Alabama A&M QB PJ Garrett is a story of persistence.

There’s a phrase that everybody knows: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again.”

So was the case for Alabama A&M freshman PJ Garrett. Having been advised his whole life that he was not a quarterback, that he should play another position, be a tight end or a line backer; he never gave up. This persona followed him all the way to Leeds High School, where he found himself playing back up QB to University of Tennessee commit, TaDarryl Marshall.  “At first it hurt a lot, said Garrett. “But after prayer and patience I felt extremely motivated to do what they told me I could not do — play quarterback.”

Garrett still did not give up and eventually transferred to Bessemer Academy to play for Coach Josh Wright in his senior season. There, not only did he start at QB, he earned a scholarship. Coach Wright immediately saw something special about his new quarterback.  “His determination and willingness to work his butt off”, said Wright. “He was physically a specimen, and he was so eager to learn the game. He wanted to prove everybody wrong, so he played with a chip on his shoulder, and was very serious about everything he did.”

“It was an incredible experience to play for Coach Wright,” said Garrett. “[It was great] to learn from him and showcase the gifts that God gave to me.”

During the offseason of his junior year, PJ found Ben Neill at QB Country — a local training facility in Birmingham, Alabama that specializes in training quarterbacks and helping them achieve their goals on the field.  “For me, I have always felt like I needed to improve every aspect of my game so I can continue to be successful,” said Garrett. “I was and still am blessed to have QB Country and Coach Ben to help me improve every training session.”

His senior season after working with Coach Ben, Garrett threw for 2,635 yards and 33 touchdowns, completing 64.7% of his passes. Garrett also led his team to a 12-1 season and to the State Championship game. He had quite a year for someone who wasn’t supposed to play quarterback. QB Country helped transform an already good athlete into an elite high school quarterback who now plays at the college level.  “The things that Ben taught me were almost second nature to me on the field,” said Garrett. “So when it happened, I was no longer thinking, I was reacting.”

Now that he is at Alabama A&M, Garrett has other goals on his mind.  “My goals are to improve on something every day, and every practice to help me become the best quarterback I can be, “said Garrett. “Another one of my goals is to be the face of the football team, and be the best leader I can be both on and off the field. I will reach my goals with prayer and by competing at the highest level that I can compete every single day.”

When people tell you that you can’t do something, just remember what PJ Garrett did through hard work. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again.”

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CJ Pronk