For better or worse, theNew York Giantswill gain a clear understanding of their chances of improving their winless season with a rookie quarterbackJaxson Darttaking control at home against the unbeatenLos Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
At least one supporter is confident that Dart’s much-anticipated first release will be successful.
I have complete faith that he will perform exceptionally well,” said Eric Kjar, Dart’s former coach at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. “The main reason is that he will be thoroughly ready. He dedicates a significant amount of time to his individual preparation—more than I’ve ever witnessed. He is also a top-tier competitor with an infectious enthusiasm. He consistently raises the level of those around him.
Kjar’s viewpoint makes sense: He observed Dart guiding the team in passing yards (4,691) and touchdowns (67), as well as rushing for 1,195 yards, leading the Corner Canyon Chargers to a 14-0 record and a state championship in 2020.
Dart, who concluded the 2021 SportsCenter NEXT 100 rankings at position 19, was later honored as Gatorade Player of the Year.
Those statistics and awards were accompanied by numerous unforgettable experiences. Here are five from the 2020 season that stood out to Kjar.
5. Dart’s dominant introduction
Dart established the direction of what would follow in the second game of his last high school season. The 6-foot-2 quarterback scored five touchdowns in the first quarter—four through passing and one on the ground—as he guided the Chargers to a 56-0 victory against Herriman High School. He ended the game with 480 passing yards and six touchdowns overall.
In Kjar’s words:That’s the game where I realized he was truly exceptional. He absolutely dominated. He throws with such skill and precision, but the most impressive aspect about him is his intense competitiveness. He’s a unique type of player. Watching him in that game was simply amazing.
4. A six-score statement during television debut
Dart was not widely recognized before his television appearance against Bingham High School, but viewers nationwide and college coaches started paying attention after he strategically defeated the Miners in all aspects. Dart completed 16 of 23 passes for 279 yards and six touchdowns, while also gaining 132 rushing yards in the 42-20 victory.
In Kjar’s words:That was undoubtedly his moment of introduction to the nation. He made the most of that opportunity. That’s when colleges started taking notice, and he received a lot of attention following that game. That’s when things really became intense for him.
3. Goalkeeper on fourth down
Toward the end of the fourth quarter, Dart and the Chargers found themselves at the Lone Peak 20-yard line with a 4th-and-2 situation when he pushed past Knights’ standout defender John Henry Daley to continue the drive, leading to a score that sealed the game. The Chargers ultimately secured a 35-25 victory.
In Kjar’s words:Jaxson always had something about him that made him rise to the occasion and outperform everyone else in the most challenging moments. It’s like an extra gear he possesses that makes him stand out. I mean, he just dominated the kid, who was an excellent player having a standout game on his own.
2. The fourth-quarter comeback
Numerous turnovers and errors were affecting the undefeated Chargers throughout the game as they fell behind by 14 points entering the fourth quarter at Skyridge High. However, with the game hanging in the balance, Dart refused to let his team lose, guiding two consecutive scoring drives and successfully converting a 2-point conversion to take the lead and conclude the game with a final score of 29-26 against the Falcons.
In Kjar’s words:He was extremely dominant and completely controlled the game in a very tough situation. He was incredibly energized, and his competitiveness was evident as he refused to let us lose that match. He bulldozed through a few linebackers and really inspired the team. We weren’t doing well, but then he suddenly stepped it up. Just like that!
1. Dart secures the state championship title
The Chargers entered the much-anticipated rematch against the dominant state team Lone Peak with a 13-game winning streak, and Dart ensured they didn’t falter in the final game. He dismantled Lone Peak with an accurate passing game (24 out of 39 attempts for 328 yards and four touchdowns) while keeping the defense guessing with his running ability (118 rushing yards and a touchdown). By halftime, Dart and the Chargers had secured a commanding 45-0 lead.
In Kjar’s words:He was incredibly efficient and highly productive during the game. He was absolutely unstoppable. I don’t think he missed a single beat. It was how he played, and how everyone around him performed because of it. There was simply no solution to the level he was operating at. It was a spectacle.
