Karli Koskovich is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cactus Shadows High School for AZPreps365.com

Cactus Shadows sophomore quarterback Donivan Dixon has often played in his father's shadow. Chris Dixon’s reputation and success as a former Arena League star has made it a challenge for Donivan to come into his own limelight. 

However, Donivan Dixon is making sure people know who he is because of his own reputation and success. 

“I always make sure I show up for my team,” said Dixon. “They look to me because I am the quarterback. That comes with responsibility.” 

Dixon has already had much success starting his second season as varsity quarterback. His freshman year Dixon made the varsity squad coached by his father, and won the starting quarterback job. Even though Dixon was one of the youngest players on the field, he ended the season with 1,707 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 404 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. These stats were good enough to push the freshman quarterback into the Cactus Shadows Top 10 for career passing yardage.

Starting at quarterback as a freshman is difficult, no doubt about it, but ranking in the school's Top Ten shows why Dixon is special. 

“Leading a varsity team as a freshman is tough,” said senior wide receiver Billy Deatsch. “He’s proved to be capable of overcoming the bumps.”

Deatsch has confidence in his quarterback and says he has noticed Dixon does not let much faze him anymore. 

Dixon has proved he is capable of succeeding under pressure. Halfway through his sophomore season he has pushed his way from 10th to seventh on the career passing list,  passing former quarterbacks Payton Ringwald, Jaden White and Corbyn Vasily. Owing the majority of his success to his offense, Dixon said that with the majority of his offense graduating in May, he may need to switch things up. 

“I have great receivers,'' he said. "I am going to need to figure it out, but right now I’m not worried.” 

His father and head coach, Chris Dixon, has been Donivan’s biggest supporter and has helped guide him.

“Donivan has grown a lot from game to game as a leader,” Chris Dixon said. 

Coming from a family of athletes, Dixon has been taught to value the things that allow him to prevail in his craft. “God and family,” said Dixon. “It’s everything to me.”

To be great, it is important to have great habits. Dixon has proven he is a leader with a bright future. His tenacity should elevate him to the next level of football. As well as having a foundation of God and family, Dixon has been known to hashtag “AGTG” on social media, meaning “All Glory To God.” 

With a strong head on his shoulders and a bright future, Dixon strives to finish this season with 2,000 passing yards and to earn Gatorade Player of the Year.