Brian Venegas is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sierra Linda High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – With the average temperature for Phoenix summers being well above 100 degrees, most 13 year olds spend their summer vacation hiding from the hot weather. However, Sierra Linda freshman Camar Lee took on the heat in order to become the Bulldog’s starting varsity quarterback.

Lee had a busy offseason as the team practiced Monday through Thursday throughout the scorching Phoenix summer. In addition to the team practices, Lee participated in the passing camps that were held Tuesday through Thursday. Coaches and players collectively agreed that during this time, Lee had grown into the player he is now. Lee credited his rapid growth to the team he saw around him.

“Once I came over here during summer camp, I just seen the talent and potential here,” Lee said. “I had to catch up to them, so I worked my hardest to get to where I could be to really play at this varsity level and lead them to a great season.”

Bulldogs senior receiver Stephon Daily had begun working with Lee during the team’s summer workouts and acknowledged that Lee put in the work to earn his status as the starting quarterback.

“I noticed that he was really driven and really wanted to be here,” said Daily. “He didn’t miss any days. He was the first one here and the last one to leave.”

It is safe to say that Lee has thrived in the role he earned. Through six games, Lee has led Sierra Linda to a 3-3 record with 1,241 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes. Lee believes his success is a result of the hard work he put in during preseason summer camp. 

“I really do believe I earned this position,” Lee said. “Compared to any other kids my age, they were out playing video games … I was out here in the 110 degree heat working my butt off.” 

Lee started playing football around the time most kids begin kindergarten.

At only 5 years old, Lee started his football career with his grandpa’s flag football team. In fact, Lee had only started playing tackle football three years ago. Now, at the age of 13, he is a high school starting quarterback.

Prior to this season, Lee had only one year of experience at the position. To most, a freshman quarterback with one year of experience in the most complex position on the field would not even be considered for varsity football. But it did not take long for Sierra Linda head coach Tyrone Preyer, as well as the rest of the team, to know that Lee was a one-of-a-kind talent. 

“I think it was probably around July I got to see the kids completely rally around him and just say, hey this is our guy,” Preyer said. “He walked in and everybody knew that he was our quarterback.” 

Preyer began working with Lee during the team’s summer workouts. Preyer said that Lee was quiet at first, but his leadership, maturity and football awareness were uncovered as he began to open up. 

“Every single day he was the first person here,” Preyer said. “He didn’t miss a single day for the weight room. He didn’t miss a single workout, a single route session, a single quarterback camp.”

With Lee being so young compared to other varsity players, he sensed that he has had to prove himself to his team and opponents in a way older high school quarterbacks wouldn’t have to. 

When asked if he notices a difference due to his age between his teammates and opponents, Lee said, “There really isn’t a difference. It’s just like the persona that i'm 13. They really just want me to prove myself that I really could do this at a varsity level.” 

However, Lee reiterated that his hard work, dedication and recent success prove any doubt wrong. Lee says he is “ready and able to play varsity football for four years.”

Lee considers himself a leader and with that expects to bring growth and success to the program, as well as to himself.

“My goal is to make the school a great football program, a great school in general,” Lee said. “And be a leader at the school and the best me I could possibly be at this school.”

It is not an overstatement to assume that Lee has the potential to play Division I football after his high school career. Lee hopes he is given the opportunity to go on to do so, and could reach it that goal if he continues on the path he is on now.