The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The 2022-2023 school year showcased amazing talented high school athletes in Utah, and none impressed more than Syracuse High School multi-sport star Brevin Hamblin. Hamblin starred for the Titans on the football and basketball teams and became a track and field state javelin champion. He displayed his skills as a tenacious ball-hawking free safety on the field, a ferocious rebounder on the court, and a smooth skillful javelin thrower.

Football Defensive Player of the Year

Hamblin stood out on the defensive end for the Titans at free safety with a school career record of 13 interceptions. Hamblin has committed to Utah Tech University on a football scholarship after leading the Titans to the Region 1 title and being honored as the Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year. Other football honors included being named Deseret News First Team All-State, The Hive Sports First Team All-Region, and the Standard-Examiner All-Area First Team. Having incredible instincts on the football field, Hamblin made big plays when his team needed them. Hamblin also took snaps at quarterback, was used in the “wildcat” formation, and rushed for eight career touchdowns.

“I feel like playing quarterback my whole life helped me even more when it comes to my safety position,” said Hamblin. “I knew what reads the quarterback was trying to make, so it made it easier for me to track where he was going to throw it, and then all that’s left is I just have to make the play.”

“So before the snap of the ball, I have a feeling of where I want to go so I don’t have to guess myself second, which helped me get so many interceptions, said Hamblin.

Region 1 football champions

The region championship for Titans capped an incredible, memorable career for Hamblin in a Titan uniform.

“As a team, we knew we were going to be good,” Hamblin said. “We had a rough start, and we knew once we got that first win, the train would be rolling, and it did exactly that.”

“We dominated our region, holding teams scoreless; our defense held a team to 12 yards rushing the whole game,” Hamblin said. “And the all-around team was great. I will never forget the Farmington game we had to clinch the championship spot. Happiness and accomplishment were high as we hoisted the trophy.”

Hamblin’s high-level football IQ allowed him to be in the right place to make plays and lead the Titan defense.

“Brevin is a phenomenal student and hard worker in the classroom,” head football coach Mike Knight said. “His teammates and coaches adore him, and he will continue to provide that same leadership and character throughout his life.”

Hamblin and Titans reach state quarterfinals in basketball

photo of Hamblin versus Davis Darts. photo courtesy of Kim McFadden

Hamblin used his 6’4″ frame on the court and was a force inside for the Titans during the 2023 season. The Titans reached the state quarterfinals and lost a heartbreaker to the Cyprus Pirates 58-56. Hamblin averaged 14.2 points and a region-leading 10.2 rebounds per game. A physical, tough athlete, Hamblin often guarded the opponent’s top interior scorers.

“Often, he’d outperform a “more talented” basketball player based on sheer effort/will to win,” Syracuse head basketball coach Mike Russell said. “He anchored our defense and was the heart and soul of our team.”

Hamblin’s performance on the court earned him 1st team honors on The Hive Sports All-Region 1 first team. He is part of the 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area boys’ basketball second team.

2023 6A State javelin champion

photo of Hamblin in javelin event. photo courtesy of Troy Brown Syracuse High School

Competing in the javelin in track and field takes a different mindset than playing in a team event, even though track and field is an overall team competition. Hamblin’s strong desire to compete and win is unmatched, and winning the 2023 6A state javelin champion shows it.

“Track was a personal goal,” said Hamblin. “As a sophomore, I took 6th in the state for javelin. Junior year came back and took 4th with all seniors ahead of me, said Hamblin. Going into my last year, I knew I wanted to be a state champion on that podium my senior year.”

Hamblin’s winning state throw was 187’4.75″, a career personal best on the biggest stage.

Family inspiration

Brevin comes from a talented, athletic family that pushes and inspires him to be the best he can be. The one that inspires him most is his sister, who keeps close to his heart every time he competes.

“She passed away when I was nine,” said Hamblin. “And ever since, my games have always been played for her. She always cheers me on in whatever sport I play.”

Brevin’s older brothers Braden and Bridger also starred for the Titans in previous years. Legendary coach Russ Jones called Braden an extremely competitive athlete. Braden is currently the Titan’s offensive coordinator and head coach of the Titans girls’ basketball team. Bridger won football Region 1 MVP honors in 2019 and starred on the Titan’s basketball team.

Hamblin credits his family and coaches for his success in all sports and their support through the years.

“First is my family,” said Hamblin. “They have been supportive and pushed me to my limits many times to be the best I can be.”

“Next would be my coaches,” said Hamblin. “I switched positions my junior year from quarterback to safety. I didn’t want to do this, but I’m glad the coaches pushed me to make that change because I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Next stop Utah Tech

The Utah Tech Trailblazers are getting an outstanding, talented athlete in Hamblin. Joining Hamblin at Utah Tech in this past recruiting class include local stars Luke Hansen (Farmington H.S.), Mason Obray (Northridge H.S.), and Matthew Snarr (Corner Canyon H.S.).

Hamblin chose Utah Tech over other great schools, but the Trailblazer family impressed him the most. “I liked the people and the atmosphere,” said Hamblin. “I went on my official visit and knew it was where I wanted to go.”

“They have amazing facilities, and the football team is on the rise,” said Hamblin. “I’m glad I get to be a part of this football team, as we can be something special. Other schools I considered were Brigham Young University and Weber State University.”

Cover photo courtesy Troy Brown, Syracuse High School