High School Football Player Spotlight: Pueblo receiver Jesus Enriquez is a touchdown machine

That same expression could’ve been used for Pueblo junior wide receiver Jesus Enriquez in the Warriors’ 56-7 win over Douglas last week.

Enriquez had five receptions for 208 yards and four touchdowns in Pueblo’s second win of the season. He averaged 41.6 yards per catch last Friday and has 20 catches for 460 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

“I get all the praise, but it’s really not me,” Enriquez said. “It’s my linemen and my quarterback. They do all the work and I just get open.”

Enriquez said last Friday was his top performance “on the stat sheet, but I was watching film and there were a lot of things I can fix. On both sides of the ball, I can do a lot better.”

Third-year Pueblo head coach Sly Lewis, who was a longtime assistant coach at Sabino, coached standout wide receivers like Keanu Nelson, Drew Dixon, Shamar Berryhill, “and this guy is right up there with those guys,” Lewis said of Enriquez.

“He’s been great for us,” Lewis added.

Enriquez, who also plays defensive back for the Warriors, joined “Spears & Ali” on ESPN Tucson this week to talk about Pueblo’s 2-1 start, the chemistry with his quarterback and his path to football, as the Warriors prepare for back-to-back road games against Copper Canyon and Catalina Foothills.

Does playing defensive back help you play wide receiver?

A: “Playing DB makes me realize what the receivers are doing and playing receiver makes me realize what the DBs are doing. It helps me get open and manipulate what they do.”

What do you like about the 2-1 start Pueblo is on?

A: “I love the start we’re on, but there’s a lot of things we can fix. The loss against Sunnyside, there’s a lot of things we could’ve done better. We’re happy where we are, but I don’t think we’re done yet.”

What lessons do you take from the 25-14 loss to Sunnyside two weeks ago?

A: “To be together as a team. We were together as a team, but a lot of things didn’t go our way and we started to break apart. I feel like we’re a lot better where we are.”

How is the chemistry between you and quarterback Roman Otero, who has 798 passing yards and 11 touchdowns this season, with eight of those touchdowns to you?

A: “It’s pretty elite, because he’s not only a captain and a good teammate, he’s a good friend on and off the field. He calls me out when I need to be called out. We’ve got good chemistry.”

How did you start playing football?

A: “I was young and I was playing football in the streets in my neighborhood with my dad. I took a kick return back to the house. Ever since that day, I fell in love with it.”

Who is your favorite football player?

A: “Honestly, I’ll say Odell Beckham. He’s always hurt, but he’s always getting back up. He has a lot of resilience and that’s what I love about him.”

What about your favorite football team?

A: “The (Arizona) Cardinals. I was impressed (last week). I thought we were going to lose (to the Los Angeles Chargers).”

What Tucson-area youth football organizations did you play for growing up?

A: “I played for the Redskins and the Rams.”

What is your favorite football memory?

A: “My first touchdown against Youngker (in the season opener). That was my first game on varsity. A first touchdown is pretty nice. It was an all-around great moment.”

There are a number of great restaurants near Pueblo High School. Which one is your favorite?

A: “Honestly, there’s a lot of culture and stuff like that (around Pueblo). I’m not going to lie, my favorite place to eat is McDonald’s. It’s cheap and I get more bang for my buck.”

What do you order at McDonald’s?

A: “The $6 meal deal.”

Do you have any hobbies outside of football?

A: “Honestly, I just love to play football. Outside of football, I don’t really know. I do love (the video game) ‘Fortnite.’”