Xavier Robinson and Rex Deters didn’t dare dream four years ago they would eventually be high school teammates and they also wouldn’t have ever guessed they both would be at Clever.
As eighth-graders, Robinson and Deters actually were teammates, representing Glendale in the Ozark Football League. They made for quite a combo.
“We connected instantly,” Robinson said. “We had three touchdowns in our first game. That season was really exciting.”
With Robinson and now Deters having made improbable paths to Clever, Jays players, coaches and fans are hoping the duo lift coach Willie Howard’s passing game to new heights.
As OFL teammates, Deters was grooming himself for a career at Glendale, while Robinson had every intention of playing as a prep for Republic.
Instead, Robinson wound up at Clever as a freshman, while Deters spent three years at Glendale, before joining the Jays this summer.
Now, they’ll spend their senior seasons together. Let the hype train roll.
Even before Deters’ arrival, Robinson was regarded as one of SWMO’s premier receivers. He reeled in 55 receptions for 696 yards a year ago.
“‘X’ is a dawg,” Deters said.
Meanwhile, Deters spent most of the past three seasons at wide receiver. But he gave a hint of his potential at QB by throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns in a half during a relief stint in a Glendale 46-30 whipping of Waynesville last season.
“I haven't played with a quarterback like Rex since (the OFL),” Robinson said. “To have him back on board with me is exciting.”
