North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker makes first start since freshman high school year in First Responder Bowl

Drew Mestemaker not only made his first collegiate start on Friday but his first start in general since he was a freshman on the B Team at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. What Mestemaker lacks in experience, he makes up for with heart.

For reference, Mestemaker had only made four appearances this season for the Mean Green before Friday and had only recorded five pass attempts for 69 yards.

He began the season as a walk-on but was yanked into the spotlight after North Texas QB Chandler Morris committed to Virginia via the NCAA Transfer Portal after the regular season.

“Drew is such a great story,” UNT head coach Eric Morris said before the game, per the Denton-Record Chronicle. “He’s a guy who didn’t even start for his high school team his senior year and here he is getting this opportunity to play in front of thousands of people on national TV.

“He prepares hard and is a really smart guy. I’m looking forward for his opportunity to go out there and lead this football team.”

Mestemaker knows how to stay prepared for his opportunity. After spending three years dreaming of starting in high school, his team brought in another QB ahead of his senior season. Instead of complaining to the coaching staff, Mestemaker asked them if there were any openings in the secondary.

Hence, Mestemaker played safety during his senior campaign at Vandegrift HS. He also was the team’s punter, earning Second Team All-District 25-6A honors for his efforts on special teams.

Now, four years, six inches and 65 pounds since his last start, Mestemaker hopes to make his dreams come true with a breakout performance in the First Responder Bowl. Mestemaker’s high school coach, Drew Sanders, couldn’t be prouder of the young QB’s endless resiliency.

“Drew is one of the hardest workers who’s ever come through Vandegrift,” Sanders said. “I’ve known him since middle school. He made himself an elite quarterback and believes in himself.”

With any luck, Mestemaker won’t be the only one who believes in his abilities after the First Responder Bowl against Texas State. With four years of eligibility remaining, Mestemaker has plenty of more time to continue to impress.