RANKINGS: Ranked as the No. 14 kicker in the country and the No. 179 player in Georgia by 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 53 kicker in the country, the No. 629 player in his region and the No. 130 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting Nation … Rated as a 5-star recruit and ranked No. 13 nationally by Chris Sailer Kicking.
THE VITALS: Committed to the Hokies on 7/12/2013 … A 2012 Chris Sailer Kicking Top 12/Event Elite honoree … Participated in the inaugural FCA All-Star game, making field goals from 33 and 48 yards … Seventy-eight percent of his kickoffs went for touchbacks as a senior … Also saw time at quarterback, wide receiver, tailback and free safety … As a senior, earned Region 8A All-Purpose Player of the Year honors for his performance … As a junior, was 44 of 45 on extra points, 5 of 8 on field goals with a long of 46 … A GACA all-state selection as a junior … As a sophomore, was 13 of 13 on extra points and 7 of 9 on field goals with a long of 38 yards … Named all-region and all-area as a sophomore and junior … Recruited by Torrian Gray.
PERSONAL: Born June 11, 1995, in Atlanta … Son of Pablo and Cyndye Santamaria … Has a younger sister … Contemplated major is international business.
WHY HE CHOSE TECH: “I’d say Virginia Tech was one of my top schools going into the recruiting process at first because Coach Beamer’s legacy, especially with special teams. Once I visited and came to camp, Coach Beamer was so inviting, and I had a great time. Something felt right about it. After he offered, it was tough to say no.”