Harlingen, TX (KRGV) — A Pharr alum is back home with UTRGV's defensive line after starting his college football career at UTSA.

For Anthony Santoscoy, the journey to Division 1 football started miles away, but the end goal was always finding his way back.

"I’m glad to be back, it’s home,” Santoscoy said.

He said that stop gave him his first experience in Division 1 football and let him learn from older players on the roster.

“Just bringing all the knowledge from UTSA to them with playing the big games,” he said.

During his time in San Antonio, Santoscoy shared part of that journey with Eddie Lee Marburger, who was already at UTSA.

Back in front of his hometown crowd, Santoscoy said he wants to prove players from the Valley can compete with anyone.

“That all the Valley kids can play football, even though some might be small, some might be big, but we all have the heart and we can play,” he said.

Coach Travis Bush said Santoscoy brings pride in the Valley and in the team.

“He has pride in the Valley and he has pride in this team and being here, so it’s been great to have him,” Bush said. “He’s an older guy, does a good job of being a leader, being a role model off the field and things like that with those guys."

Bush said he is proud Santoscoy can finish his career at home.

Anthony Santoscoy is Made in the 956 Vaqueros Edition.

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