Two decades ago, two brothers made names for themselves before coming to Tucson to suit up for the Arizona Wildcats during the “Desert Swarm” era.
Lamar Lovett, a diminutive 5-foot-8-inch wideout, caught 100 passes as a high school senior in Los Angeles, in a time when offenses didn’t know how to use smaller receivers. His bigger and stronger older brother, Lamont, bowled his way through defenses for more than 2,000 yards rushing.
Lamar and Lamont’s sons are both now carving their own paths in high school, which, ultimately, could lead them to the same destination.
Born just months apart, cousins Edwin and Isaiah Lovett grew up together, competed in everything and spent nearly every day together. They played together for Pusch Ridge Christian until last year, when Isaiah, Lamont’s son, transferred to Mountain View.
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While Isaiah has blossomed as one the state’s best wide receivers, Edwin stars as a lockdown defensive back at Pusch Ridge. They played on the same 7-on-7 team this summer, traveling around the West Coast and facing some of the best prospects in the country.
As sons of college athletes, they were molded by competition. Whether it’s football, board games or video games, they’re always competing.
“They used to play one-on-one all the time, play football in the house and race,” Lamont said. “They both have a real competitive edge to them; Isaiah doesn’t like to let his little sister win in anything.
The Star sat down with Edwin and Isaiah to catch up on their junior seasons and find out more about their relationship.
Edwin Lovett
Year: Junior
Edwin Lovett
Height/weight: 6 feet, 185 pounds
Position: Running back/cornerback
Stats: Edwin has amassed 30 tackles and has pulled in two interceptions. He has rushed for 141 yards and a score on 21 carries in addition to catching five passes for 180 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns.
What he’s good at: He can break down onto another route quickly and has quick feet and great closing speed. He won the Division IV 100-meter dash last spring and also plays soccer for the Lions.
What he can beat Isaiah in: “A race, board games ... pretty much anything but basketball and Madden.”
Favorite holiday meal: Gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp and rice.
How they’re different: Edwin is a vocal leader, always dancing.
Recruitment: Arizona, Fresno State and NAU have sent letters. He’s also garnered attention on the track with letters from Cornell, NAU and Pima.
Coach speak: “We can trust him on any receiver we go against. Any time you can get an island cornerback, who can cover anyone on the team, that’s a big thing. I see a next-level guy when a kid has that attitude, size, strength and speed. That’s a next-level guy. I think this offseason will be telling. I’m not sure there’s a ceiling, he can play in any division or conference, that’s up to him.” — Pusch Ridge football coach Troy Cropp
To play at the UA with his cousin: “It would mean a lot, I like how they pass, either side of the ball. I like how (coach Rich Rodriguez) does everything; you can see he’s really tough on his players, and that’s how I want to play.”
Isaiah Lovett
Year: Junior
Isaiah Lovett
Height/weight: 6 feet 4 inches, 180 pounds
Position: Wide receiver/free safety
Stats: He has 34 receptions for 759 yards and 10 touchdowns. Isaiah averages 95 receiving yards a game and 22.3 yards a catch. He has notched multiple touchdown games three times this season, with a score in six of eight games. After the first two games of the season, Lovett’s name belonged with the best prospects in the country with 11 grabs for 385 yards and five touchdowns.
What he’s good at: Isaiah towers over opposing defenders, is a master at catching “50-50” balls and owns it in the air. He is coming into his own as a route runner and works at it. Was dunking basketballs by his freshman year.
What he can beat Edwin in: “A race and Madden. I’ll play anyone on my team right now in Madden and beat them.”
How they’re different: Isaiah is a little more reserved, has quiet confidence.
Favorite holiday dish: Anything with pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
Recruitment: He’s quickly becoming one of the best receiving prospects in the region and has received interest from Arizona, Boise State and NAU.
Coach speak: “I think Isaiah, as a football player, creates mismatches. Having him as a receiver out wide, a coach has to choose whether he wants to just leave a corner out on an island, or roll a safety over the top, which gives us numbers back in the box and allows us to work the other sides of the field. He’s a great athlete who demands a lot of attention when he’s on the field.” — Mountain View football coach Clarence McRae
To play at the UA with his cousin: “That’d be a dream for me, that’s what my dad and his dad did together, I’d love to play with him because he’s a good competitor. If we’re on the same team, that would be extra motivation for me.”
