Countdown to Football: Montez Garrett-led Hillcrest ranked No. 10 in the preseason by the Daily Southtown
By: Pat Disabato, Daily Southtown
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Hillcrest’s Montez Garrett played quarterback every season since he was 8.
That changed last year.
The Hawks chose to go with senior Rocky Griffin, which meant Garrett moved to wide receiver.
Garrett confirmed it was an adjustment. Not just from the standpoint of learning a new position, but also by not having the football in his hands on every snap.
“It was tough,” Garrett said. “I like being able to do something with the ball every play for the team. But it worked out well. I’ll do whatever the coaches say and whatever will help my team.”
Garrett is back at quarterback as a senior in 2018 for Hillcrest — ranked No. 10 in the preseason by the Daily Southtown.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Garrett did take some snaps in 2017, which he believes will prove beneficial this season.
“I’m excited,” Garrett said. “I’ve worked extremely hard to prepare for this year. My passing and running have improved. It’s going to be scary.”
Not for him, but for opponents.
Senior receiver/cornerback Jayson Coley has seen a big improvement in Garrett.
“His accuracy throwing the ball is much better,” said Coley, a North Dakota recruit. “He is very athletic. He can make big plays by running the ball. He can do all the things we need to move the ball downfield.”
Hillcrest coach Morgan Weaver intends to take advantage of Garrett’s running and passing skills to keep the chains moving.
“Montez’s biggest asset is he’s a dual threat,” Weaver said. “He throws a nice ball and he’s making the right reads. We’re very confident we’re going to be able to put up some points.”
The other intangible Weaver admires about Garrett is his competitiveness.
“He just wants to go out and play football,” Weaver said. “He never complained last year about not starting at quarterback. He wants to go out and prove he’s the best player on the field. Last year it was at receiver — this year at quarterback.”
That competitive spirit is part of Garrett’s DNA. His older brother, Marcus, was an all-area basketball and football player for Hillcrest.
“Montez and Marcus are very tough and like to win,” Weaver said. “They don’t say much. They like to lead by example.”
With Montez Garrett leading the charge, the Hawks have high hopes they can pick up where they left off last year in finishing 9-3. They lost 24-6 to Dunlap in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
“We’re not looking past our first game,” Coley said. “We’re confident we’re going to have a very good season. We have a lot of skill and speed. We also have a lot of experience.”
The Hawks return difference-makers in Northern Illinois-bound defensive end Cam Mattox (6-3, 220), Western Michigan-bound receiver Corey Crooms (6-0, 175), receiver Nick Lindley (5-9, 170) and running back/defensive back Andre Smith (5-11, 190).
Weaver likes the temperament of this team.
“They’re doing a nice job of staying level headed,” he said. “We have to keep working hard and understand that the next rep is the most important.
“We’re not looking ahead or looking past anyone. Last year was a good run, but we’re trying to improve upon that.”