Finn Garrison is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Notre Dame Prep for AZPreps365.

Brock Narveson has always wanted to be an NFL player, now in his senior year of high school, he is showing why he should be given the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level.

Brock Narveson started tossing the football around with his family when he was a baby.

“I mean, ever since I was like 2 years old, I’ve thrown around the football with my dad. I've always wanted to be an NFL player since I was like 3 years old. I started off with flag football Prime Time [Athletics]. My parents wouldn't let me play tackle until I was in fifth grade. And then right when I turned, got in fifth grade, immediately joined the team, and then went through Pop Warner,” said Narveson.

Narveson followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Bret and Brayden, by starting his high school career at Desert Mountain where he played freshman football in 2019.

After his freshman year, Narveson transferred to Notre Dame Prep to continue playing wide receiver and linebacker in football and became a goalkeeper for the soccer team.

However, Narveson said he suffered from depression sophomore year, which prevented him from playing football his junior year. During such a difficult time in his life, Brock’s brother Brayden Narveson, who is now a kicker for Western Kentucky University, was one of many people essential in helping him recover and get back to playing football.

“I went through a really rough time after sophomore year. Coming back now senior season after going through what I did and going through that adversity, I'm a stronger version of myself, and I'm able to really hone in on what I'm doing and focus more on my athletics skills,” said Brock Narveson.

When discussing how he helped Brock, Brayden said, “I think I've just basically laid it on Brock and told him where I was and said, ‘Look, you know, if you need anything that I'm here, and I understand, and just, everybody's gonna go through some stuff, I think everybody's gonna go through some mental illness at one point or another in their life, and it's about the people you surround yourself with and who you put yourself in contact with, that really makes you able to, to kind of beat that.’”

Brock Narveson has returned to playing football as a senior and is having the best season of his career.

At wide receiver, Narveson has 20 receptions for 293 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season.

At linebacker, Narveson has 59 total tackles and four interceptions with one interception return for touchdown.

“I think he's a critical component. You know, he's a key cog in the defense for us on our side of the ball. I think that when he plays fast and makes plays, he creates a lot of energy and you know, it's a difference maker,” said defensive coordinator Nick Smith of Narveson’s defensive presence.

Narveson is constantly mentioned as a leader on the team. Head coach George Prelock said, “Brock rarely is gonna get up and hoot and holler or anything like that. I think maybe he's done it once or twice all season, but it's about just going to film with the intent to learn, being on the field with the intent to listen and then practicing hard. And I think people see that and sometimes I think, especially with him, best way to lead is to lead by example.”

Currently, Narveson is hoping to receive offers to play football at the collegiate level and his brother, Brayden, said “Any school that takes a chance on him is going to be very, very excited and lucky because it just takes one, but I think he's gonna be a really, really beneficial player for them on the field and off the field.

If you or somebody you know is dealing with mental health issues, please reach out to The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, plus prevention and crisis resources.