In a year filled with uncertainty, there is one thing for certain when it comes to postseason awards lists – Owensboro’s Gavin Wimsatt is on the list.
If there was a postseason team to be on this season, Wimsatt was on it as he lit up the scoreboard throughout the season for the explosive Red Devil offense.
“It feels good to be recognized statewide,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for my teammates and coaches.”
It’s Wimsatt’s ability to lead his team but also put up big numbers with his arm and his legs that make him the Owensboro TImes’ Offensive Player of the Year.
Wimsatt finished with 2,070 yards passing with 26 touchdowns through the air and 408 yards and 6 scores on the ground for the 12-1, state-runner up Red Devils.
He said now having a chance to look back, he’s excited about what he and OHS did this season during a tumultuous time.
“I’m proud of what my team and I accomplished because we went further then anybody had us going with COVID and everything going on,” he said.
Coming into his junior season, Wimsatt was getting offers almost daily, along with his No. 2 ranking in the country for quarterbacks and 37th overall in the class of 2022, according to 247sports.
He said his loved ones have been vital in keeping his head on straight this season.
“My parents help me keep a balance between recruiting and the football season by helping them keep up during games and everything,” he said.
Wimsatt has become a leader by learning from those before him and that includes this year’s senior class.
With playmakers and leaders throughout the group, Wimsatt said it’ll hard to replace them.
“They meant a lot to me, especially getting close with them over the past three years,” he said. They did a lot for the team and they will be missed.”
For Wimsatt, the offseason has and will be key for him going into his senior season.
He said he’ll use the upcoming one to get in even better shape than he’s in now. When more offers come in next season, he said it’ll be because of that time he spent training.
“It feels good knowing schools want me but I feel like it’s a reflection of the work I put in during the offseason,” he said.
Before Wimsatt suits up for a college team, he’ll have one more year to advance his name in the Owensboro record books as he’s already top-five in multiple categories.
Wimsatt said he’s well aware of the names before him as they built the legacy he hopes to continue.
“Being an Owensboro Red Devil means a lot to me knowing greats have come through this school and a lot of Red Devils are rooting us on,” he said. “Wouldn’t want to be part of any other high school team.”
