He just wants his play this year to do the talking.
"I'm very pumped," Despot said. "It's a great opportunity to be able to play with the seniors and people I've grown up with my whole life. I love playing with them and it's going to be fun to be out on Friday nights with them."
In any form, a sudden change develops questions.
While Payton Thorne's transfer to Naperville Central may have thrown a wrench into the Mustangs' plans, they collectively remain undeterred.
And it has everything to do with their confidence in the 5-foot-11, 150-pound Despot.
"I think Garrett's a coach's dream because he's a kid that shows up," Metea Valley coach Ben Kleinhans said. "He's 'yes sir, no sir.' He's a sponge. He wants to learn. Every rep is a learning experience for him this summer and he handles the good and he handles the bad very well."
While Thorne took the reins of the offense last year in throwing for 1,648 yards and 18 touchdowns, Despot spent his junior year at wide receiver. Ten receivers caught passes from Thorne and Ryan Kriceri.
Despot wasn't one of them.
His senior year figures to bring more attention with a return to a familiar position.
"I've played quarterback pretty much since I started playing football," Despot said. "I've played on the B team freshman year and I've played for the sophomore B team sophomore year.
"I feel I know the offense pretty well because we've been doing the same offense for the past couple years. And so I feel good."
Led by Despot, Metea Valley's offense will begin anew after the graduation of Ben Loutsis, Ashton Creal and Alonzo Taylor-Jones. Loutsis and Creal combined for 63 receptions, 881 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Much like Despot, seniors Mason Bronson and Adam Nicodemus will have opportunities to put their respective stamps on the offense for the first time.
If Bronson has anything to say about it, the Mustangs' opponents in the DuPage Valley Conference will be in for a surprise.
"He stepped into the role," Bronson said of Despot. "He's in the film room every day studying plays and he's just really stepping into the role well. He gives us a spark because he brings enthusiasm every day.
"We have high expectations for him. Not a lot of people know his name, but after this season (people will)."
Last season, Metea (3-6) dropped games to Naperville North, Naperville Central and Waubonsie Valley by a combined seven points.
The fine line between winning and losing in football is razor thin. No one understands that more than a quarterback.
Despot's work ethic has been on full display in summer workouts and in 7-on-7s. His defensive teammates have taken notice.
From one leader on the field to another, senior linebacker Ryan Malone has ultimate faith in the Mustangs' new starting quarterback.
"I think Garrett's a re... Click here to read full article
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