Quentin Gavin has the right stuff to play on either side of the ball for Tolleson Union High’s football team.
A senior, the 5-10, 170-pound athlete is playing his fourth season for the Wolverines and third on varsity. He’s listed as an athlete on the program, which is accurate because he’s willing to play wherever the team needs him. This year, Gavin has played wide receiver, cornerback, nickelback, and kick returner.
Gavin had a solid junior season in 2025 with 37 catches for 738 yards and six touchdowns, helping lead Tolleson to a 6-4 record. This year, he has added defense to the mix. His desire and work ethic led to his coaches and teammates naming him as a captain.
“I show leadership by holding everyone’s chin high,” Gavin said in an e-mail interview. “I teach them the underdog mentality – Nothing worth having comes easy, we have to go get it.”
Gavin has been playing football since he was six years old and when it comes to the different positions, success comes through the combination of studying, listening to his coaches, and raw talent.
”(It’s about) being coachable and wanting to learn and, most importantly, just trusting in my abilities and being an athlete,” Gavin said.
Tolleson Head Coach Francisco Rangel describes Gavin as a throwback player.
”You could put him anywhere on the field and he’ll compete,” Rangel said in an e-mail interview. “He has a very high football IQ and an obsession with being the best.”
In the 2024 season, Tolleson finished 1-9. Not a lot was expected from the Wolverines last year. Gavin and the team fed off that and let their play dictate the narrative.
“We were predicted to go 1-9 and that season, we came out a strong 6-0,” Gavin said. “Overall, I think you need to let the people talk and not worry about them. Just play ball.”
Heading into his senior year, Gavin was selected as a captain. It isn’t something he has long aspired to, but instead, something that he is ready for now.
“It’s my senior year and I’ve been here all four years,” Gavin said. “I’ve been in pretty much any situation and overall, have a lot of experience that I can pass down to the younger guys. I recently, just wanted to be a captain, because now I know I am capable. In the past, I just wanted to play ball and make my family proud.”
This is the first year for Rangel and his staff after moving over from Trevor Browne. It can be difficult for seniors to have a new head coach when they know they only have one year remaining. Rangel appreciates the willingness to work with a different regime.
“Q has been loyal to T-Town and in this day and age of high school football, it’s greatly appreciated,” Rangel said. “His senior year, he had a brand new staff come in and all he has done is put his head down and work. He sees the vision of where the program is headed and I’m grateful to have him be a part of laying that foundation.”
Through the first eight games this season, Gavin had 36 catches for 468 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 20 tackles on defense along with an interception and a forced fumble. In a game against West Point back in September, Gavin had a pair of receiving TDs plus a punt return for a score in a 45-12 victory for the Wolverines.
3 touchdowns and a interception 💯 https://t.co/R1eVSHdlX1
— QuentinGavin (@QGavin5) September 13, 2026
Three teammates Gavin admires are seniors Adan Vazquez (linebacker), Manny Gomezllanos (defensive back), and Ishmail Bangura (cornerback). “Because of everything these guys do is for the program,” he said. “And they are great to have around the team.”
Gavin’s older brother, Cleviahn Thierry, also played high school football. Thierry went to South Pointe and was in the Class of 2019. Gavin said his big brother started it all and helped him build a love for the game.
Rangel said Gavin’s competitive spirit and his understanding of the game are what underclassmen on the team should mirror.
“He has always been 10 toes down for Tolleson,” Rangel said. “His legacy should be remembered not just for athletic accomplishments, but for the content of his character and leadership he showed during his time in high school.”
Gavin holds offers from local NAIA colleges Ottawa University in Surprise and Arizona Christian in Glendale. He has also been offered from Lake Forest College in Illinois, a Division III school. When it comes to the transition needed to move from playing in high school to college, it would come from within.
“There is the desire to be great,” Gavin said. “At the next level, everyone is capable and everyone wants it and is willing to work.”
Calling his brother and his dad role models, Gavin said they have taught him to have a good work ethic and not to be lazy.
This Thursday night, Gavin will suit up for the final time as a high school football player. The Wolverines (4-5) will host Canyon View (7-2). It’s a sport that has been a place to learn lessons that will help throughout life while also serving as an outlet and a place to make friends that have gone through similar trials and tribulations.
“I think football taught me how to hold myself accountable and stay out of trouble while also showing me how to build new bonds and become a better man,” Gavin said.
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