It doesn’t take long for quarterback Kedon Slovis to jump out when watching a Desert Mountain football game.
He threw for nearly 3,000 yards at a 62% completion percentage with 32 touchdowns and five interceptions as a junior last season.
Now in his second year as the Wolves starter, he’s looking to build off his strong junior campaign.
“(I’m working) on the little things,” Slovis said. “Getting on the same page as my receivers. We’re just getting that chemistry down, so when we get to the season, we’re not focusing on timing. We have everything down and don’t have to worry about it.”
Many colleges took notice as well. Slovis picked up offers from USC, Hawaii, New Mexico State, UC Davis, San Jose State, NAU, North Carolina State, SMU, UNLV, Oregon State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Vanderbilt with his first offer coming at the end of March.
Just a few days after picking up that offer from the Trojans, he committed to USC in May.
“It’s always been a school destination, a dream school I guess for me since I was a kid,” Slovis said. “(USC is) a perfect system for me I think and I have a great relationship with the coaches. I’m really excited to get going over there.”
Part of Slovis’ development can be credited to head coach David Sedmak and offensive coordinator Kurt Warner, who also happens to be a Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.
“He’s played a good role in…being a leader, being ‘the guy’ on the team and that role,” Slovis said of Sedmak. “It’s a big part of being a quarterback, and I think he’s helped me a lot with that.”
“(Warner) has helped in reading the defense, footwork, throwing balls, everything. He’s the guy. He knows what he’s talking about.”
Desert Mountain’s leading receiver Josh Walker has graduated, but the Wolves return Slovis along with Armand Reichelt, Max Walker and Brandon Kron, who combined for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“The sky’s the limit for him,” Warner said.
“What we saw from him last year in his first year of varsity football: decision-making, big plays, toughness, it’s been fun to watch. Now, the whole key with everything is growth, right? You can’t stay where you’re at. You’ve got to continue to move forward and continue to push yourself to the next level, especially now that he’s playing on the highest level.”
The Wolves kick off their season against Apollo on August 17th.
