Trojans senior looking to step up in slash role

As the upcoming football season draws closer, the Trinity football team continues to build upon its 2014 success, when the Trojans reached the state quarterfinals.

With a new head coach and senior quarterback Tyler Natee entering his second year under center, other skill-position players are expected to play key roles if the Trojans want to duplicate last season.

One of those that moved on was second-team receiver Markis McCray, who also played a role in the return game.

Enter senior De'Jaun Garrett, who expects to go out with a big final season at Trinity.

Garrett expects to replace McCray and play a part in the run game as well as at the receiver and return positions, and he brings plenty of experience.

“I started playing football when I was six or seven years old,” he said. “I started because I have a great mom who likes me to try out new things,” Garrett said.

“I stuck with it so long because it's fun and I started to realize that I'm pretty good at it.”

Garrett has been a running back and receiver his entire playing career and loves all the support while playing with the Trojans.

“When you pad up with Trinity, it's a beautiful thing, looking into the crowd and at all those filled seats,” he said. “The tradition here at Trinity with the school and community – there's a real connection.”

He, like the rest of the team, is excited to play under former offensive coordinator Chris Jensen, who takes over for longtime mentor and state champion Steve Lineweaver.

“Coach Jensen is a great coach and I believe and trust in him a lot. He has a great mind and you can expect a lot of new things this year,” Garrett said.

“I don't expect a drop off with coach Jensen because the job wasn't given to him, he earned it.”

Garrett, who also runs track, is high on Natee, the first-team quarterback from a year ago.

“We're pretty close. He's really funny and a smart, talented guy,” Garrett said. “He's one of the best athletes I've seen. He is a real sleeper – whoever gets him at the next level is going to be lucky.”

Garrett says the Minnesota Vikings are his favorite team and Adrian Peterson is his favorite player to watch, but has a different athlete that he looks up to.

“A role model, I try to model my game after is Kansas City Chief and former Oregon Duck De'Anthony Thomas,” he said.

The 2016 graduate has some interest coming his way from SMU, Texas State and University of Houston.

“As far as a favorite school, I don't have one. I just want to go where I will get my chances to show my talents in the best way possible,” he said.

The Trojans begin the 2015 season against West Coast powerhouse Concord De La Salle on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. at Mansfield's Newsom Stadium.

This story was originally published July 6, 2015 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Trojans senior looking to step up in slash role."