Utah’s Devon Dampier Makes Significant Donation To Phoenix Area High School
May 25, 2025, 11:03 AM | Updated: May 27, 2025, 10:32 am
Devon Dampier photo courtesy of Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY—Quarterback Devon Dampier isn’t just making a difference on the field for Utah — he’s making a difference off it, too.
The Utes starting quarterback frequently returned home to Phoenix this offseason, which led to a unique opportunity to give back.
Devon Dampier’s donation to North Canyon High School
In a move that blends family, hometown pride, and paying it forward, Utah’s starting quarterback did so in a big way—$9,000, to be exact, to North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
The donation will provide two completely new sets of football uniforms and other minor pieces of equipment for a program that doesn’t have the financial support of other programs in the area. The current uniforms have been used for a few years, and the new ones will be a complete upgrade.
Dampier attended Saguro High School and led the team on the field, which makes the donation to North Canyon even more unique. So, what’s the connection? Dampier’s younger brother is on the team.
He spent time with his brother and his teammates this offseason, and the inspiration and motivation for the donation grew. North Canyon has difficulty raising money for new equipment, and with the means to do so, Dampier wanted to do something special for them.
It’s always refreshing to see a young athlete using his platform to uplift and give back. Dampier’s donation speaks to who he is as a person, family member, and leader.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 & 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤: @Devonddampier 4️⃣ | QB
Devon's charisma and leadership qualities have already been felt in the 801! He is an ultra competitor and ready to make some big plays in @Rice_Eccles this fall with the rest of the offense! pic.twitter.com/S4JvmrbpeS
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 18, 2025
Devon Dampier’s been huge in Utah football’s progress on offense
Dampier has made his presence felt where it matters most: in the locker room and the huddle. His brand of leadership brought a refreshing vibe to the team. His command of the offense was also apparent, which played a big role in the offense’s progress throughout spring ball.
Wide receivers coach Micah Simon has seen the ripple effects of Dampier’s leadership firsthand.
“Devon is like that extra coach on the field—or even on the sideline,” Simon said. “He’s right there commanding the offense and leading them the right way. When you have a guy like that, it’s huge. With a quarterback like Devon, you bring the entire playbook because he can handle it all. And when your quarterback is handling everything, it makes everyone else’s job easier.”
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Utah’s coaching staff has praised Dampier’s work ethic, football IQ, and leadership qualities. Coach Beck has acknowledged the benefit of Dampier’s familiarity with the offense in terms of the installation. However, he noted that he still expects individual improvement from Dampier as he enters his second year in the offense.
After consecutive campaigns that unraveled due to injuries and frustrating letdowns, Utah needed a spark to turn things around and Dampier has seemingly provided that. His leadership has been instrumental in the program’s improved vibes.
Utah’s offensive line believes in Dampier
That kind of command brings confidence to every position group, especially the offensive line—a unit that thrives on communication, trust, and consistency.
“I think that’s been the easiest part of coming here, they kind of handle a lot of stuff up front,” Dampier said of his offensive line. “They’re all on the same page, and when you’ve got all five guys locked in, it makes my job super easy.”
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The trust between the quarterback and the offensive line is mutual. Offensive line coach Jim Harding, a longtime anchor of Utah’s staff, believes Dampier has already made a significant impact on his group.
“Devon came in and earned the trust of the offensive line,” Harding said. “He’s a strong leader and a dynamic playmaker; that combination goes a long way in this system.”
Starting right tackle Spencer Fano added, “Every day, he just makes better and better decisions. He’s built a lot of trust with the O-line and receivers. He’s in control, and he’s fun to play with—it’s just so much fun being out there with him.”
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