Pinnacle’s Dampier hungry for more after first Power 5 offer
PHOENIX (BVM) – Devon Dampier and his favorite NFL quarterback, Kyler Murray, have plenty in common.
First, it’s size. The Pinnacle High School sophomore QB stands at 6-feet, 190 pounds while the Arizona Cardinals’ signal caller is listed at a generous 5-foot-10. Then, it’s the playstyle. Both Dampier and Murray are dual-sport athletes who can fling the football just as well as they can run with it.
But another star quarterback was in the same shoes that Dampier is now just a couple years ago.
Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler accounted for more than 12,000 total yards and 130 touchdowns during his four years at Pinnacle and broke the Arizona high school passing record on his 18th birthday. Rattler went on to lead the Sooners to their sixth consecutive Big 12 Championship in October.
Pinnacle’s former and current quarterback have built a special relationship over the last few years.
Good luck this SZN🎒🧪Gonna miss you big bro 💉😪 @SpencerRattler pic.twitter.com/RooMoM5vU5
— Devon Dampier (@Devonddampier) July 29, 2019
“He’s (Rattler) just been a great role model,” Dampier said. “He helps me on and off the field and I couldn’t thank him more for what he does. Some of the crazy throws he’s able to make shows me ways to make those types of throws.”
By the end of Rattler’s sophomore year at Pinnacle, he received 14 offers from Division I schools such as Alabama, Notre Dame and Miami. Dampier just wrapped up his sophomore season and, although he hasn’t garnered the same amount of recruiting attention as Rattler just yet, picked up his first Power 5 offer from Arizona last week.
The offer came on the heels of Dampier’s first full season as a varsity starter where he threw for 1,249 yards and 12 touchdowns to just two interceptions. The sophomore showed arm strength, touch, mobility and the ability to throw from different platforms.
That was enough for the Wildcats to extend an offer, something Dampier is extremely grateful for.
I am beyond blessed and very excited to have received my first Power 5 offer from The University of Arizona @CoachJimmieD @CoachJeddFisch @Elev8QBacademy🐻⬇️❤️💙✝️ pic.twitter.com/7KH8kf037f
— Devon Dampier (@Devonddampier) March 2, 2021
“I was so excited; I was cheesing on the call then ran downstairs to tell my mom and dad,” Dampier said. “Luckily they took a chance on me and sent an offer my way.”
Dampier said he expects more Power 5 offers to roll in soon, especially since he has ample opportunity to earn them.
One such opportunity has come in the form of an invite to Elite 11 QB regionals. Elite 11 is the nation’s premier quarterback competition and the event’s alumni include 24 of the 32 current NFL starting quarterbacks.
The parallels between Dampier and his role model continue as Rattler was named MVP of the Elite 11 in 2018 over players such as Tailua Tagovailoa (Maryland), Jayden Daniels (Arizona State) and Bo Nix (Auburn).
“The Elite 11 is top-tier so it’s definitely a blessing,” Dampier said. “I’m happy to be able to go there and compete with other 2023 quarterbacks and just see the talent we have altogether.”
Dampier said he made an effort to showcase his throwing ability as a sophomore and he’s proven to at least one DI program that he’s a more-than-capable passer. The next step will be for Dampier to really hone in on his dual-threat ability, something that’s made both Murray and Rattler special at the next level.
“This year I’m going to show that I’m definitely a dual-threat quarterback and able to take defenses apart,” Dampier said. “The grind doesn’t stop at all.”
Sophomore year full SZN highlight✅ https://t.co/Iv856NXt6o
— Devon Dampier (@Devonddampier) November 30, 2020
