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KRIS Super 6 Showcase: Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway Running Back

KRIS Super 6 Showcase: Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway Running Back
KRIS Super 6 Showcase: Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway Running Back
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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The fall 2025 football season features a strong senior running back class in the Coastal Bend. That's why we're highlighting six seniors in our second annual KRIS Super 6 Showcase, a combine-like environment that will air Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. on KRIS 6.

The Tuloso-Midway Warriors are coming off a first round playoff appearance in UIL 4A-DI, led by a top 40 Texas high school running back in rushing yards. Damian Figueroa ended his junior season with 2,003 yards, and that’s why he’s been named to our KRIS Super 6 Showcase.

“The pressure. I like being under pressure," Figueroa said. "I’ll never fold under it and I just apply it.”

Figueroa was top 200 in the nation and third best in the Coastal Bend in 2024, carrying the ball 237 times for 32 touchdowns. Only fumbling the ball twice through 11 games. In Texas he’s a top seven rusher returning at 182.1 yards per game.

“That whole summer going into my junior year I practiced being patient. Being calm, collected and just trying to find that patience to find a hole," Figueroa said. "Now I feel like I’m a lot faster, a lot smoother and confident in myself.

The 5-foot-9 running back's focus last offseason was working on his breakaway speed. That’s why he participated in track workouts, running a 4.48 second 40 yard dash. Add good hands and that’s what head coach James Villarreal says sets Figueroa apart.

“The athleticism goes into his ball catching," Villarreal said. "You know a lot of running backs struggle catching the football. He’s probably one of our top receivers.”

Tuloso-Midway's Damian Figueroa

Figueroa made the Tuloso-Midway varsity roster his sophomore season. He is known for his raw power and strength. Lifting a bench max at 375 pounds and 500 squat.

“It’s probably one of his favorite places to be. I think that’s kind of what sets him apart too is how strong he is," Villarreal said. "That’s where you get where he’s breaking tackles and he’s able to run for as many touches as he had last year.”

He’s focused in all aspects of the game, staying clean on his diet, running every day in the summer and building chemistry with his offensive linemen.

“Their work ethic right now is unmatched," Figueroa said. "We go and eat breakfast after every morning workout. They just want to protect the quarterback and me at all costs.”

He’s also dedicated off the field, holding a 3.0 GPA and taking what he’s learned from coach Villarreal to the younger generation.

“I’ll help coach the youth football. Some 7on7 with them and my little brother," Figueroa said. "Just I like to be involved with the young kids because they look up to me.”

He believes in his Warrior teammates, and his senior goals are to rush for 2,500 yards, win District and go far in playoffs. Figueroa started out playing baseball as a kid, but is thankful his dad encouraged him to play football in fourth grade.

Damian Figueora youth football

Figueroa is one of six senior running backs in the Coastal Bend that have been selected to compete in our KRIS Super 6 Showcase. A combine-like environment that will put our athletes to the test through drills and more. The Showcase is scheduled to air on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m on KRIS 6 and then later that day at 9:30 p.m. on our sister station KDF.

KRIS Super 6 Showcase 2025

KRIS Super 6 Showcase Senior Running Backs:
Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway
Mykha Green, Sinton
John Hinojosa, Odem
Ricardo Rodriguez, Calallen
Traey Alvarado, Rockport-Fulton
Aidan Andalon, Bishop

Tuloso-Midway starts their football season with a short road trip to Cabaniss Field. The Warriors face the Moody Trojans on Thurs., Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

The showcase is sponsored by Neessen Chevrolet.

Neessen Chevrolet