How a trip to Braum’s motivated Dominik Venegas
MUSTANG — A trip to Braum’s was motivation for Dominik Venegas.
A cashier was asking Venegas, a defensive back at Mustang High School, about what sport he played. After stating he was a football player, the cashier, a lady whom Venegas hasn’t crossed paths with since the encounter, gave him some encouragement.
“Hey, you’re going to make it.”
It was all Venegas needed to hear. A multi-sport athlete growing up, the little moment helped him put all of his focus onto the football field.
“I just started thinking about what college football would be like,” Venegas said. “Then I started putting in more work and more dedication, and I started improving.”
Venegas has developed into a 6-foot, 173-pound terror for opposing receivers across the state in Class 6A. He has multiple Division I offers. Venegas is No. 20 on The Oklahoman’s
Super 30 rankings of the state’s top college recruits for the 2019 class.
Memphis has offered Venegas a scholarship. North Texas and Southern Methodist have shown interest. Several Division II schools are pursuing him, though he isn’t in a rush to commit.
Mustang coach Jeremy Dombek knows more schools will come knocking throughout the season. He said Venegas can improve on his already sharp skill set.
“He has another level he can go to,” Dombek said. “He has this laid-back personality, which is great because he has been spectacular for our team on the field. He doesn’t have to talk trash because he backs it up with his play.”
Dombek said Venegas will play some offensive snaps this season, but he will be on the field for every defensive play.
The Broncos’ defense could be one of the state’s best with nine returning starters, and with Venegas leading by example, Dombek said he is hoping for one of his best defensive teams since he came to Mustang in 2013.
When he's not in pads, Venegas is not one who will stand out in a crowded room.
He is quiet and reserved, though he becomes fiery and intense when the Friday night lights come on. Venegas said he is not afraid to let someone know if they missed a read or didn’t get the right play call. Overall, Venegas is one of the quietest athletes in Mustang's locker room.
He doesn’t have a Twitter, something Dombek said is shocking in today’s realm of highly touted athletes.
Venegas grew up in El Reno, watching his older brother play football for the Indians. It was there when he became interested in playing the game, but the only goal he strived for was to outwork his brother.
“I’ve always wanted to be better than my family,” Venegas said. “When I was little, I used to go to all of the high school games and watch him play, watch him do his thing. I wanted to be better than he was.”
Shortly after his brother finished his playing days, Venegas moved to Mustang, where he has moved into a star role for Dombek and the Broncos. He always wanted to be better, but it wasn’t until the trip to Braum’s on Northwest Expressway that Venegas realized his future was bright.
Dombek is just waiting for more coaches to call.
“Some school is going to realize what an athlete he is,” Dombek said. “His offer sheet isn’t what it should be now, but it won’t take long for that to change.”