Anthony Yero is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Saguaro High School for AZPreps365.com.

Devon Dampier drew comparisons to Arizona Cardinals All-Pro quarterback Kyler Murray as a sophomore at Pinnacle, but found himself running the scout team when he arrived at Saguaro.

Dampier was ineligible for the first five games of his junior campaign due to in-state transfer rules.

With Idaho quarterback commit Ridge Docekal at the helm, practices were the only place where Dampier could flourish and compete early.

Despite not seeing the field, Dampier, who threw for 1,249 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, patiently waiting his turn.

Scout team practices didn’t budge him as it was only a matter of time until he shined.

Dampier shared a bond with receiver Deric English, who was highly touted coming from Mountain Ridge, but also had to sit out.

“Us two being transfers, we kind of had the same mindset,” Dampier said. “We’re gonna miss five [games], but we’re gonna be on this grind. We would talk about how we were going to go crazy on the starting defense and show what we’re about.”

Dampier ultimately got the call to play, but was utilized for gadget plays early. Head coach Jason Mohns decided on splitting reps between Docekal and Dampier, and Saguaro closed the regular season on a 10-game win streak.

“He brought a different element to our team,” Mohns said. “Really dynamic playmaker, really explosive and a great leader. Not just for his play on the field, but really more the intangibles. His leadership abilities, his personality, his coachability, he’s a phenomenal kid.”

Saguaro was the fifth seed of the AIA Open Playoffs, and Dampier had earned the nod to start.

The 6-foot quarterback exploded onto the scene, scoring eight touchdowns in three games, ultimately capturing the Open Championship for Saguaro. 

Dampier is shifty and wreaks havoc on defenses trying to tackle him. He went viral and was posted by ESPN after embarrassing defenders with his legs in a playoff win over undefeated Hamilton. 

“That’s probably one of the highlights of my life, to be honest,” Dampier said.

When reflecting on his junior campaign, Dampier is grateful for the opportunity Mohns and Saguaro have offered him.

“Saguaro is one of those schools where I can never thank them enough,” he said. “ I’ve been under a lot of coaches, but I’ve probably been the closest to Coach Mohns. I can text him about literally anything. He’s almost like a second father to me.”

Dampier returns to Saguaro for his senior season with the focus on repeating as state champions.

The Sabercats entered the season ranked amongst the top 15 schools in the country, but an ugly loss in the season opener to Bergen Catholic out of New Jersey has them looking outside.

Dampier was a star in the loss, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown. He reached the century mark and scored a rushing touchdown the following week in a 13-8 victory over Queen Creek.

“As we find our identity, I think we’ve been leaning on Devon to help us get there and win ball games,” Mohns said. “He’s been the one consistent force on our team so far and he’s really helping the other guys mature fast.”

Saguaro has played in less-than-ideal conditions to start the season.

Bergen Catholic imposed its will in the opener, and thunderstorms caused delays and swampy conditions on a natural grass field against Queen Creek.

As Saguaro plays host to Sandra Day O’Connor on Friday, Mohns believes his team has turned the tide and should come out firing from the very start of the game.

“We’ve had our best week of practice so far this year,” he said. “We’re getting better.”

Dampier has established a fiery duo with English, who has scored touchdowns in the first two games. 

The senior quarterback has prioritized developing his receiver room and becoming the leader of the Sabercats.

“Players look up to me and I know that if I’m down, the team is probably going to be down,” Dampier said. “I just have to learn how to stay up and build those around me.”

Sophomore receiver Dajon Hinton praises Dampier's leadership.

“The connection we have outside of football and in football, nothing’s going to break that bond apart,” Hinton said.

Dampier remains an underlooked recruit in the Valley, but nobody is more confident in their signal caller than Mohns.

“He’s a major Power 5 quarterback,” Mohns said. “He’s the kind of kid you win with. He’s an elite competitor. Sometimes, when you’re not the prototypical height, then the process is a little slower. He’s just being patient and he believes in himself and his abilities, and I do too."

Dampier, who’s rated as a three-star by Rivals, has 17 offers from schools such as Arizona, Nevada and NAU. He’s scheduled to visit New Mexico this weekend.

“Any opportunity is great,” Dampier said. “The fact I have 17 offers is ridiculous, so I’m thankful for any team that reaches out.”