AUSTIN, Texas — During the 2023 football season, Regents freshman quarterback Jack Devine was the backup to starter Quinn Murphy. He played a decent amount during some of the team’s blowouts that season, but after Murphy got hurt in the state semifinals, Devine made his first varsity start in the state title game.
“Getting thrown into that game, I was definitely nervous before the game,” says Devine.
That night, Devine and Regents went up against Argyle Liberty Christian. It was a game Regents lost 52-10. Devine took his lumps but learned some valuable lessons.
“That game was a little rough, we lost by quite a bit,” says Devine. “I feel like I grew a lot because that’s the biggest stage, I was put on that stage, so now I don’t feel any nerves for big games.”
“Early on, he played pretty well. He made some mistakes freshmen make, but he’s super competitive,” says Tim Phillips, Regents head coach. “He’s just a great guy for guys to follow, and that was easy to see as a freshman.”
That freshman is now a junior leading one of the top offenses in the state. Regents is 8-0 and averaging 57 points per game. Devine has thrown 30 touchdown passes with no interceptions; he’s also rushed for 11 TDs.
“This year I’ve come in and everything is slowing down for me,” says Devine. “I don’t have to think as much, I just go out there and react.”
Devine is quick to credit the other playmakers on the Knights offense, guys like Blake Smith, Kade Millington and Isaiah Mills.
“We can attack a defense anywhere, and wherever they try to stop us, we’re just going to go the other way,” says Devine.
While the Knights have enjoyed a lot of success this season, they have their sights set on a state title. For Devine, after playing in that game two years ago, he’s eager to get back.
“We got this chance, and we need to go take it,” says Devine. “Everyone’s bought in and trying to get that ring.”
Regents has two more regular season games, against Arlington Grace Prep and Hyde Park, before the playoffs begin.