Aztecs QB commit Derek Garcia brings excitement to SDSU

Credit: Derek Garcia

A question-and-answer interview with newly committed SDSU Aztec quarterback Derek Garcia.
Aztec Fast is the style of play the San Diego State Aztecs would like to implement in their offense moving forward.
Head coach Sean Lewis brought this style of play to SDSU.
In playing fast and moving the ball down the field, a competent quarterback is a necessity. Thankfully, the Aztecs are bringing in several options over the next few seasons. Derek Garcia may very well be the best addition when it is all said and done.
The high school junior is highly regarded for his ability to move the ball down the field. He has an excellent arm and slings it with the best of them.
There is a bright future ahead for this young man. Garcia is the son of a coach. His dad has been the head coach of his high school team for 15 years. He absorbed a lot of football over the years, and it is all coming out as he approaches his senior year.
As a junior, Garcia threw for 2,593 yards this season (2,800 all-purpose yards) with 29 touchdowns (2 rushing). His completion percentage was 64%, which is wonderful for a high school quarterback who is an underclassman.
There is a lot of excitement for his 2026 season at Ventura High School. The 6-foot-4 quarterback brings excellent size and an even more impressive work ethic with him to The Mesa.
Let’s learn a little more about the future Aztecs quarterback.
What is your earliest memory of you playing the game of football?
“My earliest football memory was when I was playing flag football and won the flag football league with my team. I still know most of the kids on that team, so it’s great memories!”

At what point did you start playing quarterback?
“I have been playing QB my whole life but have always been in an offense where I run the ball and barely threw the ball. Going into my freshman season of high school, I started training to be a quarterback.”
Who do you idolize on the football field?
“Obviously, Patrick Mahomes is a part of everyone’s answer, but I like what Josh Allen does and also what Joe Burrow does on the football field.”
Which coaches have helped you most in being a QB? How have they helped you develop your skills?Â
“My head coach is also my dad, so he has always pushed me and helped me train. When I really started making strides in being a QB, I started working with my QB coach, Coach Fish. He has helped me along the way and made me way better.”
Can you describe your relationship with your dad a little more, as he is your coach? Is it tough to separate the family aspect while you are playing?Â
“My relationship with my dad is great. It is great because he is our offensive coordinator. So when we are home, we can bounce ideas off each other for schemes. We try to keep football talk at football; when we are home, it is all about family. He has been the head coach at my high school for almost 15 years. I have been around the program my whole life and gotten to know everyone involved.”
Do you consider yourself a mobile QB? What do you need to improve the most on?Â
“I am mostly a pocket quarterback, but I can definitely make things happen on my feet. This year, I will be running the ball more and proving all the hard work I have been putting in!”

Why did you choose SDSU? Who on the coaching staff have you connected with the most?
“SDSU is an amazing spot that just about everyone I talk to dreams of going there. I love San Diego and knew I could spend my college years there. The coaching staff made it an easy decision based on how good our relationship has built up. They also showed me how they can make me a great QB. Coach Lewis, the head coach, and Coach Johnson, the QB/OC coach, are the main two I have been in contact with. They are great people, and I love spending time around them!”
What kind of goals do you have for yourself once you reach SDSU?
“Once I get to SDSU, I want to make a bigger name for myself. I also want to make sure I get my body stronger while putting on weight. I want to make myself a leader on the team from day 1 of being there!”
What are your thoughts on the city and the SDSU campus?
“The city and campus are just beautiful. They have everything you need to live there and have a lot of fun!”
Describe your style of play to someone who has never seen you play before
“I am a throwing QB that will also be a threat running if we need it. I like to throw deep balls and air it out deep!”
Here is a video of Garcia in action during his junior year.
You recognize the powerful arm. You also notice that a majority of his throws come out of the bootleg. He is quick with his feet and able to throw strikes while on the run. Garcia does not consider himself a running quarterback, but you can see that he has the skill for it in this video. He breaks several runs and even bowls over the defense while at the goal line. There is a lot of heart in this young QB.
The Aztecs secured a very nice player in Garcia. He will be a vital member of the team.
He still has one more year of high school to go, but in 2027, do not be surprised if Garcia is competing for a starting role with the Aztecs. The upside is there. It will just take some more hard work and a little luck. But, as the son of a coach, you know he will put his best foot forward as his skills develop further.
Derek Garcia has all the skills to be great. It is an exciting time at SDSU.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.