by James Tate
Randy Moss and Cris Carter, Jerry Rice and John Taylor, Mark Clayton and Mark Duper, are popular NFL wide receiver duos when you think of a team with two premier pass catchers. The Davis Darts are showcasing their version of a dynamic duo with Easton Baggett and Tyson Elkins. Through the first half of the season, Baggett and Elkins are the only teammates with 40 or more receptions each. Elkins is in the second 6A with 50 catches and Baggett is coming in at 46 receptions through six games.
Davis quarterback Jackson Stevens
The duo has found their connection with standout junior quarterback Jackson Stevens after a 0-2 start. Stevens says the chemistry came together in the off-season. They worked on timing and understanding the fundamentals of the game.
“They are never robotic,” said Stevens.”Baggett and Elkins have a high football IQ and their knowledge of the game separates them from other receivers.”
Davis head coach Scott Peery
The Darts have a signature win against their rivals, the Layton Lancers in week 4. The Darts were down in the 4th quarter and Stevens led the team to a game-winning field goal by Gage Butler. In the game, Baggett had 13 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Elkins contributed with 11 catches for 123 yards.
“Baggett and Elkins both possess an ultra-competitive mindset which leads them to be fearless,” said Coach Peery. “They both accept the challenge of catching passes over the middle and all over the field. They understand the game and, on the sidelines, talk about how they each can run routes that will open up the other receiver. I love the selfless attitude of both players.”
The connection and chemistry
Baggett and Elkins have much more in common than their amazing talents on the football field. They grew up together playing little league football and developed chemistry and a love for the game at an early age. They displayed a special talent for the game at an early age and have worked hard to improve themselves and each other into outstanding football players and leaders.
Easton started off as a quarterback his junior year and switched positions to wide receiver and developed into one of the Dart’s most explosive receivers.
“Playing quarterback gave me a better understanding of the game and reading defenses,” said Baggett. “Being able to communicate with Jackson Stevens and Coach Peery about in-game adjustments also is a benefit to playing quarterback.”
Work ethic and leadership
Elkins is a speedy, smooth, and tough wide receiver. He has a great ability to get in and out of his breaks and compliments that with great hands. Also, a great leader and student of the game, he has skyrocketed into one of the state’s premier pass catchers in Coach Peery’s system. Elkins credits his off-season training with elite trainers Ross Apo of Mile High and Zach Van Leeuwen to help fine-tune his route running and help develop his skills into a player a defense must try and slow down.
Baggett and Elkins’ goal is capturing the region 1 title as a team, which is still in reach with the second half of the season coming. Elkins is looking forward to chasing a 1,000-yard receiving year to help the team, and with 50 catches already, he could be in line for a 100-catch season. Easton adds punt return duties to his resume of all-around skills and is looking to break a return for a touchdown. Both play special teams and always look for ways they can help the team win.
Baggett and Elkins are exceptional student athletes with high character and bring a competitive fire that is unmatched. Both have high expectations on and off the field this year and in the future. Elkins is getting looks from colleges like Southern Utah, Utah Tech and Weber State. Baggett has plans to go on a mission and then attend college. One thing they both have shared is the love they have for their teammates, coaches, and the Davis Dart family.
Photo courtesy James Tate of Easton Baggett and Tyson Elkins
Check out the full photo gallery of Tyson and Easton here.