Jaxson Dart, the former Corner Canyon quarterback and current New York Giant, discussed his professional career and the significance of Utah's high school football programs during a recent podcast appearance. Dart, the 25th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, suggested that the selection of Chargers to compete for a national title would elevate the profile of powerhouse prep programs across Utah.
Appearing on the Connect Canyons podcast, Dart spoke with Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins regarding his experiences in the NFL and his time at Corner Canyon High School. Dart, who is the nephew of Corner Canyon Assistant Principal Katie Campbell, reflected on the influence of coach Eric Kjar and the experience of competing at MetLife Stadium.
Dart expressed disappointment regarding his inability to attend the high school football championship game at Under Armour Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to support his brother, Diesel. The game featured the 2023-2025 6A state-champion Chargers against No. 2 St. Frances Academy. The Overtime Nationals contest, organized by Overtime Productions, offered a $250,000 prize and was scheduled to air on ESPN2 at 5 p.m.
During the conversation, Dr. Robins, a Southern Utah University Hall of Famer, noted Dart's humility and leadership during their first meeting at a 2020 state-title game. Dart credited the culture at Corner Canyon for his development, describing Coach Kjar as a schematic mastermind.
Dart's career included a senior season at Corner Canyon where he completed 67 passing touchdowns, earning titles such as the National Gatorade Player of the Year and Deseret News' Mr. Football. He later played for the University of Southern California before transferring to the University of Mississippi, where he became the winningest quarterback in the school's history.
Reflecting on his journey, Dart advised younger students to find their purpose to help them persevere through adversity. He noted that his time at Corner Canyon provided a platform that placed him on a national landscape.
