Mater Dei Catholic running back Anthony McMillian Jr puts team aspirations first and personal goals second. He has set high marks for himself and the Crusaders in 2023.

McMillian is working to continue the streak of state championships Mater Dei has won. They have earned back-to-back titles and are looking to three-peat. McMillian is hoping to lead the way with a 2,000-yard season. The Crusaders graduated a number of players a year ago, and McMillian is in line for an increased role.

Before turning his full attention to the season, McMillian is wrapping up his recruiting process. Today, he announced on Twitter that he is down to four schools, Arizona, Nevada, San Jose State, and San Diego State.

“What I like about all the schools is how genuine they all are,” McMillian told EVT. “They wanted to build a relationship not only outside of football but with my family, learning more about us and things of that nature. These four schools just seemed very genuine in the process.”

June 30th! #blessed pic.twitter.com/DXgGtNxWiE

— Anthony McMillian Jr (@antmcmillianjr) May 10, 2023

McMillian has set June 30th as the deadline for his decision. Over the next seven and a half weeks, he plans to take three official visits. On June 16-18, he is scheduled to be in Reno to see the University of Nevada firsthand. McMillian is also setting up official visits to the Aztecs and the Wildcats.

Arizona is a school of particular interest because they just received a commitment from McMillian’s teammate and friend, Isaiah Buxton. McMillian admitted that Buxton’s decision impacts his choice “a little,” but that at the end of the day, the two will support and cheer for each other even if they are not teammates at the next level.

Below are McMillian’s thoughts on his four finalists.

Nevada
Lead Recruiter: Mike Bethea

“They have a nice campus, and they offer really good programs for science. They take academics very serious. They are currently in a rebuild process, but, over these next couple of years, they are going to be very good.”

Arizona
Lead Recruiter: Jordan Paopao

“They have super nice facilities that have recently been built. Coach Graham is a really good coach and knows his stuff, and they run an offensive scheme that would suit my running style.”

San Jose State
Lead Recruiter: Alonzo Carter

“Just recently, (SJSU) won a Mountain West championship, and they are still going. They take academics very seriously as well, and coach Carter is one of the best.”

San Diego State
Lead Recruiter: Jimmy Beal

“They are going to the Pac-12 in 2024. They have a nice campus and facilities. They are a run-heavy offense, so that would be beneficial to me and the way I run the ball.”

Update: Hours after setting the June 30 date, McMillian moved up his commit date to June 2nd.  He told EVT he wants to “lock” in his “spot.”

No need to wait. June 2nd Commitment! #blessed

— Anthony McMillian Jr (@antmcmillianjr) May 11, 2023

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.