In the 2011 Utah High School State Championship Game, my school Logan High sealed a perfect 14-0 season with a game-winning touchdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium. It was a moment for the ages—one of the greatest high school teams in Utah history.

But I wasn’t on the field. I wasn’t even on the sideline. I was up in the stands—behind the camera, filming it all.

At the end of 2010 my family had moved to California halfway through my sophomore year. A year later, the move fell apart, and we came back a few games into that 2011 season. But by then, I’d been ruled ineligible under Utah’s transfer rules—and my old team was rolling without me.

I couldn’t practice. I couldn’t suit up. I couldn’t even be on the field.

To say that year was hard is an understatement.

But instead of letting me sulk, my high school coach Mike Favero gave me a different role.
He made me a GA. I was tasked with filming games, breaking down tape, and doing the behind-the-scenes work nobody sees.

While the team chased perfection on the field, I was chasing growth off it.

It was agonizing to watch from the press box, behind the camera, as DJ Nelson—one of the state’s all-time great high school QBs—sealed the perfect season with a game-winning touchdown pass. But looking back now, that year shaped me.

That’s where I learned how to study film. 
That’s where I developed a real work ethic. 
That’s where I found my competitive edge.
That’s where I laid the foundation to become an elite quarterback—through preparation, discipline, and humility.

Fast forward six years—November 2017—I’m back at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
But this time, I’m not filming.
This time, I’m playing against the University of Utah.

3rd and Goal. I audibled: “Easy Easy! 617!”
Touchdown to Kyle Sweet. My 117th career TD.
A new Pac-12 record.

Same stadium. Very different role.

So wherever you are right now—maybe you feel stuck, overlooked, or like life didn’t go as planned—ask yourself:

Are you going to complain… or are you going to grow?

Because that role you didn’t want… might be the exact training you need.

Be great where you’re at.
Everything is preparation for your highest purpose—if you choose to see it that way.

Stay ready. Your moment is coming.