CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) – Jesse Garza cried when he committed to a college out of high school, and not happy tears.

Garza, a linebacker from Nipomo, California, always dreamed of playing Division I football. Instead, his journey began at junior college.

“I just felt like a failure,” Garza said. “My identity was so wrapped up in what I did.”

During this period, Garza’s sense of self-worth was tied to football. When he excelled on the field, he felt pride and confidence. However, when offers didn’t come or big plays eluded him, his self-esteem suffered.

It was at Allan Hancock College in California that Garza underwent a mindset transformation. His coach also served as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader on campus, providing a new perspective.

“He was like ‘FCA after practice, you’re going to be there,'” Garza recalled. “I was like ‘Okay, I’ll be there I guess.'”

From there, Garza got in touch with the area’s FCA coordinator who helped him grow deeper in his faith.

Now standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 235 pounds, the linebacker is living his dream of playing Division I football. However, his perspective has significantly evolved since high school. This new mindset was essential as he played only seven games in 2023 and 2024 with the Panthers.

“It wasn’t until I learned that I’m so much more to these guys than just a football player,” Garza reflected. “I have a bigger role outside of football, and I’m embracing that now. People need a leader, someone to stand by them. I’m that person. It helps when you truly know who you are. They say if you know Jesus, you know who you are—I believe that wholeheartedly.”

His head coach can attest.

“Jesse is genuine, whether in the office, weight room, on the field, or in the community,” stated EIU head football coach Chris Wilkerson. “He’s authentic and consistent in his personality and priorities. He’s an incredible person and a remarkable football player.”

Garza has seven tackles, including one tackle for loss, through Eastern’s first two games of the 2025 season.

EIU hosts Illinois State on Saturday, Sept. 13.