QB Jervais McKinney is already showing the mindset and preparation of a quarterback well beyond his years. An eighth grader at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, and a member of the Class of 2030, McKinney has been playing the quarterback position for three years, growing up in a football environment that helped shape his approach to the game. His dad, a former running back at Arizona State, has played a major role in his development, both on and off the field.
McKinney is drawn to football because of the team aspect, but the quarterback position fits his personality. He enjoys throwing the ball, making plays, and leading his teammates. His strengths show up in his leadership, confidence, and spatial awareness, allowing him to manage the game and stay composed in pressure situations. Those traits mirror one of his biggest inspirations, Donovan McNabb. McNabb’s ability as a dual-threat quarterback is something McKinney admires deeply, and the connection is even more meaningful because McNabb is also one of his mentors and quarterback coaches.
Outside of football, McKinney enjoys gaming, traveling, and working out, but his commitment to development is evident in the training environments he chooses. He has trained with Elev8 QB Academy, QB Universe, Under Armour, QB Legacy, Throw It Deep, and IMG Academy, consistently seeking elite-level coaching and competition. Along the way, he has worked with respected coaches and players such as Ron Veal, Kurt Warner, Jeff Blake, Spencer Rattler, and Jeff Christenson. For McKinney, hearing instruction from different perspectives is key. When a quarterback gets stuck mentally, a new voice or approach can unlock growth. He also values training alongside quarterbacks from across the country, pushing himself against high-level peers.
Physically and mentally, McKinney is focused on getting stronger, faster, and smarter. One of his biggest areas of growth has been learning how to read defenses. He has spent countless hours watching film with his dad, breaking down plays and studying coverages. That work has paid off, as he can now identify defensive looks and make better presnap reads. His preparation continues even in quieter moments, as he listens to calming music and mentally runs through plays, reinforcing his confidence and command of the offense.
His dad remains his biggest influence, teaching him not only how to read coverages and break down plays, but also how to create his own plays and confidently call them in the huddle. That belief in himself shows up in McKinney’s advice to other young athletes: believe in yourself and maintain strong body language, especially when things get tough.
Toughness is something McKinney has already demonstrated. In a 10U bowl game, he sprained his ankle but taped it up and ran for a touchdown on the very next play, refusing to let his team down. Moments like that define his competitive edge. Currently, he trains weekly with Coach Gio at Elev8 QB Academy, while also dedicating time to weightlifting and speed training to continue building his physical foundation.
One of his most memorable moments came in Week 1 of the season, when he threw a game-winning touchdown in a close contest, delivering when it mattered most. With his background, work ethic, and leadership, Jervais McKinney is steadily building a strong foundation for the future, and his journey is just getting started.