Overcoming ‘a lot of adversity,’ Vinson changes things for Warren and its opponents

For Warren senior quarterback Xavier Vinson, getting to this point was never assured.

But one thing hasn’t changed throughout Vinson’s high school career.

“I’ve come a long way and gone through a lot of adversity,” he said. “I always had the belief that I was good enough. I just needed the opportunity to show what I can do.”

Indeed, Vinson is showing in his only season as the varsity starter that what he can do sets him apart. He has completed 53 of 100 pass attempts for 702 yards and seven touchdowns for the Blue Devils (3-3, 3-1), who have bounced back from three straight losses to teams with a combined 15-3 record to become contenders in the North Suburban Conference.

“He’s been outstanding, and I have a hard time saying he’s not the best quarterback in the conference right now,” Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. “He’s really good.

“We’re really balanced on offense right now — almost 50-50 — which is usually not us. He’s a big, really explosive kid that makes that balance possible.”

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Vinson’s versatile skill set complements his size and has allowed the Blue Devils to alter their offensive strategy. They remain more than willing to grind out drives on the ground and wear down defenses, but Vinson’s right arm has given opponents an entirely new dimension to counter in the first season since star running back Aaron Stewart graduated.

“My ability to throw is really helping the offense,” Vinson said. “The past couple of years, we’ve had Aaron, so we didn’t have to throw the ball much. But now he’s gone, and we’re putting more of the role on the quarterback to throw the ball and put it in a good spot. I’ve been able to do that. I can definitely throw it.”

That’s also evident in the Blue Devils’ preparation, according to senior wide receiver Michael Bunch, who is averaging 19.4 yards per catch and has a team-high four receiving touchdowns.

“There are a lot of new routes and concepts that we’re constantly practicing,” Bunch said. “When you have a quarterback like X, it allows us to show what he can do, it allows us receivers to show what we can do and it’s better for the whole offense.”

While Warren’s passing game continues to gain steam, the running game is still productive. Junior Jonathan Randolph, who has rushed for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns, is the main attraction, but Vinson’s athleticism makes him a difference-maker with the ball in his hands.

During the Blue Devils’ 49-6 conference win over Zion-Benton last week, Vinson had a 22-yard touchdown run and a 67-yard scamper that set up Randolph’s third score. Vinson had another touchdown run called back due to a penalty.

“My ability to run adds another element to our offense,” he said. “It keeps the defense on their toes. It’s a credit to my O-line creating holes so I can break big runs like that. But being a dual threat helps keep defenses guessing.”

Vinson, who had never started a varsity game before this season, had played very little in high school. He suffered a torn ACL while punting late in his freshman season, an injury that sidelined him for much of his sophomore season as well, and then he was Reed Dangel’s backup last year.

Vinson’s time in the background ended, however, when Dangel transferred to Carmel for his senior year.

“As soon as that happened, I knew this was my show,” Vinson said. “It was pretty exciting for me. It took some of the stress away about worrying about competing for a spot. I could just focus on playing football.”

The Blue Devils’ season-opening three-game losing streak didn’t help Vinson’s confidence, but the tide turned during their 34-6 conference win over Mundelein in Week 4.

“There were definitely doubts, and as a quarterback, you have to take the blame,” he said. “But that game was the catalyst for starting us up. I feel more confident in myself and my ability to lead these guys.

“I know I’m going to make plays, and we go into games feeling that we’re going to win.”

The Blue Devils’ next two opponents have a combined one win, and then they will play conference co-leader Lake Zurich in the regular-season finale.

The more wins that Vinson helps orchestrate, the more attention he figures to get from colleges. He already has offers from four Division III teams and has game-day visits scheduled for the next four weekends.

“We’ll see how it plays out, but I’m grateful for the opportunities,” Vinson said. “It makes all of the hard work I’ve put in worth it. From where I’ve been to where I am today, it’s been a fulfilling journey.”