Christopher Cabrero, the resilient senior quarterback from Chavez High School, has long flown under the radar, overshadowed by his team’s struggles and a sub-500 season.
But now, after defying the odds and proving his potential, Cabrero is getting his shot, officially committing to continue his football journey at Wayland Baptist University.
“Wayland Baptist is getting a quarterback with a strong arm, great pocket awareness and elite football IQ,” said Chavez assistant coach Elvis Davis Jr. “However, his ability to read coverages and extend plays also makes him a dual threat.”
Cabrero considered other options, including Houston Christian University, which he considered walking on and Culver-Stockton College, a school with which he had been in contact. But Wayland Baptist checked all the boxes—proximity to home, financial aid, eligibility flexibility and belief, which was most important.
“I chose Wayland Baptist University because of their coaching staff and the love they’ve shown throughout the process,” said Cabrero. “They took a chance on me while other schools passed me up. It’s in-state, close to home, so financially, that helps. It’s also a NAIA school, so I’ll be able to retain my four years of NCAA eligibility while developing at the collegiate level, hoping one day to move forward to the FBS level and hopefully the NFL.”
Cabrero, who played varsity all four years at Chavez, had plenty of reasons to fly under the radar, most of which had little to do with talent.
Last season, the team finished with a 2-4 record in 6A Region III District 18. Chavez started with no more than 25 players and saw that number drop to as low as 15 as the season progressed. Many of the players were first-year football players, while opposing teams often had rosters three times larger with more experienced players. With such limited depth, Chavez athletes were often forced to play out of position as they had to fill spots on both sides of the ball.
“When our team faced adversity, he never folded, he stepped up,” said Davis. “He encouraged younger players to understand their role and held everyone to a higher standard. His composure in tough moments set the tone for the whole team.”
Player inexperience and program stability plagued the Chavez football program. As a senior, Cabrero was forced to work with a new set of coaches each year.
“I feel the reason bigger programs overlooked me was because of the school I was at,” said Cabrero. “The school’s lack of success in winning was a red flag for many coaches.”
Despite the lack of stability, Cabrero’s numbers were noticeable. As a senior, he threw for 1,898 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding over 200 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.
“Although I faced challenges with my team, I was still able to perform at a high level,” said Cabrero.
Cabrero’s football journey began at eight years old with the East End Eagles in the Bay Area Football League. As he developed into a quarterback, he dedicated countless hours to honing his craft, an experience that helped him lead a young, inexperienced Chavez team.
“What helped me keep my cool leading a new, inexperienced team was knowing I once was at that point,” said Cabrero. “It takes work and practice to be good. I mentored the young players so they could pass it down and continue to build up the program. Leaving a mark for growth was one of the biggest reasons I chose to stay at Chavez.”
Although the recruiting process took longer than he had hoped, Cabrero’s opportunity has finally arrived. Next season, as an incoming freshman, he’ll need to prove himself and adapt to the pace and intensity of the college game. While he wasn’t widely known during recruitment, Cabrero is eager to demonstrate his potential and make an impact with a more experienced roster around him.
“I do believe if I were at a better program, I would’ve been one of those big names out there,” said Cabrero. “But I’m glad I wasn’t and I’m happy the way my path has panned out.”
About Christopher Cabrero:
Class: 2025
IG: @imjust.chris_
Twitter: @qbchris_12
Position: Quarterback
Height & weight: 6-feet-1, 165 pounds
Favorite artist: Drake
Status: Committed to Wayland Baptist University
Favorite subject: Science
Shout-outs: Mom, Carlos Santos, Spencer Griffin and Jeremiah Villarreal
