the dice, it means a lot,” Munoz said.
Upon arrival in Logan, Munoz didn’t have any answers as to how he would make his way onto the field. At each stop along his football career, Munoz had seen success; an all-conference linebacker in both high school and in the California Community College Athletics Association. With the latter, he recorded 69 tackles, 7.5 for loss, with 2.5 sacks in aiding the Olympians to the Southern California Bowl Championship.
That success had driven him to try playing Division I. And having heard tale of Utah State’s reputation for turning walk-ons into contributing players, Munoz packed his bags. A glimmer of hope lighting the way.
Unfortunately, a redshirt junior season did its best to drive all that hope out of Munoz. The 6-foot-3 linebacker appeared only appeared twice in the 2018 season, in blowouts against Tennessee Tech and San Jose State. Munoz finished his fruitless year with six tackles.
Heading into 2019, prospects fared little better. All-American linebacker David Woodward saw the bulk of snaps within the Aggies’ two-linebacker base defense. A few weeks into the season, having hardly stepped foot between the sidelines, Munoz walked into the office of head coach Gary Andersen, asking how he could get playing time.
“I didn’t really have an answer for him,” Andersen said, “other than keep on fighting and keep on battling.”
Such an answer didn’t make anything better. But when Woodward went down for the season after Utah State’s loss to Air Force, a window opened. The Aggies played nearly two full games before Munoz got a small chance, a few fleeting plays at the end of USU’s win over Fresno State. His three solo tackles caught the eye of someone on the coaching staff as Munoz earned himself a starting role in the crucial Mountain West matchup with Wyoming.
“I couldn’t let them down, espcecially not Kevin (Meitzenheimer)” – Eric Munoz on getting his first start
Munoz had his chance, and he couldn’t let it pass by. He couldn’t disappoint himself, his parents or his friends. Least of all, his adamantly stated best friend, fellow linebacker, Kevin Meitzenheimer, who started alongside Munoz.
“I couldn’t let them down, especially not Kevin,” Munoz said as he held back tears and heavy emotions, “He has believed in me since I got here. When I wasn’t getting much playing time or I wasn’t getting an opportunity, he was always cheering for me, telling me to keep my head up.”
Several hours and one victory later, Munoz proved he deserved the trust placed in him by his parents, his friends and finally his coaches.
“Eric was awesome tonight,” said Andersen. “He patiently waited for his opportunity. He never pouted. It is a great story.”
A great story for a great man. After his tear-filled and sobering press conference, Munoz entered the locker room a hero and was lifted onto the shoulders of his coaches and teammates who chanted his name. Eric Munoz found the gridiron glory he chased for years and almost from coast to coast.
Twitter: @thejwalk67