Tell us if Tate High School (Florida) offensive lineman Darell Villanueva’s football journey sounds familiar.
Originally from Puerto Rico, the 6-foot-5, 312-pound Villanueva plans to begin his college career at a Conference USA-based Sunshine State team.
Villanueva committed to Florida International this past week, the latest notable addition for second-year coach Willie Simmons.
“It has been a blessing,” Villanueva told Legacy Library, “and I have been more concentrated and focused on the sport, taking it even more seriously.”
Villanueva called the FIU opportunity a “blessing” and a “dream come true.” He chose FIU over Middle Tennessee State after receiving both offers this spring.
“I came here to build my legacy,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva’s path might remind some South Florida football fans of ex-Florida Atlantic offensive lineman Federico Maranges, who was born in Puerto Rico before moving to Miami while in high school.
Maranges’ story is one worth following for Villanueva, given that the former was a three-year starter at FAU and just won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.
Although Maranges mainly played guard and center at FAU, Villanueva comes to FIU with experience at right tackle and right guard.
Simmons and FIU are fresh off their first winning season since 2018. The Golden Panthers also ended a 10-year Shula Bowl drought after routing FAU last September.
Villanueva is already FIU’s 13th commit and the fifth offensive lineman. He joins Jayden Dean (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Nathaniel Miller (Hollywood, Fla.), Adarian Dotson (Titusville, Fla.), and Cole Holland (Rainsville, Fla.).
The 2026 Early Signing Period is expected to begin Wednesday, Dec. 2, and run through Friday, Dec. 4. Players who sign their letter of intent during that period can then enroll early.
Villanueva and Tate begin the 2026 season with a scrimmage against Pine Forrest on Aug. 14. The Aggies officially kick off their regular season against Marianna seven days later.
Leave a Reply